Manager Trainee

Tower Loan names Patrick Thornton to Executive Group. Tower Loan is pleased to announce Patrick Thornton, Chief Technology Officer, has been named to the company's Executive Group. Thornton brings more than 25 years of experience across software, infrastructure, cloud, aerospace, financial services, and healthcare innovation. Over the course of his career, he has led the design and implementation of scalable, technology-driven solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support long-term organizational growth. He began his career as a software engineer in the automotive industry, where he developed and managed inventory and e-commerce platforms. He later earned a degree in aerospace and computer sciences, during which he designed and built software to support flight school operations and flight-time tracking systems, and managed the university's aerospace Information Technology (IT) infrastructure. Thornton subsequently held consulting roles in the financial services sector, where he specialized in student loan consolidation systems, before transitioning into healthcare technology. In this domain, he led the development of one of the first fully web-based Ambulatory Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) platforms, supporting thousands of clinics nationwide. Following a successful exit, he continued to advance healthcare technology by modernizing post-acute, long-term, and rural healthcare systems, while overseeing cloud-based operations for rural hospital networks. His work encompassed initiatives across software, cloud hosting, DevOps, CloudOps, FinOps, and SecOps. Prior to officially joining Tower Loan as Chief Technology Officer in December 2024, Thornton worked with the company in a consulting capacity, where he led and supported several key technology initiatives. These efforts included the development and enhancement of online lending, credit applications, eSignature capabilities, document upload functionality, and regulatory system updates. Since joining Tower Loan full-time, Thornton has continued to build on this foundation, advancing the company's technology strategy and supporting scalable, long-term growth. "Patrick has been instrumental in ensuring our technology platforms support both our customers and our employees," said Francis C. Lee, President and CEO of Tower Loan. "His leadership and vision continue to strengthen our ability to grow and deliver exceptional service." As a member of the Executive Group, Thornton will help guide the company's strategic direction, with a continued focus on leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, improve operational effectiveness, and support sustainable growth.

Tower Loan marks 90 years of service at 2026 Annual Manager Meeting. Tower Loan recently hosted its 2026 Annual Manager Meeting, bringing together leaders from across its operating footprint to align on priorities and build on the company's continued momentum. The event coincided with Tower Loan's 90th anniversary, marking nearly a century of serving customers and supporting communities. Over the past year, the company expanded into two new states, strengthened its technology infrastructure, and continued to grow. Throughout the meeting, leadership highlighted key advancements focused on improving the customer experience. These included enhancements to the Tower Loan mobile app, which saw more than 53,000 downloads in 2025, as well as expanded instant-funding and remote-lending capabilities. Together, these efforts provide customers with faster access to funds and more flexible ways to manage their accounts. The company also emphasized its commitment to reliability, including enhanced disaster recovery and backup systems designed to ensure consistent service when customers need it most. "At Tower Loan, our focus has always been on people, both our customers and our employees," said Mr. Francis C. Lee, Chief Executive Officer. "As we celebrate 90 years, we are building on that foundation by investing in our team, expanding opportunities for growth, and continuing to evolve how we serve our customers." A key theme of the meeting was Tower Loan's culture and ongoing investment in its workforce. As the company grows, it continues to create new career opportunities while supporting employee development at every level. The meeting also recognized 90 employees for their achievements, including awards for years of service, office performance, and leadership excellence. Notably, 15 individuals earned recognition across multiple categories, showcasing consistent performance and leadership across the company. In addition, Tower Loan celebrated a record $91,616.93 raised in support of Palmer Home for Children, reflecting the company's continued commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. As Tower Loan enters its 90th year, the company remains focused on responsible growth, expanding access to credit, and meeting customers where they are, through innovative tools, strong local service, and a longstanding commitment to helping people move forward.