Central Valley Community in California Names Bank President

Central Valley Community Bancorp (CVCY) in Fresno, Calif., has named James Ford president of its bank.

Ford's appointment at Central Valley Community Bank took effect Feb. 1, according to the company's press release Monday. He inherits the job from Daniel Doyle, who will continue to serve as chief executive of the bank and as president and CEO of the parent company.

Doyle plans to step down as bank CEO at the end of the year but will continue leading the $1.1 billion-asset parent company, according to the release.

"Serving as Central Valley Community Bank's leader has been a tremendous experience that I have truly loved," Doyle said in the release. "After over four decades in banking, I am honored to share the managerial role at Central Valley Community Bank with an esteemed banker [Ford], whose respected leadership experience directly aligns with the bank's strategic vision, commitment to core values and desire to do the right thing for our customers, employees, communities and shareholders."

Ford most recently served as president and CEO of PremierWest Bancorp (PRWT) in Medford, Ore. The company was acquired by Starbuck Bancshares, the private-equity parent of AmericanWest Bank, in April. During his time at PremierWest, Ford conducted a $35 million capital raise and managed 32 branches in Oregon and northern California.

Ford has also held senior positions at Bank of the West in Walnut Creek, Calif.; Union Safe Deposit Bank in Stockton, Calif.; Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) in Cincinnati; and Wells Fargo (WFC), formerly First Interstate Bank, in Beaverton, Ore.

Central Valley paid $22 million to acquire Visalia Community Bank in Visalia, Calif., in August.

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Community banking California
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