RCB's Commercial Banking Operations team keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Led by Manager Lauren Falk and supported by specialists Jerome Gourdine and Mitchell Sroka, each member brings unique expertise and a shared enthusiasm for helping businesses thrive. Focused on more than just operations, the team is all about building trust, creating reliability, and supporting the success of every client.
Let's meet the people who make it all happen.
Lauren Falk
AVP, Commercial Banking Operations Manager
Hometown: Janesville, WI
First Job: Paper girl. My mom worked at the Janesville Gazette and thought it would be a great experience for me. I delivered papers during my freshman and sophomore years of high school, before I could drive. So, I rode my bike through Wisconsin winters, and boy, was it cold.
First Car: A 1993 white, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. I bought it from my mom for $5000, and I loved that car. Did I mention it was a convertible?
First Concert: I think it was Blink-182, when I was a sophomore or junior in high school. Not long after, I switched to country music and never looked back!
Favorite Place in California: The ocean. I do not care where on the ocean. Watching sailboats drift across the water is my happy place.
Favorite Quote: “Don’t dream your life, but live your dream.” -- Mark Twain
Favorite Movie and Why: Dirty Dancing. No deep reason. I just love it. And honestly, because nobody puts Baby in a corner.
Radio or podcasts: Radio. Country or 80s rock while in the car or cleaning. But I do love a good podcast and love Habits & Hustle with Jennifer Cohen.
First site or app you check in the morning: I know everyone is expecting me to say my email, but to be honest, it is Instagram or TikTok. Nothing beats starting the day with funny videos of dogs and cats dressed up or ‘talking.’ A good laugh is the perfect way to kick things off!
What are you reading right now? Just finished rereading Be the Calm or Be the Storm: Leadership Lessons from a Woman at the Helm by Captain Sandy Yawn.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you? It might not surprise those who know me well, but after college, I spent nearly five years living and working aboard a 54-foot Island Trader sailboat. During that time, we traveled extensively, exploring Mexico, Central America, Panama, passing through the canal, and even venturing into parts of the Caribbean, before eventually returning home to “become adults.”
What was the best piece of career advice you were given when you were starting out? I don’t know if it was the best, but “toughen up and don’t wear your emotions on your sleeve.” I received this early in my banking management career, and I still reflect on it.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? To overcome tough times. I know that is not a specific achievement, but after losing my mom, my rock, I had to relearn how to navigate (personally and professionally) without her. Through perseverance, determination, and hard work, I’ve rebuilt myself and come out stronger. And graduating from Washington State University was a proud milestone. Go Cougs!
What do you like best about working at River City Bank? The culture of dedication and excellence. River City Bank hires phenomenal people – intelligent, hard-working, and committed to delivering exceptional service. It is truly rewarding to collaborate with such talented colleagues who share the same passion for customer satisfaction and doing great work.
Jerome Gourdine
Commercial Banking Relationship Specialist
Hometown: Oakland, CA
First Job: Stockroom associate at Smart and Final.
First Car: 1994 Dodge Intrepid. Despite her faded paint and bad transmission, she was a gem.
First Concert: Flying Lotus and Friends, at the Fox Theatre in Oakland. It turned out to be an unforgettable night because Parliament-Funkadelic was the opener.
Favorite Place in the Bay Area: Half Moon Bay. Half Moon Bay is very calming and a little slower. When I go there, it's all about the views. At certain spots, when you catch enough of a good day, you can get a picturesque view of the Pacific. It's truly stunning.
Favorite Quote: "You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know when it will be too late." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Favorite Movie and Why: Escape from New York (1981). It's one of the few movies I can rewatch knowing what will happen and still sit through. I'm also a huge fan of John Carpenter, and his approach to executing a huge idea, often with limited resources.
Radio or podcasts: My favorite podcasts are The Rewatchables with Bill Simmons, Planet Money, and Stuff You Should Know. If I'm randomly listening to the radio, it's more than likely a '70s or '80s station.
First site or app you check in the morning: Chrono24 — I got into this money pit of watch collecting a few years ago and haven't looked back.
What are you reading right now: Reuters or NPR, generally. However, I've been meaning to pick up Emily St. John Mandel's, The Glass Hotel. I'm slowly chipping away at this list of "things to pick up."
What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I have quite a few food-related allergies, and the biggest surprise for most people is that I can't eat mango, pineapple, kiwi, or guava — which makes me a real hit at parties.
What was the best piece of career advice you were given when you were starting out? To paraphrase a mentor of mine: "Exceptional client service is at the heart of everything we do here." I try to practice that in every interaction I have. You never know who you're speaking with!
What do you consider your greatest achievement? It was proposing to my wife. In that moment, everything else I had achieved had fallen to the side.
As a new employee, what do you like best about working at River City Bank? My favorite thing so far is how flat the Bank is. Having direct lines with different teams is truly something I'm not going to take for granted. Decision-making feels much quicker, which creates a more organic and genuine client experience.
Mitchell Sroka
Commercial Banking Relationship Specialist
Hometown: Londonderry, NH. Londonderry is known for its orchards and active participation in the presidential primaries. Fun fact: During primary season, this quiet hometown transforms into a hub of political activity, drawing national attention for several weeks. It’s wild!
First Job: Sales associate at Best Buy.
First Car: Toyota Camry. She was “Ol’ reliable” until the engine exploded.
First Concert: MisterWives at the Port City Music Hall in Portland, ME.
Favorite Place in California: The 395 Corridor, especially June Lake and Mammoth Lakes.
Favorite Movie and Why: Jurassic Park, the first movie I was truly obsessed with.
Radio or podcasts: 99% Invisible. It is an amazing podcast on design and architecture.
First site or app you check in the morning: Email (don’t ask why—it’s just habit).
What are you reading right now? Bossypants by Tina Fey.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I’m missing parts of two fingers. Turns out, in the battle of boulder vs. finger, boulder wins every time. Luckily, it hasn’t slowed down my typing speed!
What was the best piece of career advice you were given when you were starting out? Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions, even if you feel unsure or think you should already know the answer.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? The friends I’ve made that still make time for me, no matter how long it’s been or the distance between us.
As a new employee, what do you like best about working at River City Bank? The sense of teamwork I get from everyone around me. Everyone is working towards the same goal of being the best, and that energy is contagious.
