Gateway First Bank hired Charlie Crouse as the bank’s new senior vice president of commercial lending, overseeing commercial banking activities in Gateway’s core markets. With more than 21 years of experience in the Oklahoma financial industry, Crouse will play a role in supporting the expansion of Gateway’s banking services.

“When Gateway transformed into a full-service bank in 2019, we made a commitment to our communities and customers to offer top notch services and products,” Scott Gesell, CEO of Gateway First Bank, said. “Charlie brings extensive experience and a best-in-class customer service mindset to the Gateway team as we continue working to build out our commercial and digital banking processes, increase our product offerings and enhance the customer experience.”

Prior to joining Gateway, Crouse worked in both the Tulsa, OK, and Oklahoma City, OK, markets. Having been through two bank mergers, Crouse brings a perspective on how to create a commercial lending program. During his career, he formed a new bank division spanning eight states. Crouse also revised loan and risk management policies governing energy lending.

Most recently, Crouse served as managing director of energy lending at Bank SNB in Oklahoma City, which would later undergo a merger to become Simmons Bank. Following the merger, Crouse served as managing director of energy lending at Simmons Bank. He also held leadership positions with Commerce Bank in Oklahoma City and Summit Bank in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

“As Gateway continues to expand its banking business, we will rely more heavily on available technology and implementing the latest innovations,” Crouse said. “I look forward to supporting that growth by creating and maintaining relationships with commercial banking clients through a full array of products and services.”