1st Security Bank Announces Chief Lending Officer Succession Plan

Rhea-AI Summary

1st Security Bank of Washington has appointed Ben Crowl as the new Chief Lending Officer (CLO), effective July 1, 2023, succeeding Dennis O’Leary, who has held the position since 2013. Under O'Leary's leadership, the bank's assets grew from $285 million in 2011 to $2.63 billion by the end of 2022. O’Leary will transition to his original role as SVP Director of Commercial Real Estate and Construction Lending, allowing him to spend more time with his family and continue mentoring Crowl. Crowl, who joined the bank in 2018, has over 15 years of banking experience, with a strong background in commercial lending and leadership.

Positive

• Ben Crowl's appointment brings continuity and experienced leadership to the CLO role.
• O'Leary's transition to a mentoring role provides Crowl with invaluable support as he steps into his new position.
• The bank has demonstrated significant growth in assets under O'Leary's leadership, indicating strong performance.

Negative

• None.

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash., April 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 1st Security Bank of Washington has named Ben Crowl to succeed Dennis O’Leary as Chief Lending Officer (“CLO”), effective July 1, 2023. Crowl currently serves as Senior Vice President, Director of Consumer Lending. He previously served the Bank as Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Team Lead.

Dennis O’Leary has served as the Bank’s CLO since 2013. “Dennis has been instrumental in guiding the Bank’s growth from $285 million in assets at December 31, 2011, the year he joined the Bank, to $2.63 billion at December 31, 2022. I can’t imagine where we would be today without Dennis’s talent and contributions,” said 1st Security Bank CEO Joe Adams. “In true Dennis style, the succession timing was his idea. Some time ago Dennis asked me if our Board would consider him stepping back into his original role as SVP Director of Commercial Real Estate and Construction Lending. Dennis mentioned a desire for more time with his family after ten years as CLO. The Board and I viewed this as a ‘win-win’ for both the Bank and Dennis. In this new capacity, Dennis will not only be able to pursue his passion for commercial real estate and construction lending, but also be able to assist Ben in his new CLO role. It is rare a newly appointed executive like Ben has the support and guidance of an ‘on-site’ mentor like Dennis. We are excited for Dennis, Ben and the Bank.”      

Ben joined the Bank in 2018 and has more than 15 years of diverse experience in the banking industry, including many years as a commercial lender, team lead, and relationship manager. After beginning his career as a college intern at a local community bank in La Jolla, California, Ben found a passion for business banking and serving businesses and consumers alike.

"I am thrilled that Ben has the opportunity to succeed me in the CLO role," said Dennis O'Leary, Chief Lending Officer. "Ben has proven his leadership abilities in multiple managerial roles at the Bank, each time showing his unwavering commitment to our employees, customers, communities and Core Values."

Ben currently serves on the Bank’s Asset/Liability, Asset Quality and Marketing committees. Ben also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northern Arizona University with a specialty in marketing and advertising. He is an honors graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School, a graduate school for banking held at the University of Washington. Ben has an Executive Leadership Certificate in Organizational Leadership from the University of Washington's Michael G. Foster School of Business.

Inspired by the power of community involvement, Ben has served on several nonprofit boards throughout his career and finds deep satisfaction in being able to use the skills he has developed in banking to give back and help others.

Media Contact:

Camberly Gilmartin
AVP Marketing Manager
1st Security Bank
Camberly.Gilmartin@fsbwa.com

FAQ

Who has been appointed as the new Chief Lending Officer of 1st Security Bank of Washington?

Ben Crowl has been appointed as the new Chief Lending Officer of 1st Security Bank of Washington, effective July 1, 2023.

When did Dennis O’Leary start serving as Chief Lending Officer?

Dennis O’Leary has served as the Chief Lending Officer since 2013.

What was the asset growth of 1st Security Bank of Washington under Dennis O’Leary?

Under Dennis O’Leary's leadership, the bank's assets grew from $285 million in 2011 to $2.63 billion in 2022.

What will Dennis O’Leary's new role be at 1st Security Bank after stepping down as CLO?

Dennis O’Leary will transition to the role of SVP Director of Commercial Real Estate and Construction Lending.

What is Ben Crowl's background in the banking industry?

Ben Crowl has over 15 years of diverse experience in the banking industry and has served in multiple managerial roles, including Senior Vice President and Director of Consumer Lending.