Umpqua Bank Accelerates Commercial Expansion Across Puget Sound
Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation, announced today the expansion of its Puget Sound commercial office to support the growth needs of companies throughout the greater Seattle-Tacoma region. Sarah Howard has been hired as senior vice president and commercial banking leader to head Umpqua’s Western Washington Commercial Banking Centers.
According to Richard Cabrera, executive vice president and head of commercial & corporate banking at Umpqua, Howard’s addition comes as Umpqua plans for significant expansion of its business in the Puget Sound region over the next year.
“Seattle, Tacoma, and the entire Puget Sound area are dynamic, diverse markets with significant potential for growth. As the largest bank headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, Umpqua is proud of our heritage, and excited to begin expanding our presence by building a team with deep local roots and experience helping businesses compete in the region’s growing economy,” said Cabrera. “Sarah has a proven record of building successful teams and will be a terrific asset as we bring our unique combination of customer-centric service and professional expertise to more Puget Sound companies.”
Howard brings over 30 years of banking and leadership experience to Umpqua. For the past 15 years, she held positions at Wells Fargo, where she led top performing commercial teams. Her expertise includes advising the banking and growth needs of private companies, non-profit organizations, tribal communities and small local government entities.
“Throughout my career, I’ve focused on helping the kinds of enterprises that bring prosperity to more people and communities across our region,” said Howard. “I’m thrilled to join a bank with that same commitment, as well as the capabilities and expertise to make it happen.”
A Puget Sound resident for nearly 25 years, with two grown sons, Howard is a graduate of Pacific Coast Baking School at the University of Washington. She has been deeply involved in the local community, using her banking expertise to support nonprofit organizations and has held volunteer and leadership positions with the United Way of Kitsap County, Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees in Tacoma, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Clover Park Technical College Foundation, Communities in Schools, and Lions Club International (Lakewood, WA).
About Umpqua Bank
Umpqua Bank, headquartered in Roseburg, Oregon, is a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation, and has locations across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada. Umpqua Bank has been recognized for its innovative customer experience and banking strategy by national publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, BusinessWeek, Fast Company and CNBC. The company has been recognized for eight years in a row on FORTUNE magazine's list of the country's "100 Best Companies to Work For," and was recently named by The Portland Business Journal the Most Admired Financial Services Company in Oregon for the fourteenth consecutive year. In addition to its retail banking presence, Umpqua Bank owns Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc., a nationally recognized commercial finance company that provides equipment leases to small businesses.
Umpqua Holdings also owns a retail brokerage subsidiary, Umpqua Investments, Inc., which offers services through Umpqua Bank stores and in dedicated offices throughout Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada. Umpqua's Wealth Management Division serves high net worth individuals and nonprofits by providing customized financial solutions and offerings. Umpqua Holdings Corporation is headquartered in Portland, Ore. For more information, visit https://www.umpquabank.com/newsroom.