IRVINE, CALIFORNIA. — American Lending Center Holdings Inc. (ALCH), a federally designated regional center operator, today announced the appointment of Gary N. Merson as Executive Vice President. This strategic leadership addition underscores ALC’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and execution in the EB-5 industry.
With two decades of leadership experience in the federal government including senior roles within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Congress, and the White House, Merson will play a pivotal role in advancing ALC’s EB-5 strategy and policy engagement.
Drawing on his deep expertise in immigration law and policy, he will work closely with ALC’s executive leadership to build and strengthen partnerships, further develop new markets, and navigate an evolving legislative and regulatory landscape. His leadership will reinforce ALC’s role as a trusted voice in the EB-5 space.
“Gary brings a depth of vision and leadership that aligns with our mission to uphold the highest standards of integrity and performance in the EB-5 industry,” said John Shen, Chief Executive Officer of ALC. “His expertise will be instrumental in advancing our EB-5 program and positioning ALC for its next stage of sustainable growth.”
“I am thrilled to join ALC as Executive Vice President,” said Gary Merson. “Serving as a Senior Advisor to ALC CEO, John Shen, for the past three months, I have seen first-hand ALC’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of integrity and compliance. Our values align in taking an immigrant first approach—prioritizing the immigrant’s journey before any deal or profit.”
Merson’s appointment reflects ALC’s continued commitment to delivering transparent, well-structured, and community-strengthening projects nationwide. Under his leadership, ALC will continue to build on its strong record of responsible financing and job creation.
About American Lending Center:
American Lending Center Holdings (ALCH) manages 14 EB-5 regional centers that may sponsor projects anywhere in the continental United States and Hawaii. Since 2009, ALCH has raised EB-5 capital for over 100 projects in 31 states, including I-956F approvals from USCIS of 38 projects. ALCH has been featured on the Inc. 5000 list of “Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America” for five consecutive years (2020–2024) and was also ranked among “America’s Fastest Growing Companies” by Financial Times in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025.
American Lending Center LLC (ALC), a mission-driven California-regulated lender, is a licensed SBA 7(a) and SSBCI lender. Together, ALCH and ALC have supported the creation or retention of over 140,000 jobs in the U.S. economy, underwriting impactful projects that foster economic growth.
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