Spotlight on Leaders in Commercial Banking

(Listed alphabetically by institution)Larry TidwellAltaPacific Bank3725 Westwind Blvd., Ste. 100, Santa Rosa 95403, apbconect.com, 707-236-1521

[caption id="attachment_67960" align="alignleft" width="180"] Larry Tidwell[/caption]

Larry Tidwell has served as the executive vice president in the real estate industries group at AltaPacific Bank in Santa Rosa since April 2009. He oversees all construction lending, a responsibility he held in his previous position as executive vice president in the real estate industries group at Temecula Valley Bank.

Mr. Tidwell was born in Roswell, N.M., and has lived in the North Bay for 30 years. He cited the retention of customers over more than 15 years as a major accomplishment.

AltaPacific Bank was founded in 2006, and expanded its physical footprint in Southern California after merging with Covina-based Stellar Business Bank in 2012.Laurie Todd-DunlapAmerican River Bank90 S. E St., Ste. 11, Santa Rosa 95404, americanriverbank.com, 707-528-6300

[caption id="attachment_86508" align="alignleft" width="192"] Laurie Todd-Dunlap[/caption]

Laurie Todd-Dunlap  is vice president and portfolio manager for American River Bank, responsible for growing a $40 million portfolio of business credits and commercial real estate loans.

She graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara with a bachelor of arts degree in American history, and later earned an associate's degree in banking and finance while beginning her career as a teller at Santa Barbara National Bank.

Ms. Todd-Dunlap has worked in banking for over 36 years, 35 of which have been in Sonoma County. She has been with American River Bank and its predecessor, North Coast Bank, for over 20 years.

A volunteer with United Way's Schools of Hope program and a reading tutor at Brook Hill Elementary, Ms. Todd-Dunlap is also the bank's team leader for its ongoing participation in Sonoma County's annual Human Race.

Ms. Todd-Dunlap cited longstanding client relationships over 20 years as a source of pride, and said that the Sacramento-based American River Bank's North Bay offices focuses heavily on close banking and consulting relationships with small-to-medium-size businesses.Jamie WilliamsArgent Bank3558 Round Barn Blvd., Ste. 300, Santa Rosa 95403, bankwithargent.com, 707-568-1876

[caption id="attachment_75983" align="alignleft" width="200"] Jamie Williams[/caption]

Jamie Williams is Northern California market president for Sterling Financial Corp., parent company of Argent Bank. He assumed that position in 2013, following his role as senior vice president and commercial banking regional director for the formerly named Sonoma Bank.

Mr. Williams was born in Marin and has lived in Novato for more than 20 years. He has been in the banking industry for more than 30 years, always on the commercial or corporate banking side. Prior to joining Sonoma Bank, he was a founder of Greater Bay Bank Marin and was regional vice president for Westamerica Bank. His first position was in 1978 as a management trainee for Wells Fargo after graduating from Santa Clara University with a degree in economics.David MeddaughBank of America Merrill Lynch10 Santa Rosa Ave., Ste. 210, Santa Rosa 95404, bankofamerica.com, 707-293-2553

[caption id="attachment_67962" align="alignleft" width="180"] David Meddaugh[/caption]

David Meddaugh is the senior vice president and market manager of the North Coast commercial banking office of Bank of America Merrill Lynch. He has been with the bank for more than 30 years. In his current capacity, he manages the unit’s largest client relationships, with particular focus on the wine and specialty food and beverage industries.

Mr. Meddaugh also serves as the bank’s liaison with the California wine industry. He has presented at the Wine Industry Financial Symposium, Unified Wine and Grape Symposium, Leadership Forum, Sonoma State University Economic Outlook and Moss Adams Wine Industry Roundtable.

He earned bachelor’s degrees in both economics and finance from California State University, Chico, and holds an MBA in corporate finance from the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.

Mr. Meddaugh was raised in Santa Rosa. He lives there with his wife and two children at their Buckshot Ranch property, which has been planted to Italian varietal olive trees.Tim MyersBank of Marin504 Redwood Blvd., Ste. 100, Novato 94947, bankofmarin.com, 415-763-4520

[caption id="attachment_86509" align="alignleft" width="154"] Tim Myers[/caption]

Tim Myers is commercial banking manager at Bank of Marin, a role he assumed as part of a planned succession at the bank in October of 2013.

Formerly head of the bank's San Francisco office, Mr. Myers entered his current role following former commercial banking manager Beth Reizman's transition to chief credit officer. He also oversees the deposit services group, and has been with the bank for six years. Mr. Myers is now based at the bank's headquarters in Novato.

He has worked at U.S. Bank and Comerica Bank, and attended the Monterey Institute of International Studies.

Larry Fletcher Bank of Napa2007 Redwood Rd., Ste. 101, Napa 94558, thebankofnapa.com, 707-257-7777

[caption id="attachment_67964" align="alignleft" width="180"] Larry Fletcher[/caption]

A long-time resident of Northern California, Larry Fletcher is the executive vice president and senior lending manager at Bank of Napa. He has more than 30 years of experience as a banking executive, the majority of them in Napa and Solano counties. He is responsible for all aspects of the bank’s loan portfolio.

Born in Southern California, Mr. Fletcher graduated from Long Beach State University in 1974 with a degree in business administration. He graduated with honors from the Pacific Coast Banking School in Seattle in 1988.

Prior to joining Bank of Napa, Mr. Fletcher was the manager of the commercial lending hub for Vintage Bank. He also held the previous role of chief credit officer for Solano Bank, a subsidiary of Vintage Bank in Vacaville, and began his banking career as a consumer loan officer for United California Bank in Los Angeles.Adam BeakBank of the West700 Main St., Ste. 212, Napa, CA 94559, bankofthewest.com, 707-501-5136

[caption id="attachment_86510" align="alignright" width="178"] Adam Beak[/caption]

Adam Beak is managing director of the North Coast Agricultural Banking Center/ Premium Wine Group in Napa. He is primarily responsible for Bank of the West’s outreach to wineries and grape growers. A graduate of the University of California, Davis Wine Executive Program and the Pacific Coast Banking School, he joined Bank of the West in 2005. Founded in 1874, $65 billion-asset Bank of the West operates more than 600 branches and offices in 19 states. The bank has several branches in the North Bay, including a commercial lending office in Petaluma and a wine-focused lending office in Napa.Michael SilvaComerica Bank2 Embarcadero Ctr., Ste. 300, San Francisco 94111, comerica.com, 415-477-3274

[caption id="attachment_67966" align="alignleft" width="180"] Michael Silva[/caption]

Michael Silva is a senior vice president at Comerica Bank, heading the bank’s commercial lending group in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino counties. He has served in his current role for ten years and has been with Comerica for a total of 16 years. That followed 12 years at Union Bank.

Mr. Silva has a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Santa Clara University and is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.

Comerica serves a number of specialty food manufacturers in the North Bay, and the wine industry represents a significant portion of the bank’s regional portfolio, he said.Steve HerronExchange Bank545 Fourth St., Dept. 410, Santa Rosa 95401, exchangebank.com, 707-524-3102

[caption id="attachment_67967" align="alignleft" width="180"] Steve Herron[/caption]

Steve Herron has served as senior vice president and manager for commercial lending at Exchange Bank since 2000. He focused on business lending for seven years prior to that as a business development officer at the bank. 

Mr. Herron’s banking career began in Los Angeles, where he participated in a commercial lending training program for Union Bank. The program included a one-year assignment in Sacramento, which led to his transfer to the bank’s small banking office in Santa Rosa as a commercial lender in 1987.

Since 1996, Exchange Bank has steadily developed its growing niche as a commercial lender catering to Sonoma County’s artisan winemakers, growers and vineyard managers.

A resident of the North Bay since 1987, Mr. Herron grew up in Fresno. In his spare time he loves to listen to music, read business periodicals, follow the stock markets and collect fine wine.

Exchange Bank was founded more than 120 years ago.Randall BehrensFirst Community Bank438 First St., Santa Rosa 95401, fcbconnect.com, 707-636-9711

[caption id="attachment_86546" align="alignleft" width="179"] Randall Behrens[/caption]

Randall Behrens joined First Community Bank in 2013, as vice president, small business loan officer. Mr. Behrens came to the bank after serving as vice president, business development officer for Heritage Bank of San Jose, having worked in their Santa Rosa lending office. He earned the distinction of top producer each year from 2007 through 2013.

Previously Mr. Behrens worked with Greater Bay Bancorp of Santa Rosa, developing loan originations of SBA 7A and SBA 504 loans. Mr. Behrens holds a B.A. degree from California State University, Sacramento and is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School.

“Living here in Sonoma County means local decision making is important – to my clients and to me. I enjoy the flexibility and creativity that comes along with the decision-making here. I also really enjoy working closely with local companies who are in growth and expansion mode. Specializing in SBA loans, I see how important this kind of financing is to a business -- it’s a real need. SBA programs provide financing for businesses that wouldn’t qualify under conventional terms. I’ve been working with SBA loans for 12 years, and see how small businesses are such an important part of our local economy. At FCB, we’re a local business ourselves – it’s very rewarding,” Mr. Behrens said.

As part of his commitment to the community, Mr. Behrens is a volunteer mentor with COTS (Committee on the Shelterless). He lives in Windsor with his wife and two children.

Carol LandryFirst Northern Bank555 Mason St., Ste. 100, Vacaville 95688, thatsmybank.com, 707-447-8600

[caption id="attachment_67969" align="alignright" width="180"] Carol Landry[/caption]

Carol Landry is the senior vice president and western region commercial loan manager for First Northern Bank. She has been with the bank for eight years. In her current position, Ms. Landry manages commercial loan activities in Solano and Yolo counties.

She has more than 30 years of experience in commercial lending, including several community and national banks in Solano, Yolo and Napa counties.

Ms. Landry is past chairman of Vacaville Chamber of Commerce and Vacaville Library Commission. She has been a board member of several community organizations in Solano County. Ms. Landry holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of California, Davis, and is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School at University of Washington.

First Northern Bank was founded in 1910 to provide better banking services to the Solano agribusiness community. Today, in addition to operating lines of credit and equipment lines and leases, the bank offers commercial solar financing and commercial real estate loans to small- and medium-sized businesses and farms. The bank is a preferred SBA lender.Jim WeningJPMorgan Chase835 Fourth St., Santa Rosa 95404, chase.com, 707-576-3003

Jim Wening is the market manager for Chase Middle Market Banking in Northern California. He has served in a number of leadership roles over an 18-year career in banking, most recently as market manager for Chase Middle Market Banking in San Diego and chairman of the bank’s market leadership team for Orange County the Inland Empire and San Diego.

Mr. Wening spent 16 years as U.S. Bank’s San Diego market president. He has a double major in accounting and finance from Texas Christian University, and an MBA with an emphasis in corporate strategy from Washington University in St. Louis.Lynne CarpenterLuther Burbank Savings804 Fourth St., Santa Rosa 95404, lutherburbanksavings.com, 707-523-9898

[caption id="attachment_47905" align="alignright" width="162"] Lynne Carpenter[/caption]

Lynne Carpenter is senior vice president and chief income property loan officer at Luther Burbank Savings. She has worked for the bank for ten years, formerly as a commercial loan officer.

Ms. Carpenter worked as a teller in high school and returned to banking after graduating from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill. The California native worked in the commercial real estate lending department at a Newport Balboa Savings and Loan after college, embracing the associated challenges and choosing to focus her career in that field of banking.

As manager of the Income Property Lending Division at Luther Burbank Savings, Ms. Carpenter oversees the origination of loans secured by multi-family property in California as well as Seattle, Wash.Ruth EdwardsMechanics Bank433 Soscol Ave. Ste. 161, Napa 94559, mechanicsbank.com, 707-256-4343

[caption id="attachment_47907" align="alignleft" width="162"] Ruth Edwards[/caption]

Ruth Edwards, senior vice president and corporate banking regional manager for the Napa region of Mechanics Bank, has spent more than a decade as a North Bay banker. A longtime wine country resident who grew up in Santa Rosa, she joined the bank’s Napa corporate banking office in 2006. Previously, she was part of the Santa Rosa regional commercial banking office of Wells Fargo. She lives with her husband, Gary, and two small children in Sonoma.

The 107-year-old Mechanics Bank has been a North Bay fixture for 17 years. Its Napa client relationships, however, date back to the early 20th century, when it was a well-known lender to the wine industry. The bank has continued to lend during the economic downturn and focused on furthering its customer relationships as industries weathered the so-called Great Recession.

Offices throughout Northern California include Napa, a St. Helena and San Rafael.Diane BerthinierNorth Valley Bank100 B St., #110, Santa Rosa 95401, novb.com, 707-522-5480

[caption id="attachment_47904" align="alignright" width="180"] Dianne Berthinier[/caption]

Diane Berthinier is senior vice president and market manager for Redding-based North Valley Bank, which operates branches in Santa Rosa and Willits and a commercial banking office in Ukiah. Her history includes a role as senior vice president at the former National Bank of the Redwoods, and a loan officer at Ryan Mortgage.

Todd AllenPresidio Bank999 Fifth Ave. Ste. 100, San Rafael 94901, presidiobank.com, 415-293-1005

[caption id="attachment_47901" align="alignright" width="162"] Todd Allen[/caption]

Todd Allen is the Executive Vice President and North Bay Market President of Presidio Bank. He earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and has worked at institutions including Westamerica Bank and Greater Bay Bank Marin.

Since starting Presidio Bank’s North Bay Regional Office in 2007, Mr. Allen said he has seen his talented team grow the region into the largest lending office at Presidio Bank. In 2013, Presidio Bank’s North Bay Region expanded into new ground floor space in downtown San Rafael as a result of the office’s continued growth.  

A Marin County resident for over 20 years, Mr. Allen lives with his wife Robin and daughter Jordan in Novato. Outside of work, he enjoys an active life style that includes kayaking, hiking, biking and traveling with his family.

Presidio Bank was founded in 2005.Mike LedwichRabobank, N.A.700 Trancas St., Napa 94558, rabobankamerica.com, 916-797-8286

Mike Ledwich is vice president and commercial banking officer for Rabobank, N.A. He is responsible for fostering new business relationships and providing solutions to meet the banking needs of business customers in Napa and Sonoma counties.

A banker for 26 years, Mr. Ledwich has spent his entire career in Napa. Before joining Rabobank, Mr. Ledwich was senior vice president and client relationship manager at Bay Commercial Bank as well as senior vice president and relationship manager at Charter Oak Bank.  He also served as vice president and senior relationship manager at Mechanics Bank in Napa for 10 years.

Mr. Ledwich earned a bachelor of science degree in finance and economics from Sacramento State University and an MBA from Golden Gate University in San Francisco.  A lifelong resident of Napa, he is a member and past president of Napa Sunrise Rotary Club.

Rabobank is a California community bank with North Bay branches in Napa and Sonoma and a branch and agribusiness lending office in Santa Rosa.Michael DowneyRedwood Credit Union3033 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa 95403, redwoodcu.org, 877-545-4100

[caption id="attachment_67972" align="alignleft" width="180"] Michel Downey[/caption]

Michael Downey is senior vice president of business services for Redwood Credit Union, where he has managed the credit union’s business programs since 2006. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Chico State University.

Mr. Downey has many years of business management and financial services experience in Sonoma County. He owned a local business for 30 years. Recognizing the unique financial needs of small businesses, Mr. Downey started a financial services career more than 10 years ago to provide custom financial solutions to help local businesses grow and thrive.

In 2008, Mr. Downey helped start Redwood Credit Union’s SBA program, which has consistently ranked among the top lenders in the North Bay. The credit union is a U.S. Small Business Administration preferred lender.Sunny LaphamSAFE-BIDCO1377 Corporate Center Pkwy., Ste. A, Santa Rosa 95407, safe-bidco.com, 707-577-8621

[caption id="attachment_67973" align="alignleft" width="180"] Sunny Lapham[/caption]

Sunny Lapham joined SAFE-BIDCO as a loan officer in 2004. Ms. Lapham’s current responsibilities include underwriting and financial analysis of loan requests and overseeing the corporation’s Small Business Loan Guarantee Program and the Energy Efficiency Loan Program.

Ms. Lapham works extensively with community lenders to facilitate their small business lending. Under her stewardship, the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program -- a California program similar to a federally backed SBA loan -- has grown significantly in volume over two years.

She has nearly 30 years of experience in north coast banking and financial development, including stints at Exchange Bank and Redwood Credit Union. She has a degree in social psychology from University of Nevada and trained to administer loan programs backed by the Small Business Administration, as well as general banking. Ms. Lapham has served on the board of directors for a number of businesses, nonprofits and educational organizations in the North Bay.Rob McMillanSilicon Valley Bank899 Adams St., Ste. G2, St. Helena 94574, svb.com/winedivision, 707-967-1367

[caption id="attachment_67974" align="alignleft" width="180"] Rob McMillan[/caption]

Rob McMillan is the founder of the St. Helena-based Wine Division of Silicon Valley Bank. Starting in 1992, he developed the division from the idea and startup phase to the point where it’s now regarded by many as the leading provider of financial services to the fine wine business on the West Coast.

Mr. McMillan’s banking career has spanned more than 30 years, over 20 with Silicon Valley Bank. In that time, he has moved though roles of increasing responsibility including a term on the bank’s Managing Committee.

Today, Mr. McMillan supports Silicon Valley Bank’s continuing growth and success in the wine business assisting the rest of the division’s clients and bankers: sharing views on the macro factors impacting the fine wine business, offering customized management presentations for clients, writing, speaking and managing a portfolio of client relationships.

He has published reports of varied and emerging trends to the wine industry over the past decade and is author of the bank’s annual Wine Industry Report. Mr. McMillan’s perspectives regarding the direction, opportunities and threats in the fine wine business continue to be cited in regional, national international and the wine trade press.

Mr. McMillan received a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from Sacramento State University and an MBA from Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University. He is affiliated with, and supports numerous charities and industry associations both in and outside of the wine industry.

He is the father of two, enjoys the outdoors and travel, and takes any opportunity to play percussion and drums in live settings.

Bill FogartySummit State Bank500 Bicentennial Way, Santa Rosa 95403, summitstatebank.com, 707-568-6000

[caption id="attachment_73343" align="alignleft" width="180"] Bill Fogarty[/caption]

Bill Fogarty is senior vice president and chief credit officer at Summit State Bank. Mr. Fogarty joined Summit at the end of 2011 with 25 years of banking experience, including chief credit officer and chief executive roles at other community banking institutions. He is a graduate from Pacific Coast Bankers School at University of Washington in Seattle.

Mr. Fogarty focuses on all areas of the bank’s lending programs and credit portfolio for safety, soundness and profitability. He noted continued positive activity in commercial and commercial real estate loan volumes in an improving economy going into 2014.

Summit State Bank exceeded its goal of infusing $50 million in small business loans within the local Sonoma County community in both 2012 and 2013. Founded in 1984, Summit State Bank has roughly $459 million in assets, 58 employees and five offices in Sonoma County.Francine BoardsTravis Credit UnionOne Travis Way, Vacaville 95687, traviscu.org, 707-469-1964

[caption id="attachment_73344" align="alignleft" width="180"] Francine Boards[/caption]

Francine Boards became vice president of business lending at Travis Credit Union in early 2012. It’s a newly created position that is part of a targeted approach to boost the institution’s efforts in commercial lending. She served as senior commercial credit officer at the credit union since 2009.

Prior to joining Travis, Ms. Boards held senior management positions for commercial lending operations at One California Bank, Mechanics Bank and Civic Bank of Commerce. She has a total of 24 years of financial industry experience and is a graduate of the MBA program at St. Mary’s College of California as well as Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.Mark BrodyUmpqua Bank1500 Soscol Ave., Napa 94559, umpquabank.com, 707-252-5020

Mark Brody is the senior vice president and manager for Bay Area commercial banking at Umpqua Bank.

He went to Pitzer College for his undergraduate degree, and then the University of Wisconsin for an MBA in finance.

He worked in the banking industry beginning at Bank of America, and has also worked in the wine industry.James BarrettUnion Bank899 Adams St., Ste. F-1, St. Helena 94574, unionbank.com, 707-968-9514

[caption id="attachment_67979" align="alignleft" width="180"] James Barrett[/caption]

James Barrett is vice president and senior relationship manager with the Wine Industry Services group at Union Bank.

In addition to the wine industry, he has clients in the retail, food and beverage, and manufacturing sectors, and has worked with clients in many other industries during his career.

He earned a finance degree at Auburn University and a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance at Georgia State University in Atlanta. He is a graduate of Leadership Napa Valley and a member of the Napa Rotary Club.

Mr. Barrett has lived in Napa since 1995.Michael RighiU.S. Bank1 California St., Ste. 2000, San Francisco 94111, usbank.com, 707.326.8397

[caption id="attachment_86512" align="alignleft" width="202"] Michael Righi[/caption]

Michael Righi became Northern California market president for U.S. Bank in September 2013, a role that also oversees middle market commercial banking throughout the Pacific Northwest.

He was formerly leader of the middle market banking teams throughout the Bay Area for Bank of America, where he also worked in the bank's investment division.

A Seattle native, Mr. Righi has held roles with KeyCorp and Seattle-based People's Bank. He is a graduate of Seattle University and the Pacific Coast Banking School.

U.S. Bank is headquartered in Minneapolis.  

Scott ShapiroWarren Capital Corp.100 Rowland Way, Ste. 205, Novato 94945, warrencapital.com, 415-898-1875

[caption id="attachment_47918" align="alignright" width="144"] Scott Shapiro[/caption]

Scott Shapiro is senior vice president of Warren Capital Corporation. He is responsible for managing the lender’s portfolio and developing relationships with its partners, which include community banks and the health care and franchise markets.

Mr. Shapiro has been with Warren Capital for nearly 15 years. His career in banking began at BankBoston in Boston during its merger with Fleet Bank. He attended Boston College, graduating with a business degree in finance and information systems.

Having grown up in the North Bay, Mr. Shapiro moved back to California after college. He began working at Warren Capital as a three-day-a-week intern in the 2001 recession and gradually worked his way up to senior vice president. He said that ascent is one of his greatest accomplishments, leading to years-long relationships with repeat clients.

The lender provides services that include equipment leasing and financing, large-scale debt placements and seller-focused merger-and-acquisition advisory.James KimballWells Fargo200 B St., Ste. 300, Santa Rosa 95401, wellsfargo.com, 707-584-3147

[caption id="attachment_47911" align="alignleft" width="200"] James Kimball[/caption]

James Kimball is a senior vice president and regional manager with the Wells Fargo Commercial Banking Group. He oversees the North Coast Regional Commercial Banking Office, responsible for a territory spanning from the Golden Gate Bridge to Oregon.

The team serves a variety of industries, but has specialists focused on wine, specialty food and agriculture.

Mr. Kimball has worked in financial services for more than 25 years, a career that has focused on commercial banking in Northern California and the western United States. He was regional president for wholesale banking at Wachovia when the bank merged with Wells Fargo and spent 22 years holding various leadership positions at Bank of America.

He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance from Sacramento State University.

A lifelong Sonoma County resident, Mr. Kimball is an active community leader in Northern California and has a history of service on the boards of the North Bay Leadership Council and the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. He lives with his wife, Sharon, and two children in Petaluma.Joseph DietzenWestamerica Bank1108 Fifth Ave., San Rafael 94901, westamerica.com, 800-848-1088

Joseph Dietzen is senior vice president at Westamerica Bank. In that role, he oversees account relationships and loan production in the bank’s Sonoma and Mendocino regions.

A native of Washington, he grew up in Yakima and came to California to obtain a bachelor’s degree in economics from Stanford University. Mr. Dietzen later received an MBA in finance from University of California, Berkeley, and attended Pacific Coast Banking School.

He joined Westamerica Bank in 2005 when it acquired National Bank of the Redwoods. He had been executive vice president and responsible for real estate loan production there.

When away from his duties at the bank, Mr. Dietzen said that he enjoys working on a classic Victorian townhouse that has been in his wife’s family for generations.

Show Comment