Three of Jefferson Bank’s newest executives are settling into their roles with different backgrounds, but they shared a common theme in conversations with the San Antonio Business Journal: culture mattered.
New mortgage president Josh Allen, chief information officer Gabe Longoria and head of operations Sharal Peyero each recently joined the San Antonio-based community bank, bringing decades of experience from across banking, technology and financial services.
The trio spoke with the Business Journal about why they joined Jefferson Bank, challenges in their field, what has stood out in their first weeks and in true San Antonio fashion, which Spurs players they compare themselves to.
Jefferson Bank ranks No. 4 on the Business Journal's list of fastest-growing banks in San Antonio, with $2.72 billion in deposits as of the fourth quarter of 2025, up nearly 3% from a year earlier. The San Antonio-based bank also reported $1.89 billion in net loans.
What made Jefferson Bank the right move at this point in your career?
Jefferson Bank has a phenomenal reputation. It’s an 80-year-old local community bank here in San Antonio, and they’re like a family. When the president of mortgage position came about, I knew I had to put my name in the hat.
What’s one challenge in today’s mortgage environment?
There’s interest rate volatility and affordability pressure. The way we get through that is by being advisors. Right now is the best time to sit down with clients, understand their financial situation and provide solutions that fit their needs. My job is to help bring sustainable growth to the mortgage division while still keeping that relationship-first approach.
What has stood out during your first few weeks?
The culture. I knew the culture had a strong reputation, but I’ve been wowed by it. I sat down with everyone on the team, and the least tenured person had been here three or four years. That’s unheard of. There were second-generation employees who grew up around the bank. Once people work here, they stay here.
What’s a San Antonio staple you’ll always be ready to eat?
Breakfast tacos. My favorite spot now is Chapala Taco House off Austin Highway. Being from Oklahoma, breakfast tacos weren’t really a thing. Here, it’s a different culture and I’m all in on it.
Josh Allen
Title: President of Mortgage, Jefferson Bank
Experience: More than 18 years in residential lending and financial services
Grew up: Oklahoma
Education: Engineering, Trinity University
Spurs comparison: Stephon Castle — sees himself as a facilitator who helps control and direct the court
Why was Jefferson Bank the right fit?
Community banking is what I do at heart. Jefferson has community roots and understands relationships. That’s what spoke to me. I wanted to work somewhere that hadn’t lost that foundation.”
How is technology changing banking?
The industry is changing fast. AI, cybersecurity and fraud prevention are top priorities. Cyber criminals are becoming more advanced with artificial intelligence too, so banks have to invest in governance, security and education around AI. Right now, we’re operating more reactively instead of proactively. I want to change that narrative and create an IT operating model that is scalable and looking into the future.
What stood out in your first month?
The camaraderie and close-knit atmosphere. Everyone was welcoming, but I also picked up quickly that people were looking for more efficiency and modernization. My focus now is data analytics, automation and AI-driven efficiencies.”
How would you spend your last $10?
If I’m hungry, I’m buying something to eat. But if it’s extra money, I’d probably save it or put it into an interest-bearing account. But more realistically, I’d probably give it to my kids — my daughter’s in college in Dallas, and my son is 16 and plays high school golf, which gets expensive. So that would probably become the golf fund.
Gabe Longoria
Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Jefferson Bank
Experience: More than 20 years in technology leadership in financial services
Grew up: Stafford/Missouri City area near Houston
Education: University of Texas at San Antonio
Spurs comparison: De’Aaron Fox — brings veteran experience, adaptability and a winning mindset to the team
What made Jefferson Bank stand out?
I’d been with USAA for 23 years and wasn’t really looking to leave, but the timing was right. What stood out about Jefferson was the culture and the focus on community. That’s not just a slogan here — it’s real.
What’s one challenge banks are facing right now?
Banking has changed. Customers want to bank where they are, when they want to. A lot of younger customers have never even stepped inside a branch. Community banks need to adapt digitally while still keeping that relationship-focused culture. One of the first things I’m looking at is separating process execution from process management. That way, you have people focused on day-to-day execution and others focused entirely on improving processes and driving change.
What has stood out so far?
The people. Everyone has been very genuine and very open to ideas. There’s a strong focus on doing the right thing for customers and employees.
What’s a San Antonio staple you’ll always be ready to eat?
I have a weakness for bread pudding… Haywire at La Cantera is the best I’ve found in San Antonio. My husband and I will go there and just get the French press coffee and the bread pudding.
Sharal Payero
Title: Senior Vice President, Head of Operations, Jefferson Bank
Experience: More than 20 years in deposit operations, product servicing and AML functions
Grew up: Colorado
Education: Regis University
Spurs comparison: The coach, Mitch Johnson. My role is to come in, understand the players, identify strengths and build an all-star team that can support the bank as it grows.
Complete publication can be viewed here.
By Shay Khan – Reporter, San Antonio Business Journal
