Richard Kim
Technical Director, SBA
LAS VEGAS, NV – December 12, 2025 – Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. (Partner) is proud to announce the promotion of Richard Kim to Technical Director of SBA Services. Kim joined Partner in March 2025 as a Senior Project Manager and quickly became a trusted resource for SBA lenders and Certified Development Companies (CDCs) seeking support on environmental risk. With nearly two decades of experience in environmental due diligence and more than 3,000 projects completed across multiple property types, he brings deep SBA expertise and a responsive, solutions-oriented approach to this national leadership role.
Kim’s background spans environmental assessments, regulatory research, pre-screening, lender training, and developing industry-aligned best practices. His strong relationships across the SBA lending community, particularly in California and Nevada, have been built on his proactive communication style and ability to identify environmental concerns early, helping clients avoid unnecessary delays and navigate complex SBA requirements with confidence.
“Richard has demonstrated outstanding technical judgment, responsiveness, and leadership from the moment he joined Partner,” said Joe Derhake, CEO of Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. “He understands the pressures SBA lenders and CDCs face in today’s evolving regulatory landscape, and he brings both the expertise and the temperament needed to guide clients through challenging due diligence decisions. His promotion reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional support to the SBA lending community.”
As Technical Director, Kim will serve as a primary SBA resource for Partner’s internal teams, lenders, and CDCs nationwide. He will support SBA 504 and 7(a) transactions by reviewing environmental scenarios, refining pre-screening processes, advising on mitigation strategies, and ensuring consistent quality across Partner’s SBA deliverables. He will also support Relationship Managers by providing technical reviews and timely insight, help grow Partner’s SBA book of business, and represent the firm at key industry conferences such as NAGGL and NADCO. From his base in Las Vegas, Kim will also lead the development of a new SBA-focused team to enhance responsiveness in key Western markets and strengthen relationships with regional lenders.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this role,” said Richard Kim. “SBA lending moves fast, and lenders need clear, practical guidance to keep deals on track. My goal is to be a reliable, accessible partner for CDCs, lenders, and our internal teams in order to help them understand environmental risk, anticipate potential issues, and move forward with confidence. Partner has exceptional talent and tools, and I’m excited to help expand the support we provide to the SBA community.”
Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His promotion underscores Partner’s continued investment in experienced technical leadership to support the growth and success of SBA lenders nationwide.
