Our Background
Southern Development Council, Inc. (SDC) is a U.S. Small Business Administration Certified Development Company (CDC) founded by Maudie Bedford in 1983 as a non-profit. Under her direction the company grew over the years to become the only Alabama based SBA Accredited CDC. Since that time, SDC has funded over 1,100 small business loans and helped their borrowers create over 21,000 jobs.
SDC is designated by SBA as an Accredited Lender, and has been consistently ranked as SBA’s leading provider of fixed asset loans for Alabama businesses.
Projects have been approved for manufacturers, breweries, retail, government contractors, service businesses, rail yards, quarries, medical offices, veterinary clinics and a variety of business types.
Costs financed include building acquisitions, renovations, new construction, equipment, furniture and fixtures and a number of combinations. Leasehold improvements and equipment are also eligible.
SDC’s experienced and professional staff can be reached by calling 800.499.3034. Our office is located at 200 Office Park Drive, Suite 338 in Mountain Brook, Alabama.
The Team
DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS, YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Yolanda Merriweather
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Yolanda has over 15 years of experience working in the lending industry with both conventional and SBA financing options such as 7A and 504 with SDC as well as other banks in Alabama. She rejoined the SDC team in November of 2021 after working with Choice Hotels International as their dedicated loan consultant and their Executive team's liaison. She is currently our Executive Director, and she is responsible for overseeing day to day operations.
Telephone: 334-294-1453
Email: ymerriweather@sdcinc.org
Beau Strong
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Beau is responsible for marketing and business development within Alabama, concentrating on the central and northern areas of the state. Beau is a graduate of Huntingdon College with a B.A. in Finance. Prior to joining SDC, Beau spent many years in the banking industry. With over 26 years experience at SDC, Beau is an expert at structuring your project’s financing requirement.
Telephone : 1-334-318-1448
Email: Strong@sdcinc.org
Thomas "Ed" Hill
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
A native of Decatur, Alabama, Ed is an 18 year banking veteran who graduated from Auburn University. Prior to joining SDC in 2017, Ed was a Commercial Banking Relationship Manager in Tampa, Florida for 12 years.
Telephone: 1-813-598-9949
Email: Edhill@sdcinc.org
Taberia Robinson
UNDERWRITING MANAGER
Taberia Robinson leads the SDC Credit Underwriting Team and has over 27 years of progressive experience in Commercial banking and SBA. She is highly skilled in credit risk management, underwriting, portfolio management, operations management, governance, and quality assurance. She is originally from Grenada, Mississippi, where she graduated high school. She has since earned a BBA from Jackson State University, an MBA from Delta State University, and she also attended Mississippi Banking School. Prior to joining SDC, Taberia spent 26 years in the banking industry.
Telephone: 662-229-6591
Email: Trobinson@sdcinc.org
Patrick Mast
CREDIT UNDERWRITER
Patrick joined the team in 2018 with eight years of banking experience at a major regional bank. Patrick earned a B.S. in Commerce and Business Administration from The University of Alabama, with a major in Finance, Concentration in Investments and a minor in Computing Technology and Applications. With significant experience in commercial loan underwriting, Patrick serves as a Credit Underwriter.
Telephone: 205-873-1986
Email: Patrick@sdcinc.org
Kimberly Smith
CLOSING MANAGER
Like others on the SDC team, Kimberly brings many years of banking experience at a large regional bank. Kimberly has earned several degrees, including both B.S and M.ED. She is dedicated to ensuring our loans are closed and funded as soon as possible and that the experience is a positive one for all concerned.
Telephone:404-849-3265
Email: K.smith@sdcinc.org
Sarah Litton Bush
CREDIT UNDERWRITER / MARKETING MANAGER
Sarah joined us at SDC in March 2022. She has 3 prior years of Commercial and Community Banking experience specializing in Loans, Deposits, and Customer Services. She is from Tallassee, AL and has a BS and MBA from Auburn University at Montgomery. (AUM) Sarah collects and reviews financials and other supporting documentation in order to complete a perfected loan package for SBA Approval. She also manages our Social Media and Marketing efforts.
Telephone: 334-580-7499
Email: Sarah@sdcinc.org
Alison Yeager
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Alison has many years of experience in clerical functions with businesses that span both product sales and services. She is adept at providing internal support across all departments while building and maintaining relationships with clients, vendors, associates, and directors. We are honored to have her as part of our team since May 2021. In addition to singularly handling all SDC financial and accounting duties, she also fulfills many HR, managerial and administrative roles.
Telephone: 205-215-4131
Email: Alison@sdcinc.org
Shannon Judge
LOAN SERVICING MANAGER
Shannon Judge has been with Southern Development Council, Inc. for 10 years. She is currently the Loan Servicing Manager. She’s a motivated, dedicated business professional with a strong background in banking (Commercial and Small Business Administration 504 loan program). She has been in the banking industry for 25 years in various roles. She attended Alabama Christian Academy in Montgomery, AL from kindergarten until she graduated in 1997.
Telephone: 334-782-7218
Email: Shannon@sdcinc.org