Mason Alford is the Director of the Office of Small Business Innovation for the Florida Department of Commerce (FloridaCommerce), where he oversees key small business lending, venture capital, disaster finance, and technical assistance programs. He is responsible for oversight and administration of the State Small Business Credit Initiative, Black Business Loan Program, Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund, Microfinance Guarantee Program, as well as the Emergency Bridge Loan program when it is activated through Executive Order by the Governor. Mason received his Bachelor of Science in Economics and Political Science from Florida State University, and he is currently pursuing his Master of Public Administration degree from the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy at Florida State University.

Mark serves as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of First Capital Finance/Florida First Capital and is based in Tallahassee. Mark’s extensive resume includes serving as Senior Advisor on Government Relations for Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. He also has deep experience in Florida state government having worked as Director of Legislative Affairs and Policy Coordinator for Transportation and Economic Development for Governors Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis as well as having held several staff positions in the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives. Previously, Mark served as the Director of Closing and Assistant General Counsel for Florida First Capital.