Celtic Bank announced that Michael A. Johnson has been hired as vice president of Business Development in the bank’s SBA and Commercial Lending department. Johnson will be based in Raleigh, NC.

Johnson joins Celtic Bank with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Johnson began his career as a consultant for a mortgage banking and real estate company in New York. Most recently, Johnson worked as an independent commercial loan broker originating SBA 7(a) and 504 loans for small business owners throughout the country.

“Over the past several years, I have had the opportunity to work with Celtic Bank on numerous occasions. I have always been impressed with the Bank’s operational structure and levelheaded approach to underwriting,” said Johnson.

“I am thrilled that Michael has joined our nationwide SBA lending team,” said Christy Lester, senior vice president of SBA Lending at Celtic Bank. “Michael’s financial services background and his experience consulting with small business owners will serve us well as he works to increase the bank’s SBA loan production.”