The California-based community bank has appointed a veteran banker with over 40 years of experience to lead its retail and electronic banking operations.
Exchange Bank, a full-service community bank headquartered in Sonoma County, California, has announced the appointment of Kevin Bender as senior vice president and chief banking officer. Bender will report to Troy Sanderson, president and chief executive officer of Exchange Bank, and will be responsible for leading the retail banking team, deposit and lending operations, and electronic banking. Bender will also focus on enhancing Exchange Bank’s customer-centric approach and delivering a fully integrated banking experience.
Bender brings over 40 years of banking expertise to Exchange Bank, having worked in various roles and capacities in the industry. He most recently served as the head of branch banking with Poppy Bank, another California-based community bank. Prior to that, he was the president and CEO of a new bank under formation, and the chief operating officer and chief information officer at the former American River Bank. Bender has a degree and an MBA from California State University, Sacramento, and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.
Troy Sanderson praises Bender’s experience and values
Troy Sanderson, president and CEO of Exchange Bank, expressed his excitement and confidence in Bender’s appointment, saying that he brings a unique perspective and a leadership style that aligns with Exchange Bank’s values. Sanderson said, “Kevin’s diverse and extensive banking experience gives him a unique perspective, and his leadership style is a great fit with Exchange Bank’s values. We are excited to have this seasoned and talented community banker join the Exchange Bank team.”
Sanderson also highlighted Bender’s involvement in the community, noting that he serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters and has participated in various committees and boards of other nonprofits over the years. Sanderson said, “Kevin is not only a skilled banker, but also a committed community leader. He shares our vision of supporting the communities where we live and work, and making a positive difference in the lives of our customers and employees.”
Exchange Bank celebrates its legacy and achievements
Exchange Bank, founded in 1890, is one of the oldest and largest community banks in California, with assets of $3.37 billion. The bank provides a wide range of personal, commercial, and trust and investment management services, with 16 retail branches in Sonoma County, a commercial branch in Roseville, and trust and investment management offices in Santa Rosa, Roseville, Marin County, and Silicon Valley. The bank is also known for its generous philanthropy, donating over 100% of its net income to the Doyle Trust, which funds the Doyle Scholarship at the Santa Rosa Junior College.
Exchange Bank has been recognized for its financial leadership and community support, winning several awards and accolades over the years. The bank is an 18-year winner of the North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work survey and the 2023 San Francisco Business Times Corporate Philanthropy Award. The bank was also named Best Consumer Bank by the NorthBay biz Magazine’s Best of the North Bay readers’ poll, Best Local Bank by the Petaluma Argus Courier People’s Choice Awards, and Best Business Bank and Best Consumer Bank by the Bohemian Magazine’s Best of the North Bay 2023.
