Gateway Bank added 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,” Mukhtar Ali, president and CEO of Gateway, said. “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 vice president, 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. He 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.
