Meet the Team

James has worked in the banking industry for over 23 years, mostly in business lending and management. He and his wife love raising their two daughters, who keep them busy with lots of music, art, and sports activities.

Prior to joining Gateway Bank in 2007, James served as President of a community bank in Kansas for a decade. Under James’ leadership, Gateway has grown to $82MM in total assets and was profitable by its third year of operations.

James grew up in the Midwest and is a graduate of Baker University. He is very active in the local community, has served on the board and several committees at Love of Christ Lutheran Church, and has taught Junior Achievement. He is currently a board member of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Community Depository Advisory Board for the San Francisco Federal Reserve, Economic Development Committee at East Valley Partnership, and the Mesa Rotary Club.

Diana has nearly 30 years of banking experience in retail and commercial banks, with an emphasis in business lending. She’s also a mother of three and enjoys family gatherings, reading, and exploring the great Arizona outdoors.

Diana has a broad lending background, including mortgages, dealer finance, commercial and industrial lending, and business real estate. Before coming to Gateway, she worked for Sunstate Bank in Casa Grande, Arizona. Diana was Chief of Operations and Senior Lender for over 11 offices, helping the bank more than triple in size during her six years with them. Prior to that, she spent 19 years with North Valley Bank in Redding, California, where she was VP of Business Banking. She graduated from CIBS Banking School in San Diego in 1989.

Diana is active in her local communities and is currently on the board of the Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation. She was also the President of Main Street, participated in a mayor’s subcommittee, and has been on the boards and committees for several organizations, including the YMCA, League of Women Voters, United Way and American Red Cross.

Mike has worked in banking for over 25 years, mostly as the former CEO of a federal savings bank. He and his wife have two children and love attending their athletic events, taking frequent hikes around Phoenix and soaking in the scenery.

Mike has a broad background in community banking and has been involved in the organization of a new institution, as well as overseeing branch expansion and growing the bank through the acquisition of another institution.

Mike graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in accountancy and is a Certified Public Accountant. He serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Community Housing Resources of Arizona, a non-profit organization which helps low income families achieve their dream of homeownership. Mike has also served as a board member of the Arizona Bankers Association.

Jennifer has worked in the banking industry for over 15 years, where she worked her way up from Teller to Manager. She and her husband are raising three boys and keep busy with all of their sporting activities and family outdoor adventures.

Prior to joining the Gateway team in 2008, Jennifer began her career in Texas and moved to New Mexico, where she worked for two banks in a variety of positions ranging from Teller, Assistant Branch Manager, Back Office Operations for Deposits and Loans, and Branch Service Manager. She also attended Western Schools of Banking.

Jennifer grew up in the White Mountains of Arizona and understands how important it is to be involved in the community. She feels it’s essential to be part of a local bank that cares for and understands the needs of its customers.