MESSAGE FROM THE CBO CHAIR Celebrating Women in Banking: Honoring Trailblazers and Inspiring the Future By Kate Salyers, EVP & Chief Credit Officer, Citizens Bank Women have long been the backbone of the banking industry, representing 56% of employees nationwide and right here in Oregon.1 Yet, while women lead the workforce in numbers, leadership remains unbalanced. Just 32% of bank officers (vice presidents and higher) are women, and only 7.5% of banks nationwide have a woman CEO.2 This disparity presents an opportunity for growth, particularly since research shows that diverse leadership teams drive innovation, resilience and financial performance. This month’s cover story shines a spotlight on the three female bank CEOs within OBA’s membership—Julia Beattie (People’s Bank of Commerce), Denise Portmann (Bank of the Pacific) and Nicole Sherman (Riverview Bank)—highlighting their unique leadership styles and the impact they’re making in our industry. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of what is possible when women are given opportunities to lead and thrive. To celebrate and inspire the next generation of women leaders in banking, the Oregon Bankers Association hosts the Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon each May. This event not only highlights the contributions of women but also provides a space to foster connection, mentorship and leadership development. With over 300 attendees, the luncheon has quickly become OBA’s highestattended event. This year’s luncheon will feature the aforementioned keynote speaker Nicole Sherman, an engaging panel discussion with accomplished women bankers, and the celebration of achievements through the prestigious Linda W. Navarro Trailblazer Award. Register today and join us May 22 from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm in Portland for this inspiring event. Additionally, help us honor a deserving leader by submitting a nomination for the 2025 Linda W. Navarro Trailblazer Award by March 31. Named after its inaugural recipient, our prior association CEO who championed women bankers for 28 years, the award celebrates women who exemplify exceptional leadership, mentor others and leave a lasting impact on our industry. If you’re like me, you can think of many talented women who fit this description and who have impacted your career. Please take the time to recognize those individuals with a nomination. Visit www.oregonbankers.com/wib to learn more about the luncheon and the Trailblazer Award. 1. Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat18.htm. 2. McKinsey: www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversityand-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace and American Bankers Association: https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2024/03/ women-ceos-leading-the-way. To celebrate and inspire the next generation of women leaders in banking, the Oregon Bankers Association hosts the Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon each May. This event not only highlights the contributions of women but also provides a space to foster connection, mentorship and leadership development. Winter 2025 • BANKING MATTERS 9
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