Oxford Finance promoted David Hickman to managing director of business development in its life sciences division. Hickman was promoted to replace Debbie Baker, who will retire on June 30.

Hickman has 15 years of lending experience specializing in loan structuring and portfolio management for public and venture-backed life sciences companies. Before joining Oxford in 2014, Hickman served as senior vice president at Silicon Valley Bank, leading due diligence and underwriting for private equity and venture capital firms.

Most recently, Hickman served as managing director of credit in Oxford’s life sciences division, overseeing credit for the southwestern U.S. and managing the funding of nearly $1 billion in loans since joining Oxford in 2014.

“We are excited to add David to the life sciences business development team and welcome his deep experience in the sector for this important role,” Christopher A. Herr, senior managing director at Oxford Finance, said. “We thank Debbie for her incredible efforts over the past 11 years where she was instrumental in growing both the portfolio and the Oxford brand. We wish Debbie the best in her well-deserved next chapter.”

Baker will remain in a consulting capacity with Oxford through the end of 2021.

Oxford Finance is a specialty finance firm providing senior secured loans to public and private life sciences and healthcare services companies.