Our Story
Gateway Bank represents a return to how banking used to be, where the staff knew everyone by name and treated customers like people instead of numbers.
We bring this nostalgic approach into modern times and offer the best of both worlds: the fast, personal service of a local bank, along with the convenient, secure products and services of a large, national institution.
Our core values and passion for serving the community drive everything we do. When you work with us, you’re treated like family, receive the one-on-one attention you deserve, and feel good about supporting a local business.
While our Arizona community bank is located in Mesa, our service extends far beyond. With a large network of fee-free ATMs, plus added conveniences like a mobile app and Remote Deposit, you can experience the difference no matter where you are.
Kind words from our customers
Gateway Bank doesn’t just say they want to help. They have set up their operations and team to actually do it.
– Pastor Cunningham, SouthGate Church
Meet our team
When you walk into Gateway Bank, you’ll see lots of friendly faces. Get to know the people who are here to help you.
James Christensen | President & CEO
Named Mesa Citizen of the Year in 2023, President James Christensen has worked in the banking industry for over 33 years, mostly in commercial lending and management.
Prior to joining Gateway Bank in 2007, James served as President of a community bank in Kansas for a decade. Under his leadership, Gateway Bank has grown to consistently be one of the strongest performing financial institutions in its peer group.
James grew up in the Midwest and is a graduate of Baker University. He is very active in the local community and serves on several boards and committees, including: current board member and past chair of Local First Arizona, past advisory board member of Mesa’s Economic Development Advisory Board, member of Mesa Rotary Club, board member of United Food Bank, board member of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, and chair of Mesa Financial Network.
James is also a proud father of two, and husband to his wife of over 33 years.
Josh Flake | EVP/Chief Credit Officer
After working with small businesses for a number of years, Josh Flake became a loan broker and eventually opened his own brokerage. He enjoyed helping entrepreneurs learn about borrowing, connecting them with funding to grow, and building relationships with banks all over the country, including Gateway Bank.
When the opportunity came up to join Gateway’s team – who loves supporting small businesses and giving back to the community just as much as he does – he couldn’t pass it up.
Josh joined the bank as a VP of Commercial Lending and assumed the role of Chief Credit Officer in 2024.
NMLS ID #1756058
Jennifer Stevens | SVP/Chief Operating Officer. CBAP
Jennifer has worked in the banking industry for nearly 30 years. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their three adult sons and significant others, along with two grandbabies. Outside of family, they spend time adventuring the outdoors.
Prior to joining the Gateway Bank 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. 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.
Scott Morris | Market President, Mesa
Scott Morris joined Gateway Bank’s founding team in 2008 and has supported small business owners for nearly two decades.
Scott lives by his father’s motto, “Leave it better than you found it.” He enjoys collaborating to provide the right funding for each person’s needs and deliver the best banking experience.
Scott has received many awards, including Banker of the Year by Business Development Finance Corp, but he’s proudest of partnering with a community bank that shares his values and makes a difference daily.
Outside work, Scott leads youth sports and supports local organizations like Gilbert Special Needs Activity Program (SNAP) and TMC Financing.
Rachel Farrar | Chief Compliance Officer
Rachel Farrar serves as Gateway Bank’s Chief Compliance Officer, drawing on 20+ years in financial services and nearly 10 years in compliance.
Rachel discovered early on that audit and compliance work was a natural fit with her knack for details and problem solving. She enjoys collaborating with team members at every level of the bank, from answering day-to-day regulatory questions to advising our leaders and board on emerging risks.
Before joining Gateway in 2019, Rachel built her expertise as a credit analyst and auditor at community banks in Kansas and Texas. She’s known for making complex regulations approachable, so her colleagues can focus on what matters most: serving and protecting our customers.
Contact Rachel
Gregory Niska | Chief Financial Officer
Greg has worked in the operations and financial areas of the banking industry for over 10 years. He graduated with a business degree from the University of St. Thomas then moved back to his small hometown in Northern Minnesota, where he helped manage a local community bank.
Greg relocated to Arizona in late 2020 and has been enjoying spending his spare time exploring his new home state. He previously was involved in his hometown and looks forward to discovering ways he can get involved in his new community moving forward.