James Christensen with Gateway Bank E15
Gateway Bank brings this nostalgic approach into modern times and offer the best of both worlds: the local, personal attention you want, plus a wide variety of products and services to meet your needs.
Our core values and passion for serving the community drive everything we do. You’ll notice that we treat our customers and team like family, spend one-on-one time with you, and invest in the Valley.
While our Arizona community bank is located in Mesa, our service extends far beyond. With a large network of partnering ATMs, plus added conveniences like Remote Deposit for businesses, you can experience the Gateway difference no matter where you are.
James Christensen has worked in the banking industry for over 34 years, mostly in commercial lending and management.
Prior to helping found Gateway Bank in 2007, James served as President of a community bank in Kansas for a decade. Under his leadership, Gateway has grown to consistently be one of the strongest performing financial institutions in its peer group.
James grew up in the Midwest and is a graduate of Baker University. He is very active in the local community and serves on several boards and committees, including: past board member and past chair of Local First Arizona, past advisory board member of Mesa’s Economic Development Advisory Board, member of Mesa Rotary Club, past board member of United Food Bank, board member of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, and chair of Mesa Financial Network.
James is also a proud father of two, and husband to his wife of over 34 years.
Connect with James on LinkedIn and follow Gateway Bank on Facebook and Twitter.
About Arizona Good Business
What is good business? What are local businesses doing to build a better Arizona?
Join Arizona Good Business to hear from local companies who are:
- Centering purpose at the forefront of business
- Creating social well-being for the community
- Prioritizing sustainability and positive environmental practices
- Growing strong company cultures through building authentic teams
- Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion are involved in all business decisions
Arizona Good Business features local business leaders that are redefining what it means to do good business.
About Your Host
Thomas Barr is the Executive Director for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state. A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the business coalition of Local First Arizona by advocating for the economic and cultural benefits provided by building strong local economies.
Thomas steers the strategic direction of LFA’s major programs and initiatives as well as the engagement of over 3000 businesses across Arizona. As Executive Director, Thomas guides a team of statewide senior directors overseeing the execution of LFA’s communication strategy, major initiatives and key partnerships, as well as the collaboration of over 30 staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs, small business advocacy, local food initiatives, sustainability, urban development and community building. He frequently speaks to groups locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First Arizona and the importance of local economy work in building prosperity.
Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas has participated in volunteering his time to many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals – Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square Foundation and Phoenix Legal Action Network. Additionally, Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and current participant in Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.
Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Local First AZ
Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization that celebrates independent, locally owned businesses. We support, promote and advocate for a strong local business community and raise public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits provided by strong local economies. Local businesses contribute to a sustainable economy for Arizona and build vibrant communities we’re all proud to call home.
