American Business Bank Strengthens Corporate Banking Leadership With Strategic Executive Promotions
American Business Bank (OTCQX: AMBZ) has announced a significant leadership expansion within its corporate banking division, promoting long-time executives Eric Dole and Chris Basirico to Executive Vice President, Corporate Banking, a move that underscores the bank’s continued focus on relationship-driven growth, disciplined risk management, and long-term client success. The promotions reflect both individuals’ sustained performance, deep industry expertise, and alignment with the bank’s culture, values, and strategic vision as ABB continues to strengthen its position as a leading commercial bank serving California’s business community. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer and Director Leon Blankstein, American Business Bank has prioritized internal leadership development as a cornerstone of its growth strategy, ensuring that experienced professionals who understand the institution’s mission and client-first philosophy are positioned to guide the bank through evolving market conditions and new opportunities in corporate and commercial banking.
Leadership Vision Anchored in Experience, Culture, and Momentum
Leon Blankstein emphasized that the promotions of Dole and Basirico are not merely recognitions of tenure but deliberate strategic decisions aimed at sustaining the bank’s momentum and preparing for the future of corporate banking. He noted that both executives have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, accountability, and collaboration, qualities that define the ABB culture and resonate across the organization. According to Blankstein, the leadership team at American Business Bank has been carefully built over many years with the intention of fostering continuity, stability, and shared values, allowing the bank to grow without compromising the personalized service and trust that clients expect. By elevating two seasoned professionals who have already played central roles in shaping client relationships and internal teams, ABB reinforces its belief that sustainable growth is best achieved through leaders who understand both the technical and human dimensions of banking.
Eric Dole’s Career Progression Reflects Relationship-Centered Banking
Eric Dole’s promotion to Executive Vice President, Corporate Banking marks the latest milestone in a career that has been closely intertwined with American Business Bank’s growth over the past several years. Since joining the institution in November 2017 as First Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager, Dole has steadily advanced through leadership roles, first being promoted to Senior Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager in 2018 and later to Senior Vice President, Team Lead in 2022, reflecting his expanding responsibilities and influence within the organization. Throughout his tenure, Dole has been instrumental in developing and managing complex corporate banking relationships, mentoring relationship managers, and contributing to the bank’s disciplined credit culture. His professional background includes 14 years of banking experience prior to joining ABB, with roles at California United Bank and First Enterprise Bank, where he developed a strong foundation in commercial lending, credit analysis, and client advisory services that continue to inform his leadership approach today.
Driving Corporate Banking Growth Through Client Partnerships
In his new role, Dole is expected to play a central role in shaping ABB’s corporate banking strategy, with a focus on deepening existing client relationships while identifying new opportunities aligned with the bank’s risk profile and service capabilities. His leadership philosophy emphasizes partnership over transactions, recognizing that long-term client success is built through trust, transparency, and a deep understanding of each client’s business model, industry dynamics, and growth objectives. Dole has consistently advocated for a consultative approach to banking, ensuring that ABB’s corporate clients receive tailored financial solutions that support expansion, working capital management, acquisitions, and long-term planning. As Executive Vice President, he will continue to guide teams responsible for delivering these services, reinforcing best practices in credit quality, relationship management, and client engagement across the corporate banking platform.
Commitment to People, Culture, and Collaboration
Dole has expressed that stepping into the Executive Vice President role is both a professional honor and a responsibility he approaches with humility and enthusiasm. He has highlighted that ABB’s success is fundamentally rooted in its people, from frontline bankers to credit professionals and operational teams who collectively deliver value to clients every day. By placing people and customers at the center of decision-making, Dole believes the bank is well positioned to navigate economic cycles and industry changes while continuing to grow responsibly. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration across departments, recognizing that effective corporate banking requires seamless coordination between relationship management, credit, treasury services, and risk management functions. As ABB continues to invest in its talent and infrastructure, Dole’s role will be pivotal in aligning teams around shared goals and consistent service standards.
Chris Basirico’s Longstanding Impact on SBA and Regional Banking
Chris Basirico brings more than two decades of banking experience to his new role as Executive Vice President, Corporate Banking, having built a distinguished career marked by operational expertise, market knowledge, and a deep commitment to client service. Basirico joined American Business Bank in October 2011 as First Vice President, SBA Manager, where he quickly established himself as a leader in Small Business Administration lending, helping expand the bank’s capabilities in serving entrepreneurial and middle-market clients. His leadership and performance led to a series of promotions, including Regional Vice President in April 2016 and Regional Executive Vice President in April 2018, roles in which he oversaw regional banking operations and contributed to strategic growth initiatives. Prior to joining ABB, Basirico spent approximately 20 years at Community Bank, where he gained extensive experience across commercial lending, SBA programs, and relationship management.
Expanding Corporate Banking Capabilities Across California
Basirico’s promotion reflects the bank’s recognition of his ability to combine strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, particularly in navigating the complexities of SBA and corporate lending within a competitive and regulated environment. Over the years, he has played a key role in expanding ABB’s presence across California, supporting business owners with financing solutions that enable growth, resilience, and long-term success. His expertise in SBA lending has been especially valuable in helping clients access capital efficiently while managing regulatory requirements and risk considerations. As Executive Vice President, Basirico will leverage this experience to further integrate SBA and corporate banking strategies, ensuring that clients benefit from a comprehensive suite of financial services tailored to their evolving needs.
A Leadership Perspective Shaped by Loyalty and Industry Insight
Basirico has often described his decision to join American Business Bank as discovering a “jewel” within the banking industry, a sentiment that reflects his long-standing loyalty to the institution and belief in its mission. He has consistently emphasized that ABB’s strength lies in its people and its customers, describing the bank’s client base as among the best in the state due to their entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and commitment to their communities. This perspective has shaped his leadership approach, which prioritizes responsiveness, integrity, and long-term relationships over short-term gains. As ABB looks toward the future, Basirico’s industry insight and institutional knowledge will be critical in guiding corporate banking teams through changing economic conditions and competitive pressures.
Aligning Leadership Transitions With Long-Term Strategy
The promotions of Dole and Basirico coincide with another important leadership transition at American Business Bank, as Philip Feghali, after 24 years of dedicated service and two years as President, transitions into the role of Executive Vice President, Director of Client Relationships. This move reflects ABB’s thoughtful approach to succession planning and leadership continuity, ensuring that institutional knowledge and client relationships remain central to the bank’s operations. In his new role, Feghali will focus on providing strategic guidance and support to the leadership team while maintaining close connections with key clients, drawing on decades of experience and trust built over his tenure at the bank.
Philip Feghali’s Enduring Contribution to Client-Centered Banking
Feghali’s transition allows American Business Bank to continue benefiting from his deep expertise and long-standing relationships while enabling the next generation of leaders to take on expanded responsibilities. His career at ABB has been defined by a commitment to client-centered banking, prudent growth, and organizational integrity, values that continue to shape the bank’s culture today. By concentrating his efforts on client relationships and strategic counsel, Feghali will play an important role in mentoring senior executives and supporting the bank’s ongoing evolution. This approach highlights ABB’s belief that leadership transitions should strengthen, rather than disrupt, the client experience and internal alignment.
Reinforcing American Business Bank’s Market Position
Collectively, these leadership appointments reinforce American Business Bank’s position as a relationship-focused commercial bank with a strong foundation in experience, culture, and strategic discipline. By promoting proven leaders from within, the bank signals confidence in its existing team and a commitment to continuity that benefits clients, employees, and shareholders alike. The corporate banking division, under the leadership of Dole and Basirico, is well positioned to support businesses navigating growth, uncertainty, and opportunity in a dynamic economic environment. With a leadership structure that balances innovation with experience, ABB continues to differentiate itself through personalized service, sound risk management, and a long-term perspective on value creation.
