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The Oregon Bankers Association (OBA) proudly recognizes the 19 bankers who comprise the 2025 graduating class of the Northwest Bank Operations School. A cornerstone of OBA’s professional development offerings for almost 30 years, the program remains one of the association’s most respected and enduring resources for bank operations professionals. Over the course of four, 1.5-day sessions from March through June, students received practical, real-world instruction on key aspects of bank operations. Topics included the business of banking, regulatory structure, fraud prevention, elder financial abuse, workplace safety, customer experience, compliance, new accounts, employee supervision, and the rapidly evolving payments landscape. Sessions also focused on leadership, ethics, and strategies for navigating change in a complex and regulated industry. The school concluded last week in Wilsonville with a graduation ceremony and a panel discussion with bank leaders on the future of banking and the importance of community engagement. Students were joined by mentors, supervisors, and senior bank leaders in celebrating the milestone. “The Northwest Bank Operations School equips bankers with the essential tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s fast-changing financial services landscape,” said Scott Bruun, president and CEO of the Oregon Bankers Association. “We are proud to celebrate these graduates for their commitment to operational excellence and their vital role in strengthening Oregon’s banking industry.” OBA congratulates the following 2025 graduates and thanks all participating banks, instructors, and volunteers who contributed to the success of this year’s program. The Northwest Bank Operations School will return in 2027. Annie Boatwright, Pioneer Trust Bank Nichole Boggs, Bank of Eastern Oregon Katie Field, Pacific West Bank Lindsay Fleming, Clackamas County Bank Crystal Holmes, Citizens Bank Ruth Israel, Bank of Eastern Oregon Austin Kometz, Citizens Bank Josie Miles, Bank of Eastern Oregon Dona Morales, Evergreen Federal Bethany Olsen, Bank of Eastern Oregon Abel Perez, People's Bank of Commerce Dana Porter, Bank of Eastern Oregon Jennifer Schlaht, Bank of Eastern Oregon Sara Schmadeka, Citizens Bank Kristin Short, Oregon Pacific Bank Hannah Silva, Pioneer Trust Bank Kayla Stram; Oregon Pacific Bank Noelle Swee, Summit Bank Kemble Tsoi, Citizens Bank The 2025 graduating class of the Northwest Bank Operations School following the final session and graduation ceremony in Wilsonville.
The Oregon Bankers Association (OBA) proudly recognizes the 19 bankers who comprise the 2025 graduating class of the Northwest Bank Operations School. A cornerstone of OBA’s professional development offerings for almost 30 years, the program remains one of the association’s most respected and enduring resources for bank operations professionals. Over the course of four, 1.5-day sessions from March through June, students received practical, real-world instruction on key aspects of bank operations. Topics included the business of banking, regulatory structure, fraud prevention, elder financial abuse, workplace safety, customer experience, compliance, new accounts, employee supervision, and the rapidly evolving payments landscape. Sessions also focused on leadership, ethics, and strategies for navigating change in a complex and regulated industry. The school concluded last week in Wilsonville with a graduation ceremony and a panel discussion with bank leaders on the future of banking and the importance of community engagement. Students were joined by mentors, supervisors, and senior bank leaders in celebrating the milestone. “The Northwest Bank Operations School equips bankers with the essential tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s fast-changing financial services landscape,” said Scott Bruun, president and CEO of the Oregon Bankers Association. “We are proud to celebrate these graduates for their commitment to operational excellence and their vital role in strengthening Oregon’s banking industry.” OBA congratulates the following 2025 graduates and thanks all participating banks, instructors, and volunteers who contributed to the success of this year’s program. The Northwest Bank Operations School will return in 2027.
The 2025 graduating class of the Northwest Bank Operations School following the final session and graduation ceremony in Wilsonville.