Impact and Investment: Lenders Announces New Hires

We are pleased to announce two key additions to our team: McLain Saba as Deputy Director and Lena Huynh as Business Services Manager. These hires signal Woodlands’ continued commitment to expanding community-based economic development and sustainable housing solutions across North Central West Virginia.

McLain Saba (pictured on the left) joins the organization as Deputy Director, bringing an extensive background in leading large-scale organizations, driving strategic growth, and inspiring innovation. Previously holding senior leadership roles in the financial services sector and strategy consulting, McLain will manage the execution of Woodland’s mission to provide vital capital and technical assistance to businesses and oversee the integration of technology and sustainable practices to achieve the organization’s long-term lending objectives. McLain, who was born and raised in South Carolina but currently resides in Colorado, is excited to return to the Appalachian region. She plans to continue pursuing her passions as a trail-runner and snowboard mountaineer.

Karen Jacobson, the current Deputy Director, will be shifting to the part-time role of Loan Fund Manager. She is thrilled to have new talent on the team and looking forward to focusing on special projects related to raising capital.

“The work Woodlands is doing at the intersection of community resilience and economic opportunity is invigorating,” said McLain. “I am honored to join a team that prioritizes impact-driven growth and to apply my experience in strategy and sustainability to help support our vibrant, inclusive regional economy. I look forward to cultivating strategic partnerships that ensure our lending and technical assistance programs deliver long-term value to our rural communities.”

Lena Huynh (pictured on the left), is filling the Business Services Manager position. She will support local entrepreneurs and small business owners through technical assistance, resource navigation, and practical business support. She brings a background in managing projects, improving processes, analyzing data, and leading teams through complex work. In her role, Lena will focus on strengthening Woodlands’ business services, improving internal systems and processes, and helping entrepreneurs access the resources they need to start, stabilize, and grow.

“I’m excited to join Woodlands because this work brings together my professional experience in operations and problem-solving with my personal connection to West Virginia,” said Lena. “I grew up here, my parents were small business owners here, and I understand how much heart, grit, and uncertainty can come with running a business. I’m looking forward to working with small business owners, learning what they’re working toward, and helping make the business support process feel more approachable and useful.”

The addition of McLain and Lena comes at a pivotal time for Woodlands as it continues to lead transformative projects, including affordable housing developments and rural revitalization initiatives. The additions reflect Woodlands Community Lenders’ commitment to attracting top-tier talent to support the area’s evolving economic needs. Their combined expertise will enhance the organization’s ability to provide flexible capital and expert guidance to the developers and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the community.

“We are thrilled to welcome McLain and Lena to the Woodlands family,” said Dave Clark, Executive Director of Woodlands Development and Lending. “McLain’s expertise in regional sustainability and strategic operations, combined with Lena’s passion for business growth and community engagement, will be instrumental as we scale our impact and to invest in the people and places of our region.”