If you’ve lived in the Coos Bay area for anytime at all, you’ve more than likely crossed paths with Deena Gisholt. When she’s not serving customers at Oregon Pacific Bank, she’s been active in numerous civic leadership roles, which led her to being named the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year for 2020.

Deena, a Senior Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager, has served customers at the Coos Bay branch for 18 years. She worked for another bank for 20 years prior. She joined OPB because of its community banking environment, where “you know everyone,” she says.

Deena enjoys her job because of the relationships she’s built with clients over the years. “That’s really what it’s all about,” she says. “Trying to learn what’s important to them, what their needs are, helping them to accomplish their goals.”

She’s spent her entire life in the South Coast area, growing up on a dairy farm in Norway, southeast of Coos Bay. Her family bonds and lifelong friends keep her rooted.

When her daughters were in school, Deena was involved in the PTA, served as a basketball coach, and helped in other supportive roles.

As for her civic involvement, she’s served for more than 20 years as a board member on the South Coast Development Council. She’s also served as president and board member of the United Way of Southwestern Oregon and as president of the Myrtle Point Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Deena was involved with the Myrtle Point, Coquille and Bay Area Rotary clubs and still supports their efforts as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Deena has since stepped back from some of those roles, focusing on her work as a board member for Kids Hope Center, an advocacy organization that helps support children who’ve experienced abuse. She says her “passion for children” is what drives her in what can be difficult but important work.

Deena says she’s grateful to work for a bank that encourages employees to be involved in volunteer and civic organizations.

“When the community thrives, we thrive, and our clients thrive,” Deena says. “It’s a win-win.”

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