Bank of Marin CFO Cook leaving for First California Mortgage

NOVATO -- Bank of Marin Chief Financial Officer Christina Cook is leaving the bank.

Ms. Cook informed the bank of her resignation on April 22, effective May 10, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Ms. Cook is leaving to become CFO of Petaluma-based First California Mortgage Company.

"Chris decided she wanted to do something different," said Bank of Marin President and CEO Russ Colombo.

Bank of Marin has nearly doubled in size since Ms. Cook joined the bank as CFO and executive vice president in August of 2004, growing from $737 million in assets at the end of 2004 to $1.43 billion in assets as of March 31 of this year.

[caption id="attachment_38330" align="alignright" width="213"] Chris Cook[/caption]

She previously served as a vice president and director of financial reporting for Citibank, as well as vice president of corporate planning and financial reporting for Bank of America.

First California Mortgage Vice Chairman Christopher Hart said in a  statement about Ms. Cook that "the timing could not have been better given our growth plans and market expansion. We are extremely fortunate and excited to add such a tremendous talent and asset to First Cal. Christina brings an accomplished track record and entrepreneurial spirit to our growing and thriving organization."

The announcement notes that the 35-year-old First California Mortgage has funded more than $200 billion in residential loans across the United States throughout its history.

Ms. Cook will oversee accounting, financial planning and reporting for the company, as well as serve on its executive committee, according to the announcement.

Bank of Marin has enlisted the help of an executive search firm to find a suitable replacement for Ms. Cook, with the hope of finding a successor in the next three months, Mr. Colombo said. However, he cautioned that the bank would take whatever time was necessary to replace the former CFO.

"A position like this, you obviously want to make the right choice," he said.

Ms. Cook has received numerous accolades for her work in the financial industry, including the North Bay Business Journal's Women in Business award in 2008.

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