MESSAGE FROM THE CBO CHAIR OBA You are the first female to chair the Community Banks of Oregon. What does this milestone mean to you personally and professionally, and what advice would you give to aspiring female leaders in banking? TA Wow! I didn’t realize that I am the first female chair. Honestly, this surprised me as we have an incredibly talented group of women bankers in Oregon. More than half of bankers today are women, and we are increasingly represented in Oregon bank leadership, including the executive level. I had the pleasure of talking to over 300 women bankers at last year’s Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon and left feeling confident about the many leaders in attendance. My hope is that female leaders feel confident in their abilities and seek out opportunities to lead. OBA What are some of the challenges facing Oregon’s community banks, and how can CBO play a role in supporting its members? TA I recently read an article entitled Banking in the Age of Disruption and thought the headline said it all. From a pandemic to inflation, liquidity and interest rates, technology and regulatory pressures, our industry has faced a lot of headwinds. The OBA and CBO have and will continue to play a critical role in navigating Oregon banks through these times with advocacy, education and connection. OBA Are there specific community initiatives or causes that you are particularly passionate about supporting? TA One of the best parts of being a banker is our industry’s economic and social impact through charitable giving and volunteerism. I’ve always personally been drawn to causes that benefit children with a focus on organizations that support disadvantaged youth. Every child deserves to feel safe, supported and have their needs met. There’s nothing better than being able to make a positive impact in their lives. OBA Looking ahead, what do you hope to accomplish during your two-year tenure chairing CBO? TA Community banks in Oregon play a vital role in the health of the communities in which we operate. With member banks that are the only financial institution serving a physical area or the only one to offer specialty products specific to the needs of local industries, every Oregon bank matters. My hope for the next few years is to continue promoting the CBO board’s efforts to ensure the longevity of these institutions so they may provide these benefits for generations to come. OBA Anything else you’d like to share? TA Just that it’s an honor to serve the CBO and its membership. Our work on the CBO board focuses on initiatives specific to Oregon banks, and it’s a privilege to work with each of one of them in this mission. Kate discussing her role as a chief credit officer before a group of UO students at an OBA Education Foundationsponsored roundtable event with bankers. Kate, pictured in 2021 when she received OBA’s Presidential Award for her outstanding leadership as chair of the OBA Lending Committee. Winter 2024 • BANKING MATTERS 9
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