WaFd Bank President and CEO Brent Beardall Expected to Return Soon to Full-Time Duties

Rhea-AI Summary

Brent Beardall, President and CEO of Washington Federal (Nasdaq: WAFD), is recovering well from a plane crash in January. He is expected to be discharged from the University of Utah Health Rehabilitation Hospital on February 10, 2023, and return to his role at WaFd Bank on February 13, 2023. During his recovery, Executive VP Cathy Cooper has effectively led the bank, allowing it to post record quarterly earnings. Chairman Stephen Graham expressed gratitude for Beardall's recovery and anticipated return. WaFd Bank operates over 200 branches across eight western states, emphasizing its commitment to growth strategies.

Positive

• Record quarterly earnings during Beardall's recovery
• Effective leadership by Cathy Cooper while Beardall was incapacitated
• Strong corporate support for leadership and growth strategies

Negative

• None.

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Brent Beardall, President and CEO of Washington Federal, Inc. (Nasdaq: WAFD) and Washington Federal Bank (dba WaFd Bank), continues to make significant progress recovering from a small plane crash in early January in Provo, Utah. Beardall, who is undergoing extensive physical therapy at the Rehabilitation Hospital at the University of Utah Health, expects to be discharged from the hospital on February 10, 2023, and return to his duties at WaFd Bank full time beginning February 13, 2023.

“I’m feeling stronger every day, lifted by so much love and support I’ve received over the last few weeks,” Beardall said. “I feel incredibly blessed to be on the mend so quickly and to work with an exceptional team of bankers who have stepped up and done an outstanding job running the bank during my recovery. With Executive Vice President and Chief Consumer Banker Cathy Cooper temporarily assuming my duties, we have not missed a beat executing on WaFd’s growth strategies and we’re pleased to post record quarterly earnings.”

Washington Federal’s Chairman of the Board, Stephen Graham, said, “We are so grateful to see Brent well on his way to a full recovery and we look forward to his return to normal duties after he completes inpatient rehabilitation.”

WaFd Bank, a federally insured Washington state-chartered bank with headquarters in Seattle, Washington, has more than 200 branches in eight western states. To find out more about WaFd Bank, please visit our website www.wafdbank.com. WaFd Bank uses its website to distribute financial and other material information about the Company.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230126005754/en/

Brad Goode

Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

WaFd Bank/Washington Federal, Inc.

425 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101

(206) 626-8178

Source: Washington Federal, Inc.

FAQ

What updates are there on Brent Beardall's recovery from the plane crash?

Brent Beardall is recovering well and is expected to be discharged from rehabilitation on February 10, 2023.

When is Brent Beardall returning to WaFd Bank?

Brent Beardall is scheduled to return to his full duties on February 13, 2023.

How did WaFd Bank perform during Brent Beardall's absence?

WaFd Bank posted record quarterly earnings while Brent Beardall was recovering, with Cathy Cooper stepping in as acting leader.

What is the significance of the leadership changes at WaFd Bank?

Cathy Cooper's leadership during Beardall's recovery demonstrated the bank's stability and commitment to its growth strategies.