MISSION BANK OPENS NEW OFFICE IN NORTH SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Rhea-AI Summary

Mission Bank (MSBC) opened a Loan and Deposit Production team in North San Luis Obispo County to expand Central Coast operations on Jan 13, 2026. The team is led by Mark Pearce and includes Relationship Managers Sarah Kramer and Katie Crocker plus Credit Analyst Lauren Pickard, reporting to Ag Division Manager Rob Hallum. The group will focus on building commercial and agricultural relationships and is available to serve customers remotely while a physical office is established. Mission Bank reports $1.9 billion in assets and maintains locations across the Central Valley and Southern California.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif., Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mission Bank has expanded existing operations in the Central Coast with the addition of a Loan and Deposit Production team located in North San Luis Obispo County.

Led by Mark Pearce, and joined by Relationship Managers Sarah Kramer and Katie Crocker, and Credit Analyst Lauren Pickard, the team will report to Ag Division Manager Rob Hallum and will focus on building commercial and Ag relationships.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for us", says Hallum. "We have great customer relationships in the Central Coast thanks to our established Business Banking Center in San Luis Obispo, but now we have the resources to provide more support and services to the industries that fuel the SLO County region and beyond."

Pearce has over 30 years in the commercial banking industry and is excited to bring his knowledge and expertise to Mission.  "It's great to be with a bank that is business oriented and customer focused." says Pearce. "My approach to banking is rooted in building long-term relationships with customers and helping them grow and become successful.  Mission Bank shares that same philosophy."

Mission Bank was founded in 1998 in Bakersfield and has since grown to $1.9 billion in assets with additional locations in Lancaster, San Luis Obispo, Shafter, Ventura, Visalia, and Westlake Village.  Mission Bank President and CEO AJ Antongiovanni says the Bank's success can be found in its culture.

 "Our business model is centered around high-touch customer service that exists on a uniquely personal level," says Antongiovanni. "Our Relationship Managers and Business Bankers answer the phone personally when a customer calls and lending relationships are made locally by the team who knows the customer and their business best.  There's no replicating what we offer, and we are excited to see what Mark and his team can do in this environment."

Pearce, a California native was born in Bishop and grew up on a cattle ranch where his interest in business banking first began.  His career brought him to Bakersfield and Fresno before moving to the Central Coast in 1997. 

Sarah Kramer has been in banking for over 20 years, is a graduate of Cal Poly, and was recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Women in Business in the Central Coast.  Katie Crocker is a Templeton, California native, a graduate of Cal Poly and has been in banking for over 20 years. Lauren Pickard is a graduate of CSU Chico and a northern California native with 10 years of experience in the SLO banking industry.

Pearce and his team are open and ready to serve customers remotely as Mission Bank works to establish a physical office.  

About Mission Bancorp

Mission Bancorp is the parent holding company of Mission Bank and Mission Bank 1031 Exchange. Headquartered in Bakersfield California, with locations in Bakersfield, Shafter, Lancaster, Ventura, Westlake Village, San Luis Obispo and Visalia, Mission is currently $1.9 billion in total assets serving local business owners, professionals, and organizational leaders throughout California.

FAQ

What did Mission Bank (MSBC) announce on January 13, 2026 about San Luis Obispo County?

Mission Bank opened a Loan and Deposit Production team in North San Luis Obispo County led by Mark Pearce to build commercial and Ag relationships.

Who leads Mission Bank's new North San Luis Obispo County team (MSBC)?

The team is led by Mark Pearce and includes Relationship Managers Sarah Kramer and Katie Crocker and Credit Analyst Lauren Pickard.

What will Mission Bank's North San Luis Obispo County team focus on for MSBC shareholders?

The team will focus on developing commercial and agricultural lending and deposit relationships in the Central Coast region.

How large is Mission Bank (MSBC) after the expansion?

Mission Bank reports $1.9 billion in assets and operates additional locations including San Luis Obispo, Lancaster, Ventura, and Visalia.

Will Mission Bank (MSBC) have a physical office immediately in North San Luis Obispo County?

No; the team is available to serve customers remotely while Mission Bank works to establish a physical office.

Who will the new team report to within Mission Bank (MSBC)?

The team will report to Ag Division Manager Rob Hallum and integrate with the bank's Central Coast business banking operations.