When businesses and nonprofits thrive, communities thrive. It’s why we make it our business to help them succeed in accomplishing their goals, says Amber White, EVP and Chief Financial Officer at Oregon Pacific Bank.

“I like the idea, as bankers, that it’s our job and our role to help our clients develop strategies that work for them,” she says. “In some other industries, it feels like you’re the person saying ‘no,’ but we try to come from a place of ‘yes’ and find solutions.”

Amber joined OPB in 2017. She previously worked as a Vice President and Controller at another bank, overseeing financial and regulatory reporting. She also worked as an accountant for a public accounting firm. She first became involved in banking during an internship while attending Oregon State University.

In addition to her work at OPB, Amber advocates for the banking industry and the role it plays in supporting our economy through her participation in banking associations. She says the associations provide a broad perspective of the industry that, in turn, helps us to better serve our customers.

Amber is the chair of the financial officers committee for the Oregon Bankers Association and serves on the board for Synergy by Association, an organization that helps build relationships between banks and trade partners. She helps review regulatory trends and has testified before the Senate Labor and Business Committee on Senate Bill 210, which provided revisions to the calculation of a bank’s legal lending limit.

Outside of work, Amber says she enjoyed serving as treasurer for the Parent Teacher Organization for her children’s elementary school in Eugene. She and her family can be found most any weekend at kids’ sporting events, whether it be basketball, lacrosse or soccer. It’s been a good social outlet for the kids, as well, especially in recent months, she says.

“It keeps us busy. There’s so much our kids can learn from sports, being part of a team.”

She and her family love being active, including bike riding, walks, or just jumping on the trampoline. They like to head over to the Oregon Coast whenever they get a chance to enjoy the beach and the sand dunes. Amber has also been learning to play tennis.

Considering that OPB’s headquarters is in Florence, trips to the coast also offer the opportunity to socialize with co-workers and their families. “That’s the most interesting aspect of the bank and the management team — we actually like each other,” she says with a laugh.

Amber appreciates the fact that she works for a financial institution that builds mutually beneficial relationships between the bank, businesses and Oregon communities we serve. “If we are helping clients with their needs, it helps the bank and helps the community.”

To find out how we can help you and your nonprofit or business succeed, contact us today!