American Business Bank

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American Business Bank is pleased to announce the hiring of Carolyn K. Craft as a Senior Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager in its North Orange County office. Carolyn has 36 years of experience providing commercial banking products and services to midsize businesses in Orange County. Before joining ABB on September 16, she was Senior Lead Relationship Manager for six years with BMO (formerly Bank of the West), servicing a diverse portfolio of clients throughout Orange County. Previously, Carolyn was with City National Bank, Citibank, and California Bank & Trust in leadership positions. For the past 25 years, Carolyn has served on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley, where she demonstrates her commitment to the local community. “We are excited to add Carolyn Craft to our team,” welcomes David Plourde, Regional Executive Vice President of ABB’s North Orange County office. “After building an outstanding reputation and an extensive network in the business community, Carolyn brings her exceptional banking expertise and valuable relationships to ABB to help drive our strategic growth. Carolyn’s leadership and insight will be essential as we continue to expand our reach and elevate our financial services.” “I’m excited to work with a bank that plays a significant role in planning and structuring the financial strategies that drive a company’s growth and future opportunities. American Business Bank’s commitment to service and loyalty to their customers is truly unmatched,” Carolyn said.

American Business Bank is pleased to announce that Christina Leon has joined the North Orange County Regional Office as First Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager. Christina has more than three decades of banking expertise in creating financial strategies for businesses in various industries in Southern California, enhancing cash flow, stimulating growth, and fostering long-term success for her clients. While serving her diverse clientele, she has honed the skills to navigate complex financial landscapes, ensuring tailored solutions for diverse businesses. Christina was with BMO (formerly Bank of the West) as a Senior Lead Relationship Manager for five years before joining ABB. She previously worked at City National Bank, Chase, and Wells Fargo. David Plourde, Regional Executive Vice President of ABB’s North Orange County Office, appreciates the passion Christina adds to the team. “We are thrilled to welcome Christina Leon to our team. Christina’s exceptional skills, extensive experience, and deep knowledge of the banking industry will be invaluable as we continue to drive growth for the Bank. We are confident Christina’s leadership will play a key role in shaping our future success.” “I couldn’t be more excited for this next journey in my career,” says Christina. “This Bank’s commitment to its customers and employees is unparalleled. I’m proud to work for an institution that truly cares about its clients and is dedicated to providing the support they need to grow their businesses.”

At American Business Bank we appreciate the principle of being realistic. It sounds simple, but in banking, staying grounded takes discipline. What does realistic relationship banking mean? Let’s break it down: #AmericanBusinessBank #AboveandBeyondforBusiness #RealisticBankingRelationships

American Business Bank is honored to announce William C. Phillips has joined its South Bay office as the new Senior Vice President, Team Lead. Phillips brings with him more than 30 years of banking expertise, sourcing and underwriting lending and treasury transactions for clients in various industries in Southern California. Before joining ABB, Phillips held a management role at Banc of California (formally Pacific Western Bank) for over 11 years. Prior to that, he was with Comerica Bank where he led a banking team in the Long Beach market. In addition to his commitment to nurturing long-term banking relationships, he is a trustworthy adviser and board member for numerous nonprofit and for-profit entities.   “We’re delighted to have Bill join our growing team,” says Morgan Lanchantin, Regional Vice President of the South Bay office. “Bill has lived in the area his entire life and developed a phenomenal track record working with leading private companies in the South Bay. Bill is a great addition to our office, and I couldn’t be happier to gain Bill’s leadership, contributions, and market knowledge for the team and for our clients.”   “I am blessed to be able to work with such a committed team of talented bankers and with a bank that has a stellar reputation for providing its clients with the very best customized banking solutions,” says Phillips.

American Business Bank welcomes Brendon Reed to the South Bay office as Senior Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager. Before joining ABB, he most recently spent 13 years in the Los Angeles commercial banking market developing expertise in logistics, consumer products, manufacturing, and distribution. Reed comes to ABB from his position as Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager, Middle Market at City National Bank. He previously served as Relationship Manager covering the technology banking sector at Wells Fargo and technology and middle market commercial banking at Comerica Bank.  “ABB’s commitment to its customers and employees is unmatched, and I am truly proud to represent our commitment to relationship-building in the Southern California market,” says Reed. “I would sincerely like to thank Leon Blankstein, Morgan Lanchantin, Phil Feghali, and David Wolf for all their support.” Morgan Lanchantin, Regional Vice President of the South Bay office, applauds Reed’s appointment. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Brendon join our team with his experience and energy. He has developed well-established relationships by working diligently in this market for over 13 years. Brendon has a very bright future with ABB as a leader in the organization.” 

“We continue to deliver superior service and are able to couple that with a return on average assets of 1.02% and a return on average equity of 12.7% for the first six months of the year,” commented Leon Blankstein, ABB’s CEO and Director. https://lnkd.in/gRZgetzE

American Business Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Wanda Jones as the new Senior Loan and Credit manager at their Inland Empire office. Jones joined ABB on May 28 coming from her recent position as Senior Vice President, Group Director, at Signature Bank/Flagstar Bank. With an impressive resume of accomplishments, she applies 25 years of commercial banking knowledge and expertise to a vital role in sales and credit extension. Chris Basirico, Regional Executive Vice President of the Inland Empire office, emphasizes the significance of her post. “We are very pleased to have Wanda join the ABB family. She has been a force in the Southern California banking sector for years and brings tremendous experience and acumen. Jones’s appointment is critical because the Inland Empire is one of the most bustling areas in the nation’s business community. Her insights will be invaluable in supporting our growth efforts and managing our prized portfolio of premier middle market businesses.” Jones embraces her new responsibilities. “I am excited to join the ABB team and truly value the company culture that embodies a commitment to relationship banking.” ABB welcomes Jones as a valuable addition to their Inland Empire operations.

On May 21, American Business Bank contributed to the financial literacy program at the Junior Achievement Finance Park. The venue offers students an immersive experience for planning their financial futures led by knowledgeable facilitators. ABB volunteers guided students from Compton High School when they visited simulated storefronts as adult “life personas,” with jobs, salaries, debts, savings, and credit scores. Students made a variety of everyday choices without exceeding their budget, such as buying a home, obtaining loans, and shopping for groceries. The Finance Park experience helps young people recognize their future financial choices will impact their quality of life. ABB is proud to have participated in Junior Achievement events since 2015 and reaffirms their commitment to support the community. “I have been attending Junior Achievement Finance Park for four years now,” says veteran participant Rosa Ocasio, AVP and Credit Administration Officer. “I enjoy volunteering there because I can share my knowledge and help students understand budgeting and saving for their future. I know today will make a difference later in their lives.” For Paul Castaneda, ABB’s financial and business data analyst, participating was a unique experience. “It was a pleasure to be part of the group. I have always wanted to volunteer for a cause like Junior Achievement that allows me to give back to our community.” Thank you to our volunteers for educating our future earners and community leaders about financial risks and rewards.  

American Business Bank is honored to announce ABB Executive Vice President and CFO Karen Schoenbaum was a principal commencement speaker at the USC Leventhal School of Accounting on May 10. Schoenbaum, class of 1985, received her BA in business, a certificate in computer science, and a Master’s in accounting from Leventhal. She has previously served as president of the USC Accounting Circle and is a recipient of the USC Leventhal Distinguished Service Award. Schoenbaum’s inspiring address encouraged graduates to work with people they admire. “They will raise you up and help you reach your potential for excellence.” She highlighted her ABB family by saying, “We believe in being servant leaders. We consult and collaborate with each other and most of all we care … and that is the true differentiator.” Throughout her speech, Schoenbaum counseled graduates to have integrity and “be a truth teller.” Her speech closed with a checklist for success: “Challenge yourself. Learn from others. Pursue integrity. Exhibit humanity. Be Passionate.” Before joining ABB in 2017, Schoenbaum served as Executive Vice President and CFO at other banks in the Los Angeles area and worked several years at Ernst and Young. Congratulations to Karen for motivating the class of 2024 with admirable values, and to all graduates for their achievements. https://lnkd.in/gVjQfxVE