Movers & Shakers — John Ashkar, Bryan Anguiano, Layla Powell
May 22, 2025
Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher
Movers & Shakers — John Ashkar, Bryan Anguiano, Layla Powell
John Marshall Bank Hires John Ashkar as SVP, Director of Business Banking to Lead Business Banking Team
“Bringing John onto the JMB team reflects the Bank’s commitment to the success of our small business clients,” says Jason R. McDonough, EVP, Chief Lending Officer. “We’re excited for the opportunities that he brings to the Bank and his immediate impact in expanding our SBA 7(a) program and launching SBA Express for new and current small business clients.”
| SBA 7(a) | Rank $ | Rank # | Gross Loan Approval | # Loans | Average Loan Size |
| FY 2024 | 411 | 387 | $1,536,500 | 3 | $512,167 |
| FY 2023 | 363 | 341 | $7,723,000 | 16 | $482,588 |
| FY 2022 | 439 | 402 | $5,275,000 | 12 | $439,583 |
In his role, Mr. Ashkar will lead the Bank’s business banking team and platform while expanding the Bank’s small business lending programs which will feature an increased focus on the Bank’s partnership with the US Small Business Administration. As part of this initiative, he will play a key role in adding SBA Express loans to the Bank’s extensive lineup of dedicated small business products.
A tenured banker, John Ashkar brings over 31 years of experience to the Bank, most recently serving at TD Bank as the Small Business Market Manager for the DC Metro region. Mr. Ashkar graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and has helped small businesses succeed throughout his entire career.
Bryan Anguiano Appointed California’s State Director for Rural Development
“When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again,” says Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
“California farmers and ranchers feed America, and it’s time we give them the support and service they deserve to make our country strong,” Director Anguiano says. “I am so honored to serve as President Trump’s appointee to USDA Rural Development for the golden state. Together, we’ll work to support rural communities in all corners of California, so they may thrive and be prosperous for generations to come.”
Before being appointed to USDA, Bryan served as California State Director for the Republican National Committee and President Trump’s campaign. During his tenure with the RNC, he oversaw the RNC’s investment for four years and three elections cycles, including the 2022 midterms, 2024 presidential elections, and the California gubernatorial recall.
He attended Cal State Long Beach and El Camino College where he received a B.A. and A.A. degree in Political Science. Bryan was born and raised in Inglewood, CA and now resides in Lancaster, CA with his wife Cynthia and two children Bryan Cruz and Alex.
Countybank Names Layla Powell Assistant Vice President
Powell, who began her career at Countybank Mortgage in 2002 as one of its first loan processors, has steadily grown in her role over the past two decades. She currently serves as an underwriter and is well respected by her peers for her depth of knowledge and commitment to excellence in mortgage operations.
“Layla has been a leader for our support team for many years,” says her supervisor, JD Nelson, Senior Vice President, Mortgage Division Manager. “She’s educated herself through a variety of sources, served as the VA program leader in our division, and consistently modeled the kind of dependable, thoughtful service our clients and team have come to rely on. Her officer title is well deserved.”
With more than 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Powell has helped Countybank serve generations of homeowners in communities across the Upstate. Her understanding of underwriting and dedication to process improvement have made her a trusted voice and go-to expert within the Mortgage department.