Doug Warfel has joined LVEDC’s finance department as its new Director of Regional Lending.

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) is pleased to announce that Doug Warfel has joined the organization’s finance department as its new Director of Regional Lending.

Warfel is a professional banker with a diverse background in financial services, loan servicing, retail banking, management, and residential and commercial lending. His first day with LVEDC was May 2.

“Our department’s mission is to marshal, coordinate, and compel the investment of public and private capital lending to business location, creation, retention, and expansion in our community,” said John Kingsley, LVEDC Vice President of Finance. “Doug’s skill sets and professional experience make him perfectly suited to help us achieve these goals.”

Warfel most recently worked as a commercial loan officer for ESSA Bank & Trust in Bethlehem, where he was responsible for managing a more than $25 million portfolio from loan origination to settlement and maintenance.

An Allentown native, Warfel also previously worked as a branch manager and residential loan officer at the First Star Bank in New Tripoli, Pa. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and communication studies from West Virginia University.

“I’ve been in the Lehigh Valley for 35 years, and I’ve loved watching the Lehigh Valley change and grow over the years,” said Warfel, a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School. “I’m very excited to be a part of this organization and playing a role in the future growth of this region.”

Warfel steps into position at LVEDC that was previously filled by Jaime Whalen, who was promoted in December from Director of Regional Finance Programs to Vice President of Administration and Investor Relations.

In his capacity as Director of Regional Lending, Warfel will execute the marketing and business development plan for LVEDC’s economic development financing programs, provide services to certain economic development financing organizations and clients, and provide relationship management services to clients of the finance department.