Q&A with New OBA Chair Ryan Dempster, President and CEO, Willamette Valley Bank MESSAGE FROM THE OBA CHAIR OBA Tell us about your family, background and education and share one thing about yourself that would surprise our readers. RD I am a lifelong Oregonian, born and raised in Hillsboro. I later moved to Salem to attend Corban University. It was there that I met my wife, Emily. We have two college aged children: our daughter Brynn, who is beginning her final year at Pacific University, and our son Blake, who attends Liberty University. As for something surprising, I consider myself a fairly straightforward person, so there is not much that stands out. However, an interesting aspect of my career is that I became a Certified Fraud Examiner and assisted in conducting white collar crime investigations. I also oversaw the State of Oregon’s Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline. OBA Can you share a bit about your career journey? RD I started my career as an auditor with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office and became a Certified Public Accountant. While I enjoyed auditing, I wanted to move into a role where I could contribute to growing a business. In 2006, I connected with Willamette Valley Bank which was looking for an accountant. I began as controller, then moved into the role of chief financial officer. Six years ago, I had the opportunity to become president and CEO, and I have been fortunate to lead the company since then. OBA How did the challenges of recent years, such as economic uncertainty or regulatory changes, shape your approach to leadership? RD The past 18 years have been uniquely challenging in the banking world with significant events like the Great Recession and the global pandemic. We’ve also seen significant shifts in the regulatory landscape and risk management practices. There’s no manual for navigating these challenges, but I’ve learned that the collective wisdom of a team often provides the best solutions. I surround myself with smarter people, lean on their experience and judgement, and trust in the strength of the team. Our success is a direct result of the talented people I work with at Willamette Valley Bank. OBA What motivated you to take on the role of chair at the Oregon Bankers Association, and are there particular advocacy priorities or industry challenges you hope to address in this role? RD I have been attending OBA events for 18 years and many of the bankers I admire most have been board chairs. Though I never aspired to be chair, when the opportunity arose, I took advantage of the opportunity to represent Oregon’s banking industry. Banks are critical components to the economic health of the state of Oregon, and it is important that we not only represent the banking industry but also the broader business community. I align with CEO Scott Bruun’s vision of expanding our industry’s involvement in the broader business community so we can advocate effectively on decisions impacting financial institutions, our customers, and the overall economy. I’m committed to advancing this initiative in the coming year. OBA Is there a person or experience that has significantly influenced your life, either professionally or personally? RD Many people have influenced my journey, but two stand out. Bryce Bernard, my college accounting professor, has become a close friend and an invaluable sounding board for both personal and professional advice. The second is Neil Grossnicklaus, former CEO of Willamette Valley Bank, who took a chance on me 18 years ago and opened the door for my entry into the banking industry. I often joke that I wouldn’t Ryan and Emily at a local fundraising dinner. 6 Winter 2025 • BANKING MATTERS
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