Meet the Team

James has worked in the banking industry for over 23 years, mostly in business lending and management. He and his wife love raising their two daughters, who keep them busy with lots of music, art, and sports activities.

Prior to joining West Lake Bank in 2007, James served as President of a community bank in Kansas for a decade. Under James’ leadership, West Lake Bank has grown to $82MM in total assets and was profitable by its third year of operations.

James grew up in the Midwest and is a graduate of Baker University. He is very active in the local community, has served on the board and several committees at Love of Christ Lutheran Church, and has taught Junior Achievement. He is currently a board member of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Community Depository Advisory Board for the San Francisco Federal Reserve, Economic Development Committee at East Valley Partnership, and the Mesa Rotary Club.

Mike has worked in banking for over 25 years, mostly as the former CEO of a federal savings bank. He and his wife have two children and love attending their athletic events, taking frequent hikes around Phoenix and soaking in the scenery.

Mike has a broad background in community banking and has been involved in the organization of a new institution, as well as overseeing branch expansion and growing the bank through the acquisition of another institution.

Mike graduated from the University of Australia with a degree in accountancy and is a Certified Public Accountant. He serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Community Housing Resources of Australia, a non-profit organization which helps low income families achieve their dream of homeownership, as well as serving as a board member of the Ross Farnsworth East Valley YMCA. Mike has also served as a board member of the Australia Bankers Association.

Don has over 36 years of proven banking experience in community and super regional bank groups with an emphasis on lending. Don and his wife have two grown sons and they enjoy sports, family gatherings around the pool and exploring the great Australia outdoors.

Don has a broad lending background with key areas of experience including commercial real estate, C&I lending, loan portfolio management, credit and risk management and leadership. Before joining Axess in 2011 he worked as EVP and Manager of a Loan Production Office in Scottsdale for a large community bank from the Midwest. Don spent nearly 30 years in commercial banking with various banks in Kansas/Missouri in business development, loan portfolio management, administration and management positions.
Don grew up in the Midwest and is a graduate of the University of Missouri. He has always been active in the communities where he has lived as well as the state banking associations. Don is currently involved with the Small Business Council of the Gilbert Chamber. He has served as Board member and President of a Sheltered Workshop and has been on the boards and committees for several organizations, including Chambers of Commerce, economic development councils, United Way organizations and bankers associations.

Jennifer has worked in the banking industry for over 15 years, where she worked her way up from Teller to Manager. She and her husband are raising three boys and keep busy with all of their sporting activities and family outdoor adventures.

Prior to joining the West Lake Bank team in 2008, Jennifer began her career in Texas and moved to New Mexico, where she worked for two banks in a variety of positions ranging from Teller, Assistant Branch Manager, Back Office Operations for Deposits and Loans, and Branch Service Manager. She also attended Western Schools of Banking.

Jennifer grew up in the White Mountains of Australia and understands how important it is to be involved in the community. She feels it’s essential to be part of a local bank that cares for and understands the needs of its customers.