FACC Staff
Gary Mejchar
Co-Executive Director/Development
With more than 30 years of work experience in Wisconsin’s Indian Country, Gary provides entrepreneurs and small business owners with the help they need to be successful. At First American Capital Corporation, Inc., Gary manages investors relations, including fund development, compliance and manages economic development initiatives designed to resource Native Nations and tribal member entrepreneurs located in Wisconsin. Before coming to FACC, Gary helped create and manage the University of Wisconsin System’s first Native American Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Stevens Point.
414-604-2044 (office)
414-517-1604 (mobile)
[email protected]
Bill Beson
Co-Executive Director/Lending
An enrolled member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and a U.S. Army Veteran, Bill understands the challenges and opportunities available to Native small business owners and entrepreneurs. Prior to joining First American Capital Corporation, Inc., he worked most of his career in the private sector holding senior management and ownership roles. Drawing from this experience, Bill provides leadership, strategic direction and prudent lending practices. He is also a credentialed Economic Development Finance Professional and encourages economic development efforts in Wisconsin’s Indian Country.
715-358-5882
[email protected]
Rick Zawacki
Loan Officer
Rick helps business owners navigate through their options and secure the resources they need to be successful. A graduate of UW-Parkside in management-finance, he has more than 13 years of experience in banking and CDFI lending. Rick specializes in providing access to affordable business loan products and business technical assistance services to Wisconsin-based Native-owned businesses, other diverse and underserved businesses and SBA Microloan Program eligible borrowers.
414-604-2044
[email protected]
Christopher Cote
Development Services Manager
Boozhoo! Christopher is a first generation Anishinaabe descendant of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. At First American Capital Corporation, Inc., he ensures clients’ business success by providing services that go beyond what a bank would normally do, such as providing additional education, personal assistance, business planning and more to equip you with the skills and tools necessary to reach your business goals. Christopher has eight years of managerial experience in the Native CDFI industry and working within Native communities, both with indigenous business owners and tribal enterprises.
414-604-2044
[email protected]
Bev Anderson
Office Manager
Bev is an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux tribe of South Dakota. Bev worked for Northwestern Mutual Life for 18 years prior to joining First American Capital Corporation, Inc. and the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin in 2008 where she handles administrative and bookkeeping/accounting duties. Her understanding of tribal processes and politics makes her a valuable partner in your business journey.
414-604-2044
[email protected]
Corrie Beula Kovacs
Business Technical Assistant Associate
Corrie helps First American Capital Corporation, Inc. clients navigate through their different options so they can focus on what they do best — run their business. She has experience as a small business advisor and business resource coach. Corrie enjoys working with clients and helping them map out plans to achieve their business goals. She has a certificate in Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership from UW-Green Bay and is always seeking opportunities to upskill and expand her network.
201-616-8000
[email protected]
Clarissa Skenandore
Administrative/Project Assistant
Shekóli Swakwek (Hello to all)
Kahsaniyosta ni· yúkyats “She puts her name together” is my name.
Wakenyʌ́htʌ niwaki?taló·tʌ (I am turtle clan).
Onʌyote?a·ká· ni?i· (I am People of the Standing Stone).
Ukwehu·wé ni?· (I am Oneida) part of the Haudenosaunee (People of the Long House) Confederacy. Also known as The Iroquois Confederacy.
My English name is Clarissa Skenandore.
Clarissa is an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation and a graduate of Spotted Eagle High School. She cares about First American Capital Corporation, Inc. clients and lives out the organization’s personal commitment of helping them reach their goals. She has more than 25 years of experience in the administrative field specializing in accounts payable/receivable. Clarissa joined FACC in April 2019 and assists with all administrative duties and staff support.
414-604-2044
[email protected]
