Women in Business: Diane Berthinier, commercial regional vice president, Tri Counties Bank, Santa Rosa

Diane Berthinier

Commercial regional vice president, Tri Counties Bank

100 B St., Ste. 110, Santa Rosa 95401; 707-522-5480; tricountiesbank.com

Age: 53

Residence: Santa Rosa

Professional background: I started my career with a strong interest in becoming a CPA. Once I determined the” fun” in giving business owners the news of how much they owed the government, I quickly recognized how much more rewarding the lending field was: helping borrowers purchase homes, investment properties, boats and cars of their choices. I relocated to the Santa Rosa area in 1987 and started working at National Bank of the Redwoods until March 2005.

During my 18 years of service, I held 15 different job titles ending as senior vice president and branch administrator. After NBR was sold, I obtained by real estate license and worked at Ryan Mortgage as a senior loan officer while both of my children attended high school. Once college started, I went back to work full time for North Valley Bank as regional president. I have had a very successful run the last four years in managing the commercial lending team for NVB. Now I’m heading up the new footprint for the business banking units of Tri Counties Bank in Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

Education: Several banking certifications and college courses, California business real estate license and mortgage license with NMLS.

Tell us about yourself and your company: I always try to give 110 percent for my clients to get the desired result(s). With my staff I’m a coach, mentor and my goal is to build a team that wants to work, produce and have fun while doing it.

Tri Counties Bank was founded in 1975 in Chico. TCB is one of the largest community banks in Northern California, providing a unique brand of customer Service with Solutions available throughout Northern and Central California. The bank provides an extensive and competitive breadth of commercial banking, consumer and small business financial services.

Words that best describe you: Self-motivated, logic driven, goal oriented, problem-solver.

What is a major accomplishment in the past year or so?: The Santa Rosa office was able to maintain 95% of our banking relationships and meet commercial loan growth goals during the transition from North Valley Bank to Tri Counties Bank. I was recognized for these accomplishments by being chosen for the Tri Counties Bank President’s Club in 2015.

What achievement are you most proud of in your career?: Being able to maintain a fulfilling career while raising two fabulous children.

What is your biggest challenge today?: As we all know the banking industry is challenging on several fronts, including the intensity of competition for good borrowers, the rate wars and the lack of seasoned staff available.

How do you think your profession will change in the next five years?: The banking industry will likely continue its consolidation with increased government mandates for new regulatory guidelines and more demands for cyber security.

As a successful female professional, what have been the biggest obstacles you faced and how did you overcome them?: There are still relatively few females in commercial banking at the executive level. Through self confidence, absolute commitment to my team and my customers, and strong problem solving and communication skills, I have not allowed any preconceived notions about women to limit my career progression

Current reading: Unique Ability by Dan Sullivan and Strengths-Based Leadership by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie.

Stress- relievers: Boot camp, biking and spending time laughing with friends.

Favorite hobbies: Spending time with my hubby and kids traveling, hiking and just hanging out with them.

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