Columbia Bank Executive and Leadership Team

Benjamin Palma-Gil, the Chief Executive Officer at Columbia Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Palma-Gil architects high-level growth initiatives that prioritize personalized banking services for businesses and families. By aligning internal resources with regional market demands, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization maintains a competitive edge in the financial sector. Palma-Gil monitors performance metrics to guarantee that all departments adhere to the core mission of relationship-based guidance. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine long-term objectives and expand the footprint of the bank. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance, Benjamin Palma-Gil secures the stability of the institution. Palma-Gil drives the cultural commitment to excellence, ensuring that every client interaction reflects the values of the bank. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment where financial security remains the primary outcome for every customer served.

Stephen Gardner, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Columbia Bank, governs the strategic direction and board-level initiatives of the organization. Gardner architects the long-term vision, ensuring that the bank remains a pillar of financial support for regional businesses. By managing the relationship between the board and executive leadership, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer facilitates seamless decision-making processes. Gardner oversees the implementation of policies that promote sustainable growth and risk management across all banking divisions. This leadership role requires deep engagement with market trends to anticipate the evolving needs of families and commercial clients. Stephen Gardner drives the institutional commitment to personalized service, ensuring that the bank delivers tailored financial resources consistently. Through the guidance of Gardner, the organization maintains a strong market position. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer focuses on building lasting value for stakeholders while upholding the reputation of the bank as a trusted financial partner.

John Scaldara, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Columbia Bank, executes the daily operational strategy and long-term business development goals. Scaldara architects the expansion of service offerings to better meet the complex needs of regional clients. By coordinating across departments, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the bank delivers consistent, high-quality financial guidance. Scaldara monitors the competitive landscape to identify opportunities for growth and service enhancement. This leadership role involves direct engagement with key business partners to strengthen the market presence of the institution. John Scaldara drives the internal culture of accountability, ensuring that every team member contributes to the overarching mission of financial security. Through the efforts of Scaldara, the bank optimizes its service delivery models to support the diverse goals of families and businesses. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on operational excellence to ensure the continued success of the organization.

Douglas Wright, the Chief Financial Officer at Columbia Bank, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the institution. Wright architects robust financial reporting frameworks that provide transparency and support informed decision-making. By overseeing treasury operations and liquidity management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the bank maintains a strong balance sheet. Wright collaborates with other executives to align financial planning with the broader growth objectives of the organization. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of market risks and the development of strategies to mitigate potential volatility. Douglas Wright drives the efficiency of financial processes, ensuring that resources are deployed effectively to support client-facing initiatives. Through the oversight of Wright, the bank achieves sustainable profitability while adhering to regulatory standards. The Chief Financial Officer plays a vital role in maintaining the financial integrity of the institution, ensuring that the bank remains a reliable partner for all customers.

Ronald Nicolas, the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Columbia Bank, oversees the comprehensive financial strategy and investor relations for the institution. Nicolas architects long-term capital structures that support the expansion of regional banking services. By managing the financial performance of the bank, the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization meets its growth targets while maintaining fiscal discipline. Nicolas coordinates with the board to communicate financial health and strategic progress. This leadership role involves deep analysis of economic indicators to guide the investment decisions of the bank. Ronald Nicolas drives the development of financial policies that enhance operational efficiency and profitability. Through the expertise of Nicolas, the bank secures the necessary capital to fund personalized banking solutions for clients. The Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer ensures that the financial foundation of the bank remains strong and adaptable to market changes.

Sibyl Malatras, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Columbia Bank, manages the financial reporting and accounting functions for specific business units. Malatras architects precise budgeting processes that enable the bank to allocate resources toward high-impact client services. By overseeing internal audits and financial controls, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance and accuracy in all fiscal matters. Malatras provides critical data insights that inform the strategic decisions of the executive team. This leadership role involves monitoring the financial performance of regional operations to ensure alignment with corporate objectives. Sibyl Malatras drives the implementation of cost-saving measures that improve the overall profitability of the bank. Through the analytical rigor of Malatras, the institution maintains a clear view of its financial position. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the broader mission by ensuring that financial resources are managed with precision and foresight.

Anders Giltvedt, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Columbia Bank, oversees the strategic financial planning and risk assessment frameworks. Giltvedt architects comprehensive financial models that help the bank navigate complex market environments. By managing the balance sheet and capital adequacy, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term stability of the institution. Giltvedt collaborates with the leadership team to evaluate the financial feasibility of new service offerings and market expansions. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of interest rate risks and economic shifts that impact the banking sector. Anders Giltvedt drives the development of financial strategies that protect the assets of the bank while fostering growth. Through the guidance of Giltvedt, the organization maintains a disciplined approach to financial management. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the bank remains well-positioned to support the financial security of its diverse client base.

Staci Coburn, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Columbia Bank, directs the financial operations related to commercial lending and business banking services. Coburn architects specialized financial reporting systems that track the performance of commercial portfolios. By overseeing the credit risk management processes, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the bank maintains a healthy loan portfolio while supporting business growth. Coburn works closely with relationship managers to provide tailored financial solutions to commercial clients. This leadership role involves analyzing the impact of regional economic trends on the lending activities of the bank. Staci Coburn drives the optimization of financial workflows to enhance the speed and quality of service for business customers. Through the oversight of Coburn, the bank effectively balances risk and opportunity. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the financial strategies of the bank directly contribute to the success of the businesses served.

Chris Merrywell, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President at Columbia Bank, directs the daily operational workflows and service delivery models. Merrywell architects efficient processes that allow the bank to provide personalized guidance to a growing client base. By overseeing the integration of branch operations and digital service channels, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President ensures a seamless customer experience. Merrywell monitors operational performance to identify bottlenecks and implement improvements that drive productivity. This leadership role involves cross-functional collaboration to ensure that all departments operate in harmony with the mission of the bank. Chris Merrywell drives the execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring that operational capacity matches the growth ambitions of the institution. Through the management of Merrywell, the bank maintains high standards of service quality. The Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President focuses on optimizing internal resources to support the long-term financial goals of every customer.

Tyson Smith, the Chief Information Officer at Columbia Bank, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the bank. Smith architects secure, scalable systems that enable the delivery of modern banking services to a diverse client base. By overseeing cybersecurity protocols and data management, the Chief Information Officer protects the sensitive information of families and businesses. Smith integrates innovative financial technologies to enhance the user experience and streamline internal operations. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of emerging tech trends to ensure the bank remains at the forefront of digital banking. Tyson Smith drives the alignment of IT initiatives with the strategic goals of the organization, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for growth. Through the leadership of Smith, the bank maintains a resilient digital environment. The Chief Information Officer ensures that all technological investments support the core mission of providing personalized, secure financial solutions.