Paula Bahamon
Senior Vice President Community Development
Mission Valley Bank
Paula Bahamon is Senior Vice President – Community Development Manager at Mission Valley Bank. Paula has spent her career specializing in the support and growth of small to mid-sized businesses. She has extensive commercial banking experience, specializing in small business, financial literacy, business development, and client relationship management. Paula is a results-oriented banker with a comprehensive list of broad-based management skills, which has earned her a solid reputation as a knowledgeable Trusted Advisor. Her responsibilities also include providing community outreach in an advisory capacity for business owners for financial literacy.
Prior to her current role, Paula was a founding member of the Small Business Banking Program for Bank of America in 2010. The consultancy, advisory and training experience she previously acquired with the Small Business Administration technical assistance programs during 2001-2007 have been particularly relevant in all her subsequent roles due to the specialized mentorship services provided to more than 2,000 entrepreneurs launching new businesses. She conducted extensive needs analysis to develop business plans and maintain essential industry partnerships which helped to build substantial client portfolios.
Her dedication to service is evident in her role in promoting Mission Valley Bank’s designation as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). This designation is not just a title but a responsibility to offer financial services that meet the specific needs of the community. Paula’s efforts were instrumental in achieving this goal, thereby enabling the bank to provide more targeted and beneficial services to underserved areas.
Beyond her work with CDFI, Paula has been a driving force behind establishing the ENRICH financial education program, designed for Mission Valley Bank’s business clients. Understanding that financial literacy is crucial for business success, she helped tailor a program that addresses the core financial competencies business owners need to navigate the complex economic landscape.
In 2024, Paula spearheaded the implementation of the Community Development and Reinvestment Ambassador Program. This initiative amplifies her vision for a proactive approach to community engagement, by partnering with local leaders to become MVB financial advisors and advocates. These ambassadors work directly with businesses, identifying needs and opportunities for development and reinvestment. Through this program, Paula hopes to bridge the gap between financial services and community needs, ensuring that the bank’s efforts are both relevant and impactful.