The Most Powerful Women in Banking

In adding Martin Pfinsgraff, until recently the OCC's deputy comptroller for large-bank supervision, and retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Linda Medler, a cybersecurity expert, the regional bank says it is trying to build a board with expertise in fields of timely interest.

The railroad industry executive will replace Raymond Fortin as general counsel.

Finding a perfect candidate could be tricky. Because the New York Fed oversees banks and operates in markets, someone with Wall Street experience is ideal — yet at the same time, it’s important to find a candidate who isn’t beholden to the banks. Some advisers are pushing for a woman or a minority to be appointed.

Rita Lowman recently joined the bank from C1 Financial, where she had been chief operating officer.

Davis, who stepped down as CEO a year ago, will retire as the company's chairman and as an employee at the end of 2017. Umpqua will then become one of the few publicly traded banking companies with a female chair.