Mission Bank is set to expand its operations to Fresno, California, with a new Business Banking Center scheduled to open in the coming months, as announced on September 22, 2026. The Fresno team will be led by Regional President Lo B. Nestman, who has 25 years of experience in the banking sector. He will be joined by Deep Gill, Manny Quintana, and Sergio Salas, collectively bringing 70 years of experience, including 45 years specifically in the Greater Fresno area.
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Chief Banking Officer Bryan Easterly expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, highlighting the bank's commitment to local decision-making in an era where many community banks are merging or closing. "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," he said.
The Fresno location will add to Mission Bank's existing centers in Visalia, Shafter, and the Greater Bakersfield Area, as well as in San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties, offering a local banking option for business owners and professionals.
Easterly emphasized the importance of high-touch personal service, stating, "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. That's why we've brought such a seasoned Fresno team to the Mission Bank family."
Nestman expressed eagerness to contribute to Mission Bank's reputation for relationship banking and local decision-making, stating, "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."
Founded in 1998 in Bakersfield, Mission Bank has grown to $2.1 billion in assets. President and CEO AJ Antongiovanni attributed the bank's success to its customer-centric culture, saying, "High-touch customer service is at the core of our business model. Our Relationship Managers and Business Bankers provide a direct, single point of contact for each business owner, 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."
Nestman moved to California's Central Valley in 2019 to serve as the President and CEO of Premier Valley Bank. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah, a Master's in Banking from the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking, and is a graduate of the Wharton Executive Leadership Program.