FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Craig Wanichek, President & Chief Executive Officer, [email protected]
Summit Bank today announced that Gary O’Connell, Central Oregon Market President, has been named an Executive of the Year by the Portland Business Journal.
“Gary exemplifies community banking at its best, focused on clients, grounded in relationships, and committed to the growth of Oregon businesses,” said Craig Wanichek, President & CEO of Summit Bank. “Through his leadership, local entrepreneurs and nonprofits have accessed new financial resources, enabling business expansions and community projects. We are proud to see the Portland Business Journal recognize the impact our clients and communities already know well.”
O’Connell oversees Summit Bank’s Central Oregon banking strategy and team, serving local businesses and nonprofits in Bend, Redmond, and the Central Oregon region. He leads the Homeowners Association Banking Group and Equipment Finance Group in Portland and Eugene, expanding specialized client support. Through his leadership, the team has strengthened client relationships by facilitating faster decision-making and providing more tailored support. Community engagement has also grown, thanks to targeted lending programs, expanded sponsorships and increased volunteer initiatives, resulting in measurable organizational growth for both clients and supported groups.
“This recognition reflects our team’s work and our clients’ trust,” said Gary O’Connell, Central Oregon Market President. “Summit Bank’s model of local decision-making, responsive service, and long-term partnership lets us quickly support businesses and nonprofits when it matters most. I’m honored to share this with my colleagues and community.”
The Executives of the Year program honors leaders for operational excellence, people-first culture, and community stewardship, recognizing their achievements and impact on Oregon’s economy.
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.
