Our Team
James Burnett
Executive Director, VestedIn
Mr. Burnett has worked in the financial services industry for over 30 years, beginning his career with Fidelity Bank 1988. In 1999, Mr. Burnett pivoted to community economic development (“CED”) as Executive Director of the West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution (WPFSI). Because of his CED work, Mr. Burnett became an adjunct professor position at Thomas Jefferson University in the School of Sustainable Design. In addition to his professional focus, Mr. Burnett has served diligently on various community and professional boards and is committed to the promotion of financial education and access to capital. While building ParkWest Town Center Mr. Burnett oversaw the development of the WesGold Fellows program to provide high school students with exposure to opportunities that are typically beyond their reach. Mr. Burnett has frequently spoken about how having these students around every summer brings new ideas and focus to why VestedIn is committed to investing in Philadelphia’s youth and their impact on the future of the City.
Samantha R. Lyons
Director, WesGold Fellows
Prior to joining VestedIn as WesGold Fellows’ first full time director, Samantha spent eight years as a business attorney, providing strategic legal and business development on behalf of her clients. After graduating law school, she worked as the Diversity Recruiter for Villanova University School of Law. After Villanova, Samantha joined Tiagha & Associates as the Manager of Corporate & International Business, with a particular focus on business development, corporate transactions, real estate, and small business. After Tiagha & Associates, Samantha founded Grace & River Strategies, a project development firm, where she served as the head of Strategic Legal & Business Development. Samantha received her Juris Doctorate from Villanova School of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Ursinus College, where she minored in Spanish and English. She is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program and a graduate, with honors, of Temple's Real Estate Institute. A Philadelphia native, Samantha is a proud alumna of the Philadelphia High School for Girls.
Crystal Randall
Chief Operating Officer
Crystal has over 20 years of office administrative experience working with several non-profit organizations in the Philadelphia area. At VestedIn, she is responsible for carrying out day-to-day general administrative duties for the entire organization, including accounts payable and receivable, office management and human resources. In addition, she assists with the management and distribution of grants and loan processing. Crystal studied public relations at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.
Courtney Wilborn
Chief Lending Officer
Since 1995 Courtney Wilborn is the Chief Lending Officer at VestedIn. With a background spanning banking, consulting, and education, he brings expertise in lending strategy, underwriting, and financial development. Courtney has worked with international banks, nonprofits, and small businesses to design loan programs, secure funding, and strengthen financial infrastructure. At VestedIn, he leads efforts to expand access to capital, build community partnerships, and drive sustainable growth. He holds a B.S. in Finance and International Business from Drexel University.
Fletcher Boyd
Business Development Officer
Fletcher Boyd is a Business Development Officer at VestedIn, where he helps small business owners and entrepreneurs access capital, technical assistance, and growth opportunities. He guides clients through the financing process, helping them strengthen their financial position and navigate funding options. With a background in community finance, real estate, entrepreneurship, and military service, Fletcher brings a practical perspective to his work. As a small business owner himself, he understands the challenges of entrepreneurship firsthand and connects with clients not just as a lender but as a fellow entrepreneur. He is especially passionate about supporting underserved business owners and expanding access to capital and financial education.Before joining VestedIn, Fletcher served in the United States Marine Corps. Outside the office, he enjoys mentoring emerging professionals, supporting veterans and community organizations, and spending time with his family.
Jasmine Warner
Compliance and Portfolio Administrator
Jasmine Warner brings over 20 years of business banking experience including treasury management, governance, workout and recovery to her role as Compliance and Portfolio Administrator at VestedIn. She is passionate about managing deal flow post closing to Small Business Administration (SBA) and CDFI regulatory standards which include, conforming loan payments, compliance management and restructuring loan finance products and services and federal and state reporting level. Jasmine believes strong communication is the foundation of every successful lender relationship. She also enjoys expanding the network of small business owners, introducing them to trusted partners, and collaborating with the VestedIn team to help clients access the resources and funding they need to grow.
Richette Walton
WesGold Fellows Program Manager
Richette Walton is a West Philadelphia native and alumnus of Peirce College where she received her bachelor's in Paralegal Studies. Driven by a strong passion for equity, inclusion, and community impact, Richette is committed to supporting our Fellows throughout their personal and professional journeys. Labeled as a champion for youth by friends and colleagues alike, Richette has spent the last 5 years working where youth and workforce development meet. As WesGold Fellows’ first program manager, she is responsible for the advancement of the program, by handling the daily management, operations, and relationship building. She is excited to bring both her passion and expertise to the WesGold Fellows Family!
Board Members
Ismail Shahid
Board Chairman
Robyn Chin
Vice Chair
Malcolm Yates
Board Secretary
Naja Muhammad
Board Treasurer
Andre Andrews
Board Member
Jacqueline S. Lopez
Board Member
Darryl Ridgeway
Board Member
Kimberly S. Reed
Board Member
Cierrah West-Williams
Board Member
Alan Wilson
Board Member
Fred Alston
Board Member Emeritus