When business owners have a question, Kristin Short at Oregon Pacific Bank in Eugene can answer it because she’s been there.

A former entrepreneur herself, Kristin understands the challenges of running a business. She owned and ran a coffee shop for seven years while she put herself through the University of Oregon.

“There are so many different things business owners deal with, and I’m able to relate to that,” she says.

Kristin made the switch to community banking in 2005 and joined Oregon Pacific Bank in 2018, where she’s now a Vice President and Relationship Banking Officer. Her personal experience coupled with her business banking know-how informs her work with new entrepreneurs, helping them understand the differences between consumer and commercial lending. She is also well versed in transitioning clients to Oregon Pacific Bank with her expertise in accounts, cash management and services needed for a successful banking relationship.

“I really enjoy helping businesses and nonprofits navigate their banking needs,” Kristin says.

Along with businesses, Kristin has firsthand experience with nonprofit organizations. She is the past president of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Central Lane, which builds and repairs homes, operates a Re-Store and offers affordable mortgages to people who otherwise might not be able to achieve home ownership.

Her work with the organization began several years earlier as part of team-build projects, working with other volunteers alongside new homeowners who were helping to build their own homes through participation hours. She found the experience inspiring, especially when they were able to work through the challenges of a pandemic, smoke from wildfires and uncertainty in availability of materials and appliances.

“We’re really blessed that it all came together,” she says. “We’re helping make their dream of owning a home come true.”

Kristin has also been involved with Angel Hair Foundation, United Way of Lane County and FOOD for Lane County, as well as the Professional Woman’s Forum and Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, she is an active supporter of her church, joining in to substitute teach Sunday School classes and as a parent volunteer with Eugene Christian School.

Her volunteer work keeps her busy, but that’s fine with her. Kristin says once she agrees to take on a project, she’s fully committed. “I’m more about ‘walk the walk,’” she says. “If I say ‘Yes’ to something, I’m all in.”

Kristin’s family is also important to her and is a big part of why she loves living in the Eugene area. They enjoy camping, skiing, and spending time with family members, many of whom live in the area. She was born and raised in Pleasant Hill and enjoys frequent get-togethers. There’s no place she’d rather live.

“My passion is here, serving this community and building relationships,” she says.

At the bank, Kristin’s passion is working with others at OPB to help clients navigate any day-to-day challenges they face. Kristin wants to help them succeed and enjoys being a resource.

“I am someone who genuinely cares about clients and their business success,” she says. “I enjoy helping them find solutions, whatever the issue might be.”

To find out how we can help you and your nonprofit or business succeed, give us a call at 541-636-4804.