Russell Gaston

President and Member of the Board of Directors

Russell joined OSBDA in October 2015 and previously served the role of Executive Vice President/ Chief Operating Officer, until his promotion to President, and Member of the Board in December of 2017.  Aside from his Executive duties, Russell is the primary contact for new loan origination.  Russell is also responsible for all aspects of managing the operations at OSBDA including lending, underwriting, loan servicing and liquidation, compliance, and customer service.

Previously Russell was SVP-Manager of Business Banking at Coastway Community Bank.  Under his leadership, Coastway Community Bank became one of the region’s top SBA-ranked institutions for both SBA 7(a) and 504 loans. Prior to Coastway, Gaston had worked at Textron Financial and BankRI in underwriting and new business roles. Prior to joining OSBDA, Russell was on the OSBDA Board of Directors, and chaired its Loan Committee.

Russell is a graduate of Salve Regina University, where he received his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in management and finance.  Notable honors include a General Assembly Citation from the State of Connecticut, and he is a recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration Financial Services Champion Award.

Russell also actively serves on the Advisory Board of the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Email: rgaston@osbda.com
Phone: (401)-291-1504 ext. 5041

James Tierney 

1st Vice President, Commercial Lending

James joined OSBDA in October 2015, and serves the role of 1st Vice President.  Currently, James is responsible for business development, loan packaging, and portfolio management.

Prior to joining OSBDA, James worked for Coastway Community Bank as a Commercial Credit Analyst.  At Coastway, James was responsible for both SBA and non-SBA loan underwriting and portfolio management.

James is a graduate of Bryant University, where he received his Bachelor of Science with a concentration in finance. James has also received a certification from the Mass. Bankers Association.

Email: jtierney@osbda.com
Phone: (401)-291-1504 ext. 5042

Amber Perry

AVP, Portfolio Manager

Amber joined the OSBDA credit staff in November 2016, and serves the role of AVP, Portfolio Manager. Amber’s duties include credit analysis, underwriting, portfolio management, and overseeing the credit staff.

Amber is a graduate of Bryant University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Amber graduated Magna Cum Laude with a specialization in Finance. In addition, she is currently an MBA Candidate at the University of Rhode Island (URI).

Amber received a certificate in Business & Commercial Lending from the American Bankers Association in April 2018. Additionally, in February 2019, Amber completed two NADCO in-person training courses: 504 Loan Packaging and Navigating SOP 50 10.

Email: aperry@osbda.com
Phone: (401)-291-1504 ext. 5043

Brianna Lukowicz

Credit Analyst / Portfolio Manager

Brianna joined the OSBDA staff in January 2018, and serves the role of Credit Analyst/ Portfolio Manager. Brianna’s duties include credit analysis, underwriting, portfolio management, as well as assisting in loan closings and marketing.

Brianna is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Rhode Island College, where she received two Bachelors’ degrees in Economics and Finance. Additionally, Brianna was recognized as Rhode Island College’s Outstanding Student in Economics & Finance for 2018-2019.

Email: blukowicz@osbda.com

Phone:(401)-291-1504 ext. 5044