Tamara Gurney Receives Recognition as Top 100 Banker in Los Angeles for Small Business Advocacy

Celebrating Tamara Gurney: A Leading Light in Community Banking



On May 15, 2025, Tamara Gurney, the visionary founder, president, and CEO of Mission Valley Bank, was celebrated at an exclusive event by the Los Angeles Business Journal. Gurney earned a distinguished place among the Top 100 Bankers in Los Angeles, particularly recognized with the Specialty Award for Small Business Advocate. This honor highlights her unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth within the community, making her a pivotal figure in the world of banking.

In a bustling landscape with over 65,000 banking professionals in Los Angeles, this accolade is more than just a personal achievement for Gurney; it reflects the ethos of Mission Valley Bank as a long-standing champion of community growth. Gurney established the bank in July 2001 with a clear and ambitious vision: to create a financial institution committed to cultivating relationships over mere transactions. For her, the goal was not just to provide banking services, but to partner with small businesses, understanding their unique needs and challenges.

Since its inception, Mission Valley Bank has prioritized personalized service, ensuring every client feels valued and supported. Today, after more than two decades, this guiding philosophy continues to thrive under Gurney's leadership. The bank has become a recognized Community Development Financial Institution since 2007, affirming its mission to invest in local communities and create sustainable economic opportunities for countless individuals and businesses.

Mission Valley Bank’s motto, Bank Local | Build Local, illustrates Gurney's belief that keeping deposits in the community directly benefits local businesses, spurring job creation and bolstering the overall economic fabric of the area. With branches located in Sun Valley, Santa Clarita, and a recently opened site in Burbank, the bank is proactive in expanding its presence and resources to reach more small business communities across Southern California. Plans to launch a new branch in Arcadia by the end of this year are already in motion, marking another step towards fulfilling its mission of local empowerment.

The recognition by the Los Angeles Business Journal also shed light on the contributions of Paula Bahamon, Senior Vice President of Community Development at Mission Valley Bank, highlighting the bank’s collaborative spirit and impact. In an industry often overshadowed by larger institutions, Gurney has engineered a paradigm shift, prioritizing service and relationships over scale and profits. Her recent accolade is emblematic of a collective effort among her dedicated team, all of whom share a commitment to fostering small business growth and community well-being.

As Mission Valley Bank forges ahead, it remains firmly rooted in the values upon which it was built: service, trust, and genuine partnerships with entrepreneurs. At the core of this mission is a leader who values integrity over convention, always striving to do what is right rather than what is expected.

About Mission Valley Bank


Mission Valley Bank operates as a full-service, community-focused financial institution dedicated to building solid relationships and offering financial solutions that foster the growth of local businesses and individuals. Renowned for its deep-rooted approach to client relations and its dedication to strengthening communities through tailored financial services, the bank is a proud member of the FDIC. To learn more, visit Mission Valley Bank.

Topics Financial Services & Investing)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.