Banner Bank Hires Janet Brown as Chief Information Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Bannner Bank has appointed Janet Brown as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, succeeding Steve Rust, who is retiring after 40 years in IT. Brown, who has over 25 years of experience across various industries, will oversee IT and security initiatives, managing a team of 85. Mark J. Grescovich, President and CEO, emphasized her capability in steering the bank's IT transformation. Rust will assist Brown through the first quarter of 2021 for a seamless transition.

Positive

• Janet Brown brings over 25 years of IT experience, enhancing the leadership team.
• Her leadership is expected to transform the IT organization positively.

Negative

• Steve Rust's retirement may create a temporary gap in leadership continuity.

The Banner Bank executive leadership team is pleased to announce Janet Brown has joined the bank as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer. Brown is replacing Steve Rust who announced his retirement after more than 40 years in information technology, the last 15 years as CIO at Banner Bank.

Janet Brown, CIO, Banner Bank (Photo: Business Wire)

In her role as CIO, Brown will provide direction and oversight for information technology and security across the Bank, including existing and emerging initiatives as well as lead a team of more than 85 employees. Brown has more than 25 years of information technology experience in the insurance, healthcare and legal claims administration industries. Previously, she was the CIO for Garden City Group.

“Janet is an excellent fit for Banner,” said Mark J. Grescovich, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Her experience leading large, complex projects and technology environments will be instrumental in guiding our IT organization to the next level of transformation.”

Brown attended Washington State University and also served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps. She is a Desert Storm Veteran. Brown is an active volunteer in several children’s welfare and development causes in the Puget Sound area and abroad.

“On behalf of our entire leadership team and the Board of Directors, I extend our deep appreciation to Steve for his many years of dedicated service and we wish him well in retirement,” Grescovich said.

Rust will work alongside Brown through the first quarter of 2021 to ensure a smooth transition.

About Banner Bank

Banner Bank is a Washington-chartered commercial bank that conducts business in Washington, Oregon, California and Idaho. Banner offers a wide variety of commercial banking services and financial products to individuals and small and medium-sized businesses and their employees. Banner Bank is part of Banner Corporation, a $14.6 billion bank holding company headquartered in Walla Walla, Washington. Visit Banner Bank at www.bannerbank.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201229005460/en/

FAQ

Who is the new Chief Information Officer of Banner Bank?

Janet Brown has been appointed as the new Chief Information Officer of Banner Bank.

What experience does Janet Brown have in information technology?

Janet Brown has over 25 years of experience in IT, including roles in insurance, healthcare, and legal claims administration.

Why did Steve Rust retire from Banner Bank?

Steve Rust retired after more than 40 years in IT, including 15 years as CIO at Banner Bank.

What is the impact of the leadership change on Banner Bank?

The leadership change is expected to positively influence the bank's IT transformation under Janet Brown's guidance.

How long will Steve Rust assist Janet Brown during the transition?

Steve Rust will assist Janet Brown through the first quarter of 2021 to ensure a smooth transition.