Skip to main content

Gateway Bank, F.S.B. Strengthens Construction Lending Team with Two New Additions, Names Tom Rodriguez EVP, Construction Manager

Written by Customer Service on . Posted in Public Companies.

OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gateway Bank, F.S.B. (OTCPK: GWBK) (“the Bank”) today announced the addition of two senior banking professionals to strengthen its growing lending operations. Tom Rodriguez joins as Executive Vice President, Construction Manager, and Twana Sonesing as Associate Vice President, Construction Underwriter, bringing deep expertise in construction lending to the team. Both members will work in the Walnut Creek office and will focus on building out the construction loan portfolio.

“Tom brings over 20 years of banking experience, including a proven track record of rebuilding construction lending departments and growing loan portfolios past $100 million,” said Mukhtar Ali, President and CEO. “Along with Twana’s expertise, his strategic approach and deep knowledge of construction banking make him a tremendous addition as we build out this side of our business. We’re focused on bringing in leaders who combine real industry experience with the client relationships needed to grow construction lending the right way.”

Tom Rodriguez has spent his career in construction and commercial banking, building lending teams and driving growth throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Most recently, as Senior Vice President and Construction Department Manager at Community Bank of the Bay, Rodriguez led all residential and commercial construction financing and grew the bank’s construction portfolio from $3 million to over $100 million, averaging $40 million in new annual commitments. Earlier, as VP Relationship Manager at Scott Valley Bank, he generated $150 million in total loan production and consistently ranked first in the bank for fee income, building on a foundation in commercial real estate, credit, and risk management earlier in his career at Bank of Alameda and Greater Bay Bancorp.

Rodriguez holds a BS in Marketing from San Francisco State University and is known for pairing strategic vision with hands-on client relationships to grow lending portfolios and build lasting teams.

Twana Sonesing brings a decade of underwriting and loan processing experience across fintech, commercial lending, and mortgage banking, most recently supporting construction loan approvals, due diligence, and portfolio growth at Commercial Bank of California. Known for her creative problem-solving and strong attention to detail, she has consistently exceeded production goals throughout her career, from Better Mortgage to Bank of America.

About Gateway Bank, F.S.B. Gateway Bank is a Federally-chartered savings bank headquartered in Oakland, California and began operations on June 8, 1990. The Bank currently operates out of its offices located in Oakland’s Chinatown and Walnut Creek, and offers banking services to individuals and businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Contact:

Mukhtar Ali
(510) 813-8582
Mukhtar.Ali@gatewayfsb.com


Disclaimer & Cookie Notice

Welcome to GOLDEA services for Professionals

Before you continue, please confirm the following:

Professional advisers only

I am a professional adviser and would like to visit the GOLDEA CAPITAL for Professionals website.

Important Notice for Investors:

The services and products offered by Goldalea Capital Ltd. are intended exclusively for professional market participants as defined by applicable laws and regulations. This typically includes institutional investors, qualified investors, and high-net-worth individuals who have sufficient knowledge, experience, resources, and independence to assess the risks of trading on their own.

No Investment Advice:

The information, analyses, and market data provided are for general information purposes only and do not constitute individual investment advice. They should not be construed as a basis for investment decisions and do not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs of any recipient.

High Risks:

Trading in financial instruments is associated with significant risks and may result in the complete loss of the invested capital. Goldalea Capital Ltd. accepts no liability for losses incurred as a result of the use of the information provided or the execution of transactions.

Sole Responsibility:

The decision to invest or not to invest is solely the responsibility of the investor. Investors should obtain comprehensive information about the risks involved before making any investment decision and, if necessary, seek independent advice.

No Guarantees:

Goldalea Capital Ltd. makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Markets are subject to constant change, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Regional Restrictions:

The services offered by Goldalea Capital Ltd. may not be available to all persons or in all countries. It is the responsibility of the investor to ensure that they are authorized to use the services offered.

Please note: This disclaimer is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual legal or tax advice.