Burton and Gutierrez Participate in Intensive Program
First Published March 2026
Gus Burton and Juan Gutierrez, Credit Analysts with Union State Bank, recently completed the Oklahoma Bankers Association (OBA) Commercial Lending School. The intensive program is designed to demonstrate the application of credit and financial analysis in commercial lending situations.
“The Oklahoma Banker’s Association Commercial Lending School is a weeklong course that goes over a variety of topics that lending officers and staff deal with on a day-to-day basis,” explained Burton. “My biggest motivation to enroll was to better understand commercial lending and become a more beneficial and efficient employee to Union State Bank and our customers.”
Burton and Gutierrez were among the 68 bankers who traveled to Oklahoma City to attend this year’s school. Participants joined from across the country, including Kansas, Arkansas and Montana. Lesson covered topics such as troubled loans, financial analysis, loan structuring, industry panel discussions, and loan structuring.
“There’s a lot to absorb, but you walk away more informed, more confident, and better prepared for commercial banking,” said Gutierrez. “The knowledge I gained will allow me to deliver more thorough, well-rounded credit analyses and better support lenders as they develop commercial credits.”
Before graduating, each class participant applied their knowledge in a lending case study.
“My biggest takeaway was the importance of approaching lending with a holistic mindset,” said Gutierrez. When analyzing credits, it’s critical to consider all available information to find the right balance between meeting the needs of all borrowers and effectively mitigating risk for the bank.”
The OBA conducts more than 70 educational programs and seminars each year and serves as an advocate for the banking industry.
“I believe the knowledge I gained from the school will allow me to utilize a variety of options when it comes to assisting our customers,” said Burton.