EUGENE, Ore. — November 9, 2026 — Summit Bank today announced that Jenny Bennett, Executive Vice President and Eugene and Springfield Market President, has been named one of the Portland Business Journal’s 2027 Executives of the Year. Bennett was selected in the Presidents of the Year category.
The prestigious award recognizes accomplished executives across Oregon and Southwest Washington whose leadership has made a sustained impact on their organizations, colleagues, and communities. Honorees are selected through an independent review of their career accomplishments, organizational contributions, and community involvement.
For Bennett, the recognition shows a career built on strengthening relationships, developing others, and connecting business success with community well-being. It recognizes both her guidance at Summit Bank and her longstanding devotion to the people and organizations that help Eugene and Springfield thrive. She becomes the third member of Summit Bank’s executive team to receive the honor.
“Jenny brings a personal devotion to the people behind every business and community organization she serves,” said Craig Wanichek, President and CEO of Summit Bank. “She takes the time to understand what matters to our clients, helps colleagues grow into leadership roles, and gives generously of her time to our community. This recognition shows the effect she has on the people around her every day.”
Bennett joined Summit Bank in 2015 and previously served as the bank’s marketing and business development director. As Market President for Eugene and Springfield, she leads the bank’s efforts to serve businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout its headquarters market.
Her community involvement includes service with Relief Nursery, Onward Eugene, and the Shedd Institute for the Arts. She has served as board president for both the Relief Nursery and the Shedd Institute, aiding organizations that strengthen families, expand economic opportunity, and connect people through the arts.
Bennett holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations from the University of Oregon and is a 2023 graduate of Pacific Coast Bankers School. The Portland Business Journal formerly recognized her as a 2022 Woman of Influence. She was also a finalist for the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce’s Woman Business Leader of the Year award in 2023.
About Summit Bank
Summit Bank Group Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary Summit Bank, has offices in Eugene/Springfield, Central Oregon, and the Portland metro area. The bank provides commercial banking, treasury management, and lending services to professionals and mid-sized businesses, as well as their owners. Recent recognition includes Oregon Business magazine’s Top 100 Companies to Work For (four consecutive years), the Eugene Register-Guard Readers’ Choice Favorite Bank, the Bend Bulletin Best Bank (past two years), and American Banker’s list of the top 100 banks in the United States. Lane County has also recognized Summit Bank as one of the Best Places for Working Parents. Summit Bank Group Inc. is quoted on the OTCID under the symbol SBKO. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.