Banking

As a CEO, I have led five community banks located on the West Coast. My business experience covers the life cycle as I have started, grown, turned around, merged, and sold financial institutions. I am equally comfortable as the face of an organization as I am behind the scenes with strategic planning, execution, and building shareholder value.

CONSULTING

I have enjoyed a career that includes responsibility for all facets of running a business, from the start-up phase through the sale. During my career, I have also accepted and excelled in turnaround assignments that rectified significant internal problems, including civil and criminal litigation. My unique and varied business exposures give me life experiences to call upon when working with the C–suite, staff, board members, and investors. 

I have applied this knowledge to fintech, banking, and non-profits. Strategic advice typically includes business planning, capital formation, start-up, and de-novo activities, directed partly toward disruptive market entrants associated with leading-edge technology such as blockchain, payment alternatives, cryptocurrency, and social impact solutions to world problems. 

ADVOCACY

Throughout my business career, I have been an ardent advocate of the financial industry, including fintech, banks, businesses, and non-profit organizations I have represented. Raising your voice for a cause or a policy you believe in is essential. Getting to know your legislators at all levels and staying engaged in the legislative process by engaging with your industry or cause is equally important. My advocacy has often taken the form of lobbying at the local, state, and federal levels, with frequent trips to state capitals and Washington, D.C.  Throughout my career, I advocated for banks’  vital role in propelling the economy forward in an inclusive fashion. 

TEACHING

Teaching is an excellent way to “pay it forward” by developing new hires and mentoring them. I have been active throughout my career, volunteering in local classrooms and accepting roles at professional schools and universities. For example, I have taught Leadership for several years at the industry-acclaimed Pacific Coast Banking School and Community Banking to Chinese Bankers at California State University – East Bay at the China America Business and Education Center.      

EXPERT WITNESS

Throughout my career, I have testified at the state and federal levels in front of congressional committees, sub-committees, and several federal agencies. I enjoy the process of representing a cause or industry and feel it is a privilege to represent my colleagues and peers as an industry expert or advocate. I have also enjoyed representing the industry as an ambassador overseas.

GOVERNANCE

For most of my professional business career, I have served on for-profit and non-profit boards. As an experienced CEO leading five different banks in a heavily regulated industry, I have developed a strong and vital skill set in corporate and board governance. In addition, I actively share my expertise in serving on non-profit boards, start-ups, fintechs, and social impact companies.