Approachable, creative, and deeply connected to the community, Heather Gabbert helps clients do more than “manage their money”: she helps them understand their relationship with money.
Busting the “just numbers” myth
For Heather, banking is never just dollars and decimals: “Banking and finance carry much more emotional weight than we realize. We all have underlying relationships with money, why we bank where we bank, why our accounts are set up the way they are. I love asking questions to understand that story.” By listening first and digging into the “why,” Heather helps clients feel seen, not just serviced.
Heather works closely with nonprofit organizations, drawn to mission driven work and values based leadership.
“I’m very values driven, and I love being able to support the missions of incredible organizations.”
Clients she works with the most: Nonprofits and values driven organizations
Her must have tool: The Summit Bank mobile app- “Everyone should be able to quickly look at their banking relationship, and the app does just that.”
How she saves clients’ time: “Don’t dwell on something or try to figure it out on your own. Just call or text me, and we’ll figure it out together.”
Heather is deeply woven into the Eugene/Springfield and broader Oregon community, especially organizations that support kids.
Nonprofits close to her heart:
- FOOD for Lane County (FFLC)
- Relief Nursery
- CASA
“I tend to be involved with a lot, but I have deeper personal ties to organizations that support children.”
Small business shout out: The Clothes Horse, a local, woman owned and operated shop she loves to support.
Perfect Oregon weekend: Staying in Central Oregon, Black Butte Ranch or Sunriver, grabbing breakfast at Cottonwood Café in Sisters, then hiking or spending time on the mountain.
What clients want from a bank (and a banker): Heather has a front row seat to what fast moving owners are looking for:
From a banker: “Someone they can count on that knows how to support them and their business.”
About Eugene/Springfield’s business community: “Everyone is connected in one way or another. It’s a big small community.”
Her follow through superpower: “I love connecting people and bringing networks together. It’s important for people to know I’m listening, and that I want to support them beyond just answering questions.”
Beyond the Bank
First jobs: Delivering newspapers before school and working evenings as a courtesy clerk at a grocery store.
“You can fit a lot into your day, it’s about finding balance. To this day, I appreciate starting early and tackling things even late into the evening.”
On her desk: A framed quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
“I believe this wholeheartedly. When the world feels heavy, or change feels slow, I try to lean into pushing the envelope and being better.”
Fuel of choice: Lots of sparkling water, it’s all about the carbonation.
What she’s recommending to entrepreneurs:
Podcast: BigDeal by Codie Sanchez
Book: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
“I’m fascinated by mindset and grit. Hearing the real ups and downs of business journeys is incredibly powerful.”
What recharges her: Travel.
“From a quick overnight trip to a couple weeks abroad, if I have an empty window of time, I’m making the absolute most of it.”
If you’re a nonprofit or values driven business looking for a banker who will ask the deeper questions, connect you with the right people, and pick up the phone when you need her, Heather is ready to help.