Identity Protection
In the wake of the recent data compromises reported by major retailers, please be aware that “phishing” scams are on the rise. Take steps to help protect yourself against potential fraud and identity theft.
David A. Wolf
Executive VP
David A. Wolf, Executive Vice President of Corporate Banking, has over 3 decades of corporate banking experience, each year underscored by his desire to see others succeed. He began his time with American Business Bank in 2004 opening the first regional office and serving as Regional Vice President of Orange County.
In the years since he joined ABB, David has been instrumental in overseeing the Bank’s growth by leading a team of seasoned bankers. His greatest motivation is to influence people for the better, and he does so with a ton of energy and passion each and every day. David desires for his legacy to be improving others and hopes to see them excel towards their dreams and aspirations.
His banking career began at Wells Fargo Bank as a Relationship Manager in Los Angeles. While there, he was elevated to Vice President of the Business Banking Group. In 1998, he joined Mellon 1st Business Bank as Relationship Manager, where he later became Regional Vice President of the South Bay Region before joining American Business Bank.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Mr. Wolf currently serves on the Board of the Easter Seals of Southern California. His involvement spans over 20 years, including his current roll as Treasurer and Audit Committee member. In 2019, he was elected to the Board of MemorialCare’s Saddleback and Orange Coast Medical Centers.
A native of Los Angeles, Mr. Wolf graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Arizona State University. He currently resides with his family in Orange County.
Leon Blankstein
CEO and Director
In 1998, Leon dreamt of a bank made by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. His four partners shared in that dream, and ABB was born. Leon Blankstein currently serves as CEO, and Director of American Business Bank. Doing the right thing, and being a servant leader are the tenants that guide Leon in both his long term strategy for the Bank, and in his day to day dealings with the Southern California business community.
The passion, smarts and his genuine heart for his clients and employees have been constant throughout his banking career which began in 1982. After earning a B.S. in Economics from USC, Mr. Blankstein started his career at Bank of America where he was quickly promoted to Loan Officer. He stayed at B of A two years before accepting a position as a Corporate Banking Officer at 1st Business Bank.
Philip Feghali
President
Philip Feghali, President of ABB, graduated from USC in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance. With decades of commercial banking experience, Phil has contributed dramatically to the success of the Bank, and equally important, to the success of his clients’ businesses. He began his banking career at Security Pacific Bank in 1989, and later served as a Relationship Manager for First Interstate Bank and First Business Bank. In 2001, Phil joined ABB as a Relationship Manager and Team Lead, and quickly rose to the role of Regional Vice President, establishing the Bank’s Inland Empire regional office.
Despite Phil waiting three years after ABB began to join the Bank, his fingerprints are all over our DNA. Phil’s drive and desire to see his clients succeed, and his passion for sharing business intellect and wisdom with his clients, prospects, and the SoCal business community as a whole are a tremendous asset. His contributions to the organization transcend his role, and his influence and representation of our culture have been paramount in growing and attracting the best clients and bankers in the Southland to American Business Bank.
His involvements outside of his professional role include 22 years as a member of Tournament of Roses and a Board seat for Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare.
Karen Schoenbaum
Executive VP, CFO
Karen Schoenbaum joined American Business Bank as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in October of 2017. She previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of California United Bank (CUB) from October 2009 until its sale in 2017.
During her tenure with CUB the Bank’s assets grew from $456 million to over $3 billion; the growth was primarily organic yet supported by three strategic acquisitions. Ms. Schoenbaum managed investor relations, oversaw public financial reporting, the investment department and the Treasury function while maintaining the SOX/COSO internal control framework for the organization and ensuring strong corporate governance in those areas. She also oversaw the Bank’s information technology systems ensuring best practices for cyber security.
Prior to joining CUB, Ms. Schoenbaum served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at several Los Angeles banks with assets up to $6 billion, where she was responsible for Financial and Regulatory Reporting, Accounting, Treasury Asset and Liability Management, General Services, the Corporate Real Estate department and technology. She also worked at the Big 4 accounting firm, EY, from 1985 to 1992.
Aside from her professional bank career Ms. Schoenbaum serves as a director of the University of Southern California’s Leventhal Board of Advisors, and is currently a director of the Los Angeles EY Alumni Association. In 2017 she was elected to LAUP, now known as Child360, Board of Directors; a nonprofit dedicated to early childhood education, and is also the Chair of their Finance Committee.
Ms. Schoenbaum received a B.A. in Business Administration, a M.A in Accounting, and a certificate in computer science from the University of Southern California.
Jeffrey Munson
Executive VP, CCO
Jeffrey Munson was named American Business Bank’s Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer in 2023. He joined the ABB Family in 2018 as the Regional Vice President of the San Fernando Valley Office. The moment he joined the Bank, Jeff knew he was home. In the five years he managed the Valley Office, Jeff oversaw tremendous asset growth. More importantly, he found himself surrounded by like-minded individuals dedicated to their commercial clients.
Prior to joining American Business Bank, Jeff spent thirteen years at California United Bank (CUB). He served in several positions at that Bank, lastly as the Senior Vice President and Loan Team Lead for CUB’s Thousand Oaks Office. Before joining CUB, Jeff was a Vice President and Business Development Officer at US Bank, and as a Junior Business Development Office at Wells Fargo.
Jeff’s first position in banking was a part-time job as a telemarketer for Imperial Bank. Little did he know that accepting a summer job in 1996 would turn into a fulfilling and engaging career.
He proudly serves as a regular teacher for Junior Achievement and as a member of the Finance Committee for Maryvale, Los Angeles’ oldest children’s charity.
Mark Christian
Executive VP, COO
Mark joined ABB in September of 2023 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. Mark brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge. An expert in the areas of amongst other things, IT Strategy, System Integration, Business Continuity, and Process Efficiency, Mark’s professional acumen is matched by his wit and good nature.
Prior to joining ABB, Mark began as an entry-level banking professional, serving at four different institutions over his career. Most notably, he spent 23 years at Pacific Western Bank, playing a critical executive role in growing the organization from $175MM in assets to $26B upon his exit. Mark’s leadership and relational aptitude are proven and his commitment to a best-in-class culture and customer service underscore his fit as part of our Executive Team at ABB.
David A. Wolf
Executive VP
David A. Wolf, Executive Vice President of Corporate Banking, has over 3 decades of corporate banking experience, each year underscored by his desire to see others succeed. He began his time with American Business Bank in 2004 opening the first regional office and serving as Regional Vice President of Orange County.
In the years since he joined ABB, David has been instrumental in overseeing the Bank’s growth by leading a team of seasoned bankers. His greatest motivation is to influence people for the better, and he does so with a ton of energy and passion each and every day. David desires for his legacy to be improving others and hopes to see them excel towards their dreams and aspirations.
His banking career began at Wells Fargo Bank as a Relationship Manager in Los Angeles. While there, he was elevated to Vice President of the Business Banking Group. In 1998, he joined Mellon 1st Business Bank as Relationship Manager, where he later became Regional Vice President of the South Bay Region before joining American Business Bank.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Mr. Wolf currently serves on the Board of the Easter Seals of Southern California. His involvement spans over 20 years, including his current roll as Treasurer and Audit Committee member. In 2019, he was elected to the Board of MemorialCare’s Saddleback and Orange Coast Medical Centers.
A native of Los Angeles, Mr. Wolf graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Arizona State University. He currently resides with his family in Orange County.
Leon Blankstein
CEO and Director
In 1998, Leon dreamt of a bank made by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. His four partners shared in that dream, and ABB was born. Leon Blankstein currently serves as CEO, and Director of American Business Bank. Doing the right thing, and being a servant leader are the tenants that guide Leon in both his long term strategy for the Bank, and in his day to day dealings with the Southern California business community.
The passion, smarts and his genuine heart for his clients and employees have been constant throughout his banking career which began in 1982. After earning a B.S. in Economics from USC, Mr. Blankstein started his career at Bank of America where he was quickly promoted to Loan Officer. He stayed at B of A two years before accepting a position as a Corporate Banking Officer at 1st Business Bank.
Philip Feghali
President
Philip Feghali, President of ABB, graduated from USC in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance. With decades of commercial banking experience, Phil has contributed dramatically to the success of the Bank, and equally important, to the success of his clients’ businesses. He began his banking career at Security Pacific Bank in 1989, and later served as a Relationship Manager for First Interstate Bank and First Business Bank. In 2001, Phil joined ABB as a Relationship Manager and Team Lead, and quickly rose to the role of Regional Vice President, establishing the Bank’s Inland Empire regional office.
Despite Phil waiting three years after ABB began to join the Bank, his fingerprints are all over our DNA. Phil’s drive and desire to see his clients succeed, and his passion for sharing business intellect and wisdom with his clients, prospects, and the SoCal business community as a whole are a tremendous asset. His contributions to the organization transcend his role, and his influence and representation of our culture have been paramount in growing and attracting the best clients and bankers in the Southland to American Business Bank.
His involvements outside of his professional role include 22 years as a member of Tournament of Roses and a Board seat for Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare.
Karen Schoenbaum
Executive VP, CFO
Karen Schoenbaum joined American Business Bank as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in October of 2017. She previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of California United Bank (CUB) from October 2009 until its sale in 2017.
During her tenure with CUB the Bank’s assets grew from $456 million to over $3 billion; the growth was primarily organic yet supported by three strategic acquisitions. Ms. Schoenbaum managed investor relations, oversaw public financial reporting, the investment department and the Treasury function while maintaining the SOX/COSO internal control framework for the organization and ensuring strong corporate governance in those areas. She also oversaw the Bank’s information technology systems ensuring best practices for cyber security.
Prior to joining CUB, Ms. Schoenbaum served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at several Los Angeles banks with assets up to $6 billion, where she was responsible for Financial and Regulatory Reporting, Accounting, Treasury Asset and Liability Management, General Services, the Corporate Real Estate department and technology. She also worked at the Big 4 accounting firm, EY, from 1985 to 1992.
Aside from her professional bank career Ms. Schoenbaum serves as a director of the University of Southern California’s Leventhal Board of Advisors, and is currently a director of the Los Angeles EY Alumni Association. In 2017 she was elected to LAUP, now known as Child360, Board of Directors; a nonprofit dedicated to early childhood education, and is also the Chair of their Finance Committee.
Ms. Schoenbaum received a B.A. in Business Administration, a M.A in Accounting, and a certificate in computer science from the University of Southern California.
Jeffrey Munson
Executive VP, CCO
Jeffrey Munson was named American Business Bank’s Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer in 2023. He joined the ABB Family in 2018 as the Regional Vice President of the San Fernando Valley Office. The moment he joined the Bank, Jeff knew he was home. In the five years he managed the Valley Office, Jeff oversaw tremendous asset growth. More importantly, he found himself surrounded by like-minded individuals dedicated to their commercial clients.
Prior to joining American Business Bank, Jeff spent thirteen years at California United Bank (CUB). He served in several positions at that Bank, lastly as the Senior Vice President and Loan Team Lead for CUB’s Thousand Oaks Office. Before joining CUB, Jeff was a Vice President and Business Development Officer at US Bank, and as a Junior Business Development Office at Wells Fargo.
Jeff’s first position in banking was a part-time job as a telemarketer for Imperial Bank. Little did he know that accepting a summer job in 1996 would turn into a fulfilling and engaging career.
He proudly serves as a regular teacher for Junior Achievement and as a member of the Finance Committee for Maryvale, Los Angeles’ oldest children’s charity.
Mark Christian
Executive VP, COO
Mark joined ABB in September of 2023 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. Mark brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge. An expert in the areas of amongst other things, IT Strategy, System Integration, Business Continuity, and Process Efficiency, Mark’s professional acumen is matched by his wit and good nature.
Prior to joining ABB, Mark began as an entry-level banking professional, serving at four different institutions over his career. Most notably, he spent 23 years at Pacific Western Bank, playing a critical executive role in growing the organization from $175MM in assets to $26B upon his exit. Mark’s leadership and relational aptitude are proven and his commitment to a best-in-class culture and customer service underscore his fit as part of our Executive Team at ABB.
David A. Wolf
Executive VP
David A. Wolf, Executive Vice President of Corporate Banking, has over 3 decades of corporate banking experience, each year underscored by his desire to see others succeed. He began his time with American Business Bank in 2004 opening the first regional office and serving as Regional Vice President of Orange County.
In the years since he joined ABB, David has been instrumental in overseeing the Bank’s growth by leading a team of seasoned bankers. His greatest motivation is to influence people for the better, and he does so with a ton of energy and passion each and every day. David desires for his legacy to be improving others and hopes to see them excel towards their dreams and aspirations.
His banking career began at Wells Fargo Bank as a Relationship Manager in Los Angeles. While there, he was elevated to Vice President of the Business Banking Group. In 1998, he joined Mellon 1st Business Bank as Relationship Manager, where he later became Regional Vice President of the South Bay Region before joining American Business Bank.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Mr. Wolf currently serves on the Board of the Easter Seals of Southern California. His involvement spans over 20 years, including his current roll as Treasurer and Audit Committee member. In 2019, he was elected to the Board of MemorialCare’s Saddleback and Orange Coast Medical Centers.
A native of Los Angeles, Mr. Wolf graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Arizona State University. He currently resides with his family in Orange County.
