Congratulations to the recent CO.STARTERS graduates from our North Salem cohort! 👏 Thanks to Branch Manager Brooke Herbert and our partnership with the Keizer Chamber of Commerce, four local entrepreneurs completed the program, gaining insights, mentorship, and a strong community network to help their businesses grow.
Jamie Sherbondy joins WaFd Bank as our new Sr. SBA Analyst, bringing 17 years of experience in SBA lending. Her background spans both the 7(a) and 504 programs, with expertise across sales, credit, and underwriting. Early in her career, she helped revitalize rural lending programs at a 504 Certified Development Company that grew into a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Over the years, Jamie has built a reputation for strengthening SBA programs and supporting business growth through thoughtful, community-focused financial solutions. Beyond her professional work, Jamie is dedicated to economic empowerment. She has served on Boards and Loan Committees, advised her local high school’s vocational department, judged FBLA and DECA competitions, and taught through Financial Beginnings.
Our Southern Arizona team rolled up their sleeves at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, helping pack nearly 2,700 emergency food boxes in just one morning! 💪 With more families facing food insecurity, local food banks are more important than ever. We’re proud to support an organization that provided nearly 500,000 food boxes and over 34 million pounds of food to our neighbors in need this year. Every box packed is a reminder that when we come together, we can make a big impact. ❤️
We're honored to share that WaFd Bank has been recognized as Most Philanthropic Company and CEO Brent Beardall as Leader of the Year in the 2025 425 Business Best in Business Awards. These honors highlight our shared belief that doing good and doing well go hand in hand. Thank you to our incredible teams, clients, and communities who make this possible. 💚 https://lnkd.in/guKuWC88
Meet Chef Mahogany Williams, the creative force behind The Pickled Chef!👩🍳🥒 She’s cooking up more than amazing food. She's serving up inspiration. Mahogany shares what it takes to turn passion into purpose and the resilience it takes to overcome every challenge along the way. We’re proud to celebrate Chef Mahogany and all the women entrepreneurs making a difference this Women’s Small Business Month. Hear more of her story:
We were honored to join Neighborhood Housing Services in supporting low to moderate income families and business owners affected by the LA wildfires. Our team shared resources to help with the rebuilding process and offered guidance to those starting anew. 💚
With over a decade of experience in SBA lending, Monica McCaslin is passionate about helping small businesses access the capital they need to grow. Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit in her own family, Monica has a deep respect for the resilience and determination of business owners. She works closely with clients to understand their goals, build trusted relationships, and deliver financing solutions that support long-term success. Based in the Southwest, Monica is proud to serve small business communities across New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Arizona, strengthening local economies one relationship at a time.
Meet Jennifer Peterson part of the team leading WaFd Bank’s new SBA Lending Department. With more than 30 years in banking — including 14 years focused on SBA lending — Jennifer has dedicated her career to helping entrepreneurs get the financing they need to grow their businesses. Known for pairing underwriting expertise with creativity, she works side-by-side with clients to find solutions that fit their goals. Jennifer’s commitment to small business has earned her recognition as Oregon’s SBA Small Business Champion of the Year (2017). She’s also shared her knowledge by teaching for the Oregon Society of CPAs and the Oregon State Bar, while giving back through long-standing community service from two decades as a Rotarian to her current role as Treasurer of her local high school Booster Club. Jennifer is excited to bring her passion and experience to small businesses across Oregon, California, and Southwest Washington.
With 18 years of banking and commercial lending experience, Brandon Hamblin has built his career helping businesses secure the right financing to grow and succeed. Specializing in SBA 7(a), 504, and conventional loans, Brandon has worked on acquisitions, expansions, equipment purchases, and working capital across industries from manufacturing and healthcare to professional services, real estate, and start-ups. Known for creative problem-solving, he has a track record of structuring complex deals and opening new markets. What drives Brandon most is his respect for clients and the relationships he builds, a value he carries into every project. At WaFd Bank, he’s proud to bring that passion and expertise to our SBA Lending Department, supporting entrepreneurs with solutions that move business forward.
Hammer, nails, and a lot of heart! Our Nevada team is proud to be recognized by Habitat for Humanity for pitching in to help build stronger communities. Here’s to more homes, hope, and happy neighbors! 🏠 🔨 #WaFdBank #CommunityFirst#BuildingTogether #HabitatForHumanity
