Michael Clarke

Mr. Clarke manages a variety of investments in small to mid-sized businesses that have included leadership roles with public companies. Most notably, Mike spearheaded the $10 million friends and family formation of Access National Bank and served as its CEO navigating multiple capital placements, acquisitions and listing on NASDAQ. The company grew to $3 billion of assets by February 2029 upon the $600 million sale to NYSE-listed Atlantic Union Bankshares (AUB) in February 2019. Through leadership roles in the banking industry and on a direct basis, Mike has been principally involved in the placement of billions in debt and equity capital financing.

Mr. Clarke currently serves in an advisory role to FJ Capital Management in the administration and growth of a $1.2 billion portfolio of investments dedicated to commercial banking and financial services. He is also a principal in Graystone Fund I that manages a $100 million portfolio of purpose-built student housing multifamily properties located near power 5 conference universities.

Mr. Clarke’s director roles currently include service on the Board of NASDAQ listed LinkBank Corporation (LNKB), the privately held Georgia Banking Company and non-for-profit SBA Certified Development Company, Business Finance Group.

Prior roles have included service as the founding CEO and Director of NASDAQ listed Access National Corporation (ANCX), NYSE listed Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (AUB) and NASDAQ listed Partners Bancorp (PTRS). Mike’s expertise is focused on commercial banking, credit underwriting and management developed through an extensive career in commercial banking focused on service to emerging and middle market businesses.

Mr. Clarke graduated from Virginia Tech in Finance and Marketing. He is considered a financial expert in accordance with standards set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Mike has been active in a variety of community and business organizations. Active and past roles include:  Virginia Tech Foundation Board of Directors (Audit Committee Chair); Board of Virginia Bankers Association; Board of Business Finance Group, Advisory Board of Salem Halifax Capital Partners; Chairman, Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce; Founding Member & Chair of the IncSpire Business Incubator; Chair of the Finance Advisory Board at Virginia Tech; Chair & Treasurer of the Adult Community Education Foundation; and a Member of The Pamplin College of Business Advisory Council.