Movers & Shakers — Omar Morel (Sunwest Bank), Michael Carlson (Mission Valley Bank), Jason Hampton (PlainsCapital Bank) and Jordan Payne (Countybank)

April 17, 2025

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

Movers & Shakers — Omar Morel (Sunwest Bank), Michael Carlson (Mission Valley Bank), Jason Hampton (PlainsCapital Bank) and Jordan Payne (Countybank)

Sunwest Bank Adds Omar Morel as SVP, Director of Government Guaranteed Lending

“We are thrilled to promote Omar as the Director of Government Guaranteed Lending,” says Carson Lappetito, Sunwest Bank President. “Omar’s depth of experience in SBA and Government Guaranteed Lending will allow us to expand our SBA and GGL platform in new and existing markets.”

Prior to his current role as Director of Government Guaranteed Lending, Morel was SBA Sales Leader for Sunwest Bank where he approved and funded SBA 7(a), SBA 504, and California State Guaranty loans to help businesses grow, expand, and purchase commercial real estate. Prior to joining Sunwest Bank, Morel spent 4 years at American Business Bank as a Senior SBA Business Development Officer. Omar is also a proud veteran that served in the US Air Force for 6 years prior to diving into his banking career.

“Moving to the role of Director of Government Guaranteed Lending is an exciting opportunity,” says Omar Morel, SVP Director of Government Guaranteed Lending. “I’m eager to work with our talented team to expand our SBA offerings and help small businesses across the nation through the power of SBA loans.”

Morel attended University of Phoenix studying Business Administration and received his MBA from the University of La Verne. He is also a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School where he further developed his leadership and business acumen. His commitment to continuing his education is why both the bank and his customers continue to put their faith in his leadership.

Mission Valley Bank Appoints Michael Carlson as SVP, SBA National Sales Manager

“Michael brings the kind of leadership that aligns perfectly with our mission—to deliver personalized financial solutions that empower small businesses to succeed,” says Tamara Gurney, CEO and President of Mission Valley Bank. “His rare blend of efficiency, analytical rigor and relationship-first mindset will be instrumental as we continue to expand our SBA footprint nationally.”

Carlson brings over 12 years of financial services experience, including more than eight years of direct SBA industry expertise. “His deep understanding of SBA lending, coupled with a strategic vision for scalable growth, makes him a great addition to the Bank’s expanding SBA division.”

Carlson holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, and a Minor in Accounting, all earned cum laude from the University of California, Irvine. He later earned his MBA from UCLA and holds the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation—underscoring his commitment to financial excellence and disciplined decision-making.

Jason Hampton Joins PlainsCapital Bank as SVP, Senior Commercial Loan Officer

“Jason brings a wealth of knowledge in commercial banking and a strong understanding of the Austin market,” says Paul Holubec, Chairman of the Austin Region. “His expertise will be a valuable resource for our clients, and we’re excited to see the impact he makes.”

Hampton has more than 20 years of experience in financial services, with a strong background in commercial banking. Most recently, he served as President of the Lakeway Banking Center at Prosperity Bank where he was responsible for driving loan production in CRE, C&I, and homebuilding loans. He also served as Executive Officer at SouthStar Bank and held commercial banking roles at Green Bank, Independent Bank Group, and BBVA Compass.

“I’m excited to join PlainsCapital Bank and be part of a team that shares my commitment to building strong relationships and supporting local businesses,” says Hampton. “I look forward to working with clients to help them find the right financial solutions for their goals.”

Hampton earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Countybank Promotes Jordan Payne to VP, SBA Business Development Manager

“Jordan is an excellent mentor to his peers,” says Chris Jackson, Senior Vice President and SBA Division Manager. “This promotion is a natural next step in his career, placing him in a leadership position to advise and guide our lenders as they develop new relationships with local entrepreneurs and businesses in need of loans.”

Jackson notes Payne’s leadership skills assist Countybank’s SBA Department in continuing to stand out as an industry leader in SBA lending. Countybank was named #1 in SBA 7(a) loan volume in South Carolina-based lenders for 2022, 2023, and 2024.

“Jordan is passionate about equipping our lenders with the tools they need to best serve our small business clients,” adds Jackson. “We’re expanding our efforts to serve SBA customers in the Upstate and beyond, and Jordan will be instrumental as a leader on our team.”

Payne is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and resides in the Upstate of South Carolina.