Anonymous
Laurel Sykes has joined American Riviera Bank (OTC Markets: ARBV) as Executive Vice President/Chief Compliance & Risk Officer. As the Bank continues its growth in the Central Coast region, Sykes will bring her deep experience in the areas of compliance and risk management to the team at American Riviera Bank. She will be responsible for enterprise risk management and regulatory affairs for American Riviera Bank, and will lead the Bank’s consumer compliance function and the anti-money laundering/financial crimes unit.
“When it came to filling such a critical role within our Bank, we knew only the best candidate would do,” said American Riviera Bank CEO Jeff DeVine, “Being local, we have known Laurel for some time. Her experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm are exactly what we need to continue the steady and successful growth of American Riviera Bank. With Laurel on our team, we continue to deliver our promise of better banking for our community.”
A 4th generation native to Solvang, Sykes worked for nearly 10 years at Montecito Bank & Trust as SVP and Chief Risk Officer. There, she was responsible for risk management, compliance, regulatory affairs, information privacy, fraud mitigation, and the financial literacy and elder abuse prevention programs. Prior to Montecito Bank & Trust, Sykes worked for Wells Fargo while studying Business Economics at the University of California at Santa Barbara. She joined Santa Barbara Bank & Trust in 1995, where she held several key positions before rising to the position of Director of Regulatory Affairs for its parent company, Pacific Capital Bancorp.
“I’m thrilled to be joining American Riviera Bank, who has always maintained a strong reputation for combining full-service banking solutions and the personal touch of a community bank with local decisions by the Bank’s Board and Management team. I’m also excited to be a part of our long-term, relationship-based growth strategy on the Central Coast and to work with the team to ensure our continued safe and sound operation.”
Sykes is passionate about financial literacy and preventing elder abuse, having volunteered and spoken on these topics locally and nationally. She is also active in the local non-profit community, serving on the Board of the Goleta Valley Softball Association and leveraging her experience in affordable housing and community development projects to offer support to local housing authorities and housing trust funds. She was honored as one of three finalists for the Western Bankers Association (WBA) Banker of the Year award in 2017. She delights in spending time with husband Tom and their two daughters, and especially enjoys traveling on the weekends with her family to the girls’ softball and soccer tournaments. She also enjoys running with their Siberian Husky, Bandit, and has completed several marathons.
About American Riviera Bank:
American Riviera Bank is a full-service community bank focused on serving the lending and deposit needs of businesses and consumers on the Central Coast of California. The state-chartered bank opened for business on July 18, 2006, with the support of local shareholders. Full-service branches are located in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. The bank provides commercial, residential mortgage, construction and Small Business Administration lending services as well as convenient online and mobile technology. For nine consecutive years the Bank has been recognized for strong financial performance by the Findley Reports, and received the highest “Super Premier” rating from Findley for 2018 and 2017. As of March 31, 2019, the Bank was rated five stars by BauerFinancial.
American Riviera Bank is an FDIC Member as well as an Equal Housing Lender.
For more information, please visit www.AmericanRivieraBank.com.
