I am a financial professional who provides vision and leadership to establish and grow successful businesses. 

I tend to be a "hands-on" professional and relationship builder within and outside the organizations. I take a common-sense approach to vision, strategy, corporate culture development, and shareholder value creation. Additionally, I am mindful of building corporately responsible organizations and promoting positive roles within the community.

While in the banking sector, I served the financial industry as a four-term (12 years) board member of the Independent Community Bankers of America. I also served as the Chairman and President of the California Independent Banks (California Community Bankering Network) during my 16 years on their board. Additionally, I served as a board member of the Oregon Bankers Association – Community Banks of Oregon and as President and CEO of Western Bankers Association dba California Bankers Association.

As an industry advocate, I actively lobby at the local, state, and federal levels, frequently traveling to Washington, D.C. I have also testified as an expert witness in front of Congress, the California State Finance Committee, and various state and federal regulatory agencies. I enjoy representing a cause or industry and feel it is a privilege to represent my colleagues and peers.

Additionally,  I have represented the industry as an overseas ambassador and educator.  I have previously been a banking ambassador to China, an instructor at the Pacific Coast Banking School, and a guest lecturer at the China America Business & Education Center – at California State University - East Bay.

I have enjoyed various operational and credit risk roles within the banking industry.  My experience includes leading five banks as President and CEO, focusing on profitability and efficiency.

I have also been active in other parts of the financial ecosystem, primarily in fintech, emphasizing social impact companies and disruptive technology. In this sector, I have applied my banking and corporate governance expertise and business planning, capital formation, start-up, and de-novo activities to assist disruptive market entrants associated with leading-edge technology.  The FinTech companies have included blockchain solutions, payment alternatives, cryptocurrency, and social impact solutions to world problems. 

When I am not working in the financial world, I am likely hiking, swimming, playing tennis, or spending time with family, friends, and colleagues.

Notable achievements

• Started a new financial institution, obtaining all regulatory approvals and raising capital.

• Turned around banks that were considered troubled from a regulatory perspective.

• Raised capital via initial capital offering, Reg D capital raise, and secondary offerings.

• Profitably grown financial institutions.

• Sold financial institutions.

• Liquidated a financial institution.

• Advised start-ups, fintech, and social impact companies.

• Testified on numerous occasions at the state and federal levels.