Mission Bank Announces Expansion to Fresno, California

BAKERSFIELD, Calif., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mission Bank has announced its plans to expand operations to Fresno, California with a Business Banking Center slated to open in the coming months.

The new Fresno team is led by Regional President Lo B. Nestman, a 25-year veteran of the banking industry.  He's joined by Deep Gill, Manny Quintana, and Sergio Salas who have a combined 70 years of experience with 45 years focused in the Greater Fresno area.

"It's an exciting time at Mission Bank." says Chief Banking Officer Bryan Easterly. "In an industry where community banks are being acquired and locally based banks with centralized decision-making are disappearing, Mission is doubling down on the Central Valley."

The new Fresno operation joins Mission Bank's business banking centers in Visalia, Shafter, and the Greater Bakersfield Area, as well as locations in San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties providing a locally based option for business owners, organizational leaders, and professionals.

"It's important to us that decision making remains local and that our customers have the high-touch personal service they need to run their businesses smoothly." says Easterly. "That's why we've brought such a seasoned Fresno team to the Mission Bank family."

Nestman is excited to bring that experience to Mission. "Mission Bank has built an outstanding reputation for relationship banking, local decision making, and a genuine commitment to the businesses and communities it serves. I am looking forward to working alongside and building an incredibly talented team as we continue to grow the bank, deepen our relationships, and create new opportunities throughout the region."

Mission Bank was founded in 1998 in Bakersfield and has since grown to $2.1 billion in assets.  Mission Bank President and CEO AJ Antongiovanni says the Bank's success can be found in its culture.

"High-touch customer service is at the core of our business model." says Antongiovanni.   "Our Relationship Managers and Business Bankers provide a direct, single point of contact for each business owner, decisions are made by the local team, and together we fuel and grow vibrant and prosperous communities. We are excited to bring this business model to Fresno, and we are excited to welcome Lo and the team."

About the Team

Nestman comes with over 25 years of experience in the banking industry.  He brought his expertise to California' Central Valley in 2019 as the President and CEO of Premier Valley Bank.  He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah, a Masters in Banking from the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking and is a graduate of the Wharton Executive Leadership Program at The Wharton School.

Relationship Manager Deep Gill spent five years in the Navy as an Operations Specialist before transitioning to banking in 2012. He's been building relationships in the Greater Fresno area for nearly 15 years.

Business Banker Manny Quintana began work in the banking industry in 2009; he has extensive experience with bank operations, wealth management, and business development.

Business Banker Sergio Salas has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from California State University, Fresno.  He's worked in business banking since 2013 with a focus on community outreach, treasury management, and relationship development.

About Mission Bancorp

Mission Bancorp is the parent holding company of Mission Bank and Mission Bank 1031 Exchange.  Headquartered in Bakersfield California, with locations in Bakersfield, Shafter, Lancaster, Ventura, Westlake Village, San Luis Obispo, Templeton and Visalia, Mission is currently $2.1 billion in total assets serving local business owners, professionals, and organizational leaders throughout California.

SOURCE Mission Bank