Vice President, Portfolio Manager
Portland Branch

With more than 20 years of banking experience in Portland, Chris Evans is an expert in what local clients need most to succeed.

It’s why she wanted to be a part of Oregon Pacific Bank’s lending team in Portland. As a Portfolio Manager, Chris works with business owners, manufacturers and contractors – companies that need capital to support daily operations. That includes establishing lines of credit and providing funding for real estate or equipment purchases.

OPB’s local decision making is key, she says. Quick decisions help ensure clients get needed capital when they need it and without a lot of hoops or wait time.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Oregon Pacific Bank,” she says. “It’s so important to be with an organization that is dedicated to local communities.”

While commercial lending has been her primary focus for a good part of her career, Chris also supports nonprofit organizations and the vital work they do in our communities by lending her know-how.

“I enjoy working in the nonprofit sector,” she says. “It’s been very rewarding over the years.”

Chris finds her career in finance interesting because of the close association with business owners and the opportunity to tell their story.

“I enjoy the credit side of banking a great deal,” she says. “Working with the client at the start, getting to know their business and being part of a solution”.

Chris also appreciates the industry insight she gains through those relationships. “It’s great having a pulse on the local economy, spending one-on-one time with a client, hearing about any challenges they’re encountering, and what’s going well,” she says.

Over the course of her career, Chris has volunteered extensively, including time with the Smart Reading program, the Oregon Humane Society, and Meals on Wheels.

Chris has enjoyed her years living in Portland after growing up in the Bay Area. She originally moved north to attend the University of Oregon, deciding to pursue a degree in a region she grew to love during childhood.

“I spent several summers in Oregon and had a family member who worked in Eugene, and I was just drawn to this region,” she says. “I wondered if would continue to love it as much if I lived here on a permanent basis, and I do.”

One of the things Chris likes about living here is the beautiful scenery. “I enjoy spending time in the outdoors and Portland has been a great place to raise our family,” she says. “We all have a great time attending Duck football games and taking in the Timbers and Thorns.”

When she finds time, Chris likes to go running and explore new hiking trails.

To find out how we can help you and your nonprofit or business succeed, give us a call at 971-380-3166.