Employees – Page 3 – River City Bank

September 15, 2020

River City Bank expands CRE lending to Texas and several Western states with hire of Curtis Brunton

Former Bay Area banker to focus on commercial real estate as SVP, Business Development Officer based in Austin

SACRAMENTO, CA – River City Bank announces the addition of Curtis Brunton as Senior Vice President, Business Development Officer. Brunton, who is based in Austin, TX, will be responsible for developing new business, with a focus on originating commercial real estate (CRE) loans throughout Texas and specific states in the western U.S. He brings more than 22 years of experience in loan origination and new business development, having most recently opened the San Francisco office for Morgan Stanley’s commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) group in 2017.

Curtis Brunton CRE Business Development

“Our team at River City Bank has experienced tremendous success in recent years,” said Dan Franklin, Director of Commercial Real Estate for River City Bank. “Now that we have begun to expand into new markets in Texas and other western states, we are excited to welcome a proven performer like Curtis to our team. We look forward to his business development efforts in growing markets such as Austin, which will serve as his home base.”

“River City Bank has a track record of success in the California market, particularly when it comes to commercial real estate lending,” said Curtis Brunton, SVP, Business Development Officer at River City Bank. “I am excited to extend those practices into new markets in Texas and other states in the West.”

As a CRE loan originator with Morgan Stanley based in San Francisco, Brunton focused on commercial lending throughout the western United States through mortgage banking clients and direct borrowers. Before opening that office with Morgan Stanley in 2017, he spent a total of 15 years with PGIM Real Estate Finance and 2 years as a Managing Director at Redwood Trust.

Brunton graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from University of Arizona.

August 25, 2020

In Memoriam – Jon Kelly

Sacramento business icon Jon Kelly, the former owner of KCRA 3 and founder of Sacramento-based River City Bank, died July 25th, 2020. Jon, a longtime Sacramento resident before relocating to Southern California, was 84 years old.

Jon started at Channel 3, joining his older brother, Robert, in 1958. Two years later, Ewing “Gene” Kelly, their father, died of a heart attack and Jon Kelly, at the age of 24, became station manager. The brothers founded the Kelly Broadcasting Co. with their mother, Nina, a short time later.

After buying the stations outright from their partners — the Hansen family, who owned Crystal Cream and Butter Co. — the Kellys owned and operated the NBC-affiliated station for more than three decades, setting a bar higher than any of their competitors by producing public-affairs programming, daytime and evening news and lifestyle magazines years before others followed suit.

Channel 3’s longtime slogan — “Where the News Comes First” — was backed up by huge investments in its news operation. It fielded (and still does) more reporters and photographers, broadcast more hours of news and employed more news gathering equipment than any other station in the market.

The Kellys kept Channel 3 on the cutting edge, becoming the first in the market to use color film and Doppler radar; creating the first hour-long newscast and locally-produced morning show; creating “De Colores,” a public-affairs program focused on the Latino community; and sending LiveCopter 3 up into the skies above the capital beginning in 1987.

By the 1990s, before the station’s sale to Hearst in 1998, Channel 3 was leading competitors, and KCRA made national news several times, such as when President Bill Clinton decided to hold a statewide town hall meeting and chose to do it at KCRA.

Channel 3 has been a training ground for generations of TV reporters and anchors who went on to distinguished careers beyond Sacramento. Joan Lunden, the former veteran anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” hosted Channel 3’s noon news in the 1970s. Miguel Almaguer and Kathy Park, now with NBC, are also a KCRA alumni, as is Gary Gerould, the voice of the Kings. The list goes on and on.

Kelly Broadcasting also operated KQCA-TV, owned AM and FM radio stations in Sacramento and owned and operated KCPQ-TV, the Fox affiliate in Seattle.

Other Business Ventures

Jon Kelly was the key player in the formation years ago of the Sacramento Area Trade and Commerce Organization, which was instrumental in attracting such industrial heavyweights as Intel, NEC and Hewlett-Packard to the region.

He also donated the land on which public television’s KVIE, Channel 6, now sits in South Natomas, and also found success as a real estate developer. One of his signature projects was the 12-story, LEED-certified Gateway Tower building at 2020 W. El Camino Ave.

Jon founded River City Bank to serve the capital region, growing the business-focused institution to 10 area branches and a presence in the Bay Area and Southern California before retiring from the chairman’s post in 2009. The Kellys still own a majority interest in the bank, which began in 1973 with about $2 million in capital. Today, the bank has assets of nearly $3.2 billion, making it the largest locally-owned bank in the capital region.

Jon was also an active producer in the television syndication business, remained in broadcasting through his investment in the SummitMedia group, owning 50 radio stations throughout the country, according to his family.

Jon Kelly was born July 23, 1936, in Berkeley, before the family moved to Sacramento where Gene Kelly became an ad salesman for The Bee before starting his own advertising agency in 1938. In 1945, they started their radio station. Jon Kelly attended the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey and the University of California, Berkeley.

After the sale of KCRA, Jon and his wife, Sarah, moved to their farm in Rancho Santa Fe in San Diego County. There, they continued their interest in thoroughbred horse racing and breeding, which led them to field horses in the Kentucky Derby and other prestigious races.

In addition to wife Sarah, Jon Kelly is survived by his sister, Suzanne, along with his children Gregory, Shawn, Marilyn, Mary Margaret and Melanie; and 13 grandchildren.

December 17, 2019

River City Bank announces employee bonuses of $2,500 to cap off record-setting year of profits

SACRAMENTO, CA — River City Bank, Sacramento’s premier business bank, celebrated a successful 2019 fiscal year by launching a special “Days of Giving” event for employees. During the 16-day event, which ran from November 25, 2019, to December 10, 2019, River City Bank employees participated in daily raffles with prize options that were selected to appeal to a diverse range of interests for techies, foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, sports fanatics and shoppers. On the final day of the event, the Bank awarded a $2,500 cash bonus to every employee, up to and including the Vice President level. All employees received a River City Bank branded gift bag on the final day of the event, filled with a variety of gifts including an Arc’teryx jacket, a YETI^® mug and other premium items.

“We continue to establish new high-water marks in asset size and net income each year as a direct result of our incredible employees and their exceptional customer service, dedication, intelligence and integrity,” said Steve Fleming, President and CEO of River City Bank. “Reaching the $2.4 billion mark in total assets is a significant accomplishment, and we look forward to even more success in the future.”

“River City Bank is an amazing place to work,” said Carrie Coppage-Feld, Premier Relationship Manager. “The employee-centric focus of our leadership team motivates our team to continued growth and expansion each year while setting the bar high for other organizations to follow.”

The community-based bank recently reported a record-setting $2.4 billion in total assets and year-to-date net income of $19.5 million as of September 30, 2019. Headquartered in Sacramento, the Bank maintains 11 branch locations throughout the region, as well as corporate offices in San Francisco and Walnut Creek.

October 2, 2019

River City Bank and its employees donate more than $11,800 to Sacramento Tree Foundation

Funds will aid in expanding urban canopy to under-resourced local neighborhoods

SACRAMENTO, CA – River City Bank, Sacramento’s premier business bank, showed its support for public health and community improvements by presenting a donation check in the amount of $11,894 to the Sacramento Tree Foundation. The donation will be used to bolster the expansion of the foundation’s NeighborWoods Program, which seeks to plant approximately one million trees in under-resourced and under-canopied neighborhoods throughout the six-county Sacramento region. Funds may also be directed toward the organization’s innovative certification program, which aims to ensure that tree canopy considerations are incorporated into all new building developments.

“As one of Sacramento’s longstanding community-based businesses, River City Bank is dedicated to seeing our region grow and prosper, and that includes supporting organizations that provide solutions for enhancing quality of life and providing personal health benefits within our neighborhoods,” said Steve Fleming, President and CEO of River City Bank. “Sacramento Tree Foundation is responsible for significant improvements in our local communities, particularly through the planting of more than one million trees in and around Sacramento, and we are pleased to contribute to its future success.”

“The presence of a healthy and vibrant urban canopy provides tangible benefits to the community, including longer life spans and stronger school and professional performance,” said Ray Tretheway, Executive Director of Sacramento Tree Foundation. “With support from visionary partners such as River City Bank, we’re able to extend those benefits to six of our region’s most underserved neighborhoods.”

River City Bank presented the donation check to Mr. Tretheway and Dr. Janine Bera, Board President of Sacramento Tree Foundation, during its biennial client appreciation reception, which was held on September 19, 2019. The donation consisted of contributions from River City Bank as a corporate entity, as well as a significant sum provided by the internal fundraising efforts of its employees.

As part of an annual tradition, River City Bank employees initiated a series of fundraising activities to encourage staff to provide donations to Sacramento Tree Foundation as its charity of choice in 2019. Activities included a bake sale, farmer’s market and an event deemed the “Great Banker Bake-Off,” as well as internal competitions between teams in the bank’s various offices and branch locations.

For more information about Sacramento Tree Foundation, visit SacTree.com.

July 1, 2019

RCB Summer Reading List

As the temperatures start climbing and summer vacations begin, we start reaching for new and engaging reads to enjoy. Read on to learn what titles RCB staff are currently enjoying.

The reason I chose this book: The title. I’m about halfway through (pretty dense content!). The authors’ argue through historical case studies, that the role of institutions largely determines a nation’s economic success. If you like economics and history, this is a great book for you!

Rob Leet
Credit AnalystWhy Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty by Daron Acemoglu & James Robinson

The reason I chose this book: I heard it was much like the book “The Goal” by Dr. Eliyah M. Goldratt, which has been called one of the most influential management books of all time and is one of my favorites. I also wanted to better understand more about what an IT team typically tackles and how they interact with other departments within an organization, especially as it relates to projects and process improvement. If you have ever been in a situation where you felt there was not enough time or enough resources, too many competing priorities and agendas, etc. then you will definitely benefit from reading this book.

Bryce Lund
Operations Project Manager/ AVPThe Phoenix Project by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford

The reason I chose this book: It’s a really original and beautiful sci-fi novella about a woman from the Himba people of North Western Africa who is accepted into the finest institution of higher learning in the galaxy.

Jessica MisquezLoan Operations SpecialistBinti by Nnedi Okorafor

The reason I chose this book: I’m re-reading this book and have read it several times since being introduced to it in college. It was the first book that I felt was written just for me. It focuses specifically on the complex relationship between Asian immigrant mothers and their Asian-American daughters and their strong bond, despite generational and cultural conflicts. It depicts the fierceness of women, young and old, their bravery, and the perseverance that binds them all.

Tess GeeMarketing Project Manager/AVPJoy Luck Club by Amy Tan

The reason I chose this book: This book was chosen as Alastair Reynolds is one of my favorite sci-fi authors. It takes place 500 years in the future when humankind is spread throughout the stars. It tackles a number of issues, including what it means to be “human” in environments that are very different from what we experience today on Earth. The story is very complicated and full of twists and turns, which makes it a very challenging and exciting read!

Jeremy SpencerInternal Audit Manager/VPRevelation Space by Alastair Reynolds

The reason I chose this book: I love reading crime novels that have unpredictable plots. The author Lars Kepler is unique. Kepler is actually a husband and wife team authoring books under one moniker. I don’t have a more in-depth reason for picking it up other than I love to read. It is my passion and has been since I picked my first book off the shelf of my dad’s den.

Shirleen HassianCompliance Risk Manager/SVPThe Sandman by Lars Kepler

July 1, 2019

Meet Pat Lewis

Pat Lewis is the EVP/Chief Operating Officer of River City Bank and is responsible for the daily operations of the Bank. Pat has been with the bank for over 17 years and appreciates the collaboration and strong work ethic of her colleagues at RCB. She spoke candidly with us about her ardent admiration for her father, her fondness for Beantown, and how a cheese board and a cool beverage can erase the stressors of a long day at work.

Hometown: Houston, TX is where I grew up, but I’ve spent most of my adult life in Sacramento. Home is where the heart is!

First Job: K-Mart Customer Service Desk. I learned some great customer service survival skills (listening, communication, multi-tasking, maintaining a poker face, etc.), especially the day after Christmas, and whenever I had to run the “Blue Light Special.” A flashing blue light still elicits a fight or flight response from me.

First Car: 1980 Firebird Formula with T-Top, until it was taken away. That’s a story for a different time and place.

Favorite Quote: “Be humble, be hungry, and be the hardest worker in the room.” Dwayne Johnson

Favorite Movie: Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Who doesn’t like the GOAT, Audrey Hepburn?

Favorite Song: Imagine by John Lennon – Sometimes the lyrics hit me just right and are so poignant that I get emotional with the hope that someday we could all imagine…

What are you reading right now? The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates is next in queue.

Favorite place in Sacramento: Ella Dining Room & Bar – The Artisan Cheese Board paired with The Real Gin and Tonic make even the toughest days a bit easier.

First site or app you check in the morning: I literally start my day by rolling over and grabbing my phone to scan email and text messages. I assure you, there is no such thing as banker’s hours, and stuff happens 24×7 in banking!

Pat Lewis and her family

Favorite city to visit: Boston – great history, lots of culture, awesome food & beverages, and who can resist Fenway!

If you have an extra hour in the day, how would you spend it? I would spend it having breakfast with my boys (dad, husband, and son), listening to their stories, and laughing my booty off.

Who is your favorite hero/heroine of fiction? Katniss Everdeen because she stands up for her beliefs and is a real bad***.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I love to sing. Unfortunately, I can’t carry a tune, but I’m the best ever when I sing along with the radio in my car. Don’t be scared if you see me on the road, mouth moving fervently, and be-bopping along. It isn’t road rage. It’s just me thinking that I can win a Grammy someday.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Playing games with my family & friends – This usually is accompanied by lots of eating, drinking, and merriment. I particularly enjoy that we can be obnoxiously competitive and still love each other when the game is over.

What did you want to be when you were a child? Foreign news correspondent – It seemed very adventurous, romantic, and most of all relevant. I loved watching Walter Cronkite and Barbara Walters with my parents and talking about world events.

What is your greatest fear? That it is my carpool day and I’ve forgotten the children.

Which living person do you most admire? I am wonderstruck by my father. He led six tours of duty, retired from the military with honors, completed his undergraduate degree (Phi Beta Kappa) and MBA while working full time, retired, again, from the private sector, and NEVER missed a family event. He is a fierce leader with a heart of gold, and I’m proud to be daddy’s girl!

What causes are you supporting at the moment? 1. Youth Sports – It builds character and teaches our young men and women quite a few life skills: working hard, leadership, being a team player, and overcoming adversity, just to name a few. I’ve watched my son and his teammates become fine young men because of their role models and experiences. 2. Climate Change – Let’s get real, and all do our part. If not, we won’t have a planet left for our youth to enjoy.

What is your greatest extravagance? Sleeping in, which doesn’t really happen with my schedule.

What is your current state of mind? Blessed – Not to be cliché, but it’s a wonderful life. I’ve got a supportive and loving family, fantastic friends, and a career that still keeps me jazzed every day.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Patience – If it needs to be done, just do it.

What was the best piece of business advice you were given when you were starting out? Be a duck and let it roll off your back. You can’t please all people, you won’t always be right, and things sometimes don’t go your way. Shake it off and move on.

What do you like best about working at River City Bank? I appreciate that I get to work with the best bankers in the business. We’re all built with the same value structure, and we’re drivers that propagate River City Bank’s vision to be the premier commercial bank in California. My colleagues are collaborative, supportive, and competitive. We’re a team that loves to win!

March 27, 2019

2019 All-Staff Meeting

As the saying goes, it takes a village. Creating a successful bank thrives on different perspectives and skills, the interchange of ideas, and collaboration. At the 2019 River City Bank All-Staff meeting, we honored those who understood our vision, stuck to our core values, and embraced challenges while finding solutions.

Here is a list of this year’s awardees:

Rookie of the Year: Stephanie Hayworth

Top CSR: Katrice Jacobs

Department of the Year: Cash Management

Exceptional Service: Tracy Mullen

Branch of the Year: Davis

Team Player – Branch: Riley McFall

Team Player – Corporate: Megan Jimenez

Above and Beyond: Jeremy Spencer

Excellence in Credit Underwriting: Nina Anderson

Branch All-Star: Carolyn Spellman

Top CRA Contribution: PD Asp

Initiative: Jennifer Ballard

Consider it Done: Dominick Carlson

Branch Leadership: Veronika Zelinsky

Brand Ambassador: Janette Moynier

Key Contributor: Ken Imwinkelried

Life Time Achievement: Jay Murray

Life Time Achievement: Carol Roe

Patty Plytas and Herita Singh

P.D. Asp, Jeremy Spencer, and Shelly Haughton

Ariana Lepe, Nicole Laguerta, and Daniel Harrison from RCB’s Woodland Branch

RCB’s Howe Branch Team (clockwise from top): Mitchell Salvador, Doris Harrison, Alejandra Vera, Carolyn Spellman, and Erin Brooks

Steve Fleming (middle), President & CEO, congratulates Lifetime Achievement Award honorees Jay Murray (left) and Carol Roe (right)

Olga Tkach and Julia Lorensen of RCB’s Sunrise Branch

(From left to right): Adrienne Evans, Liz Truong, Becky Yang, and Liz Wooldridge

River City Bank’s Premier Banking Team (from left to right): Tracy Mullen, Amanda Semeryuk, Janette Moynier, and Donna Sutherland

December 20, 2018

Employee Profile: Donna Sutherland

Donna Sutherland is the newest Premier Relationship Manager, Vice President at River City Bank. She is no stranger to River City Bank; in fact, she began her career here at our Woodland Branch as its Assistant Manager nearly a decade ago. Recently, we met with the RCB boomerang to talk about the causes that she is passionate about, and her love for all things Disney.

Hometown: Alameda, CA

First Job: I was a cashier at Del Taco.

Favorite Quote(s): Yesterday is past, tomorrow is not promised, today is a gift, which is why it is called the present. ― Bill Keane

Favorite Movie: The Wizard of Oz – there is a little bit of Dorothy in all of us!

Favorite place in Sacramento: The Firehouse Restaurant. It has a romantic atmosphere, delicious food, and a great wine list.

First site or app you check in the morning: LinkedIn for a quick news download.

Favorite city to visit: San Diego, CA. It has perfect weather and beautiful beaches!

What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I am a huge Disney fan. I love to visit the parks with family and friends whenever I can! I always feel like a kid and enjoy the little details that Disney does throughout the park to make it a magical experience.

Donna at Disneyland in 2018

Which causes/nonprofits do you support? There are two organizations that I support and each for a very personal reason: Shriners Hospital and the March of Dimes. I have a particular affinity for Shriners Hospital because they performed spinal surgery on my daughter. Families are never billed for their services, and they never turn away a child because of a family’s inability to pay. As a mother, the March of Dimes also holds a special place in my heart. The organization works towards reducing premature births and helping mothers have healthier pregnancies.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Being somewhere on a beach, watching the waves.

What did you want to be when you were a child? I wanted to be a singer, specifically, a country singer.

What was the best piece of business advice you were given when you were starting out? Control what you can control and don’t let the rest weigh you down.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Building strong relationships in all of the positions I have held and mentoring others to achieve their goals.

What do you like best about working at River City Bank? The culture is amazing! I am proud to work for a bank that cares so much about the customers and communities that we serve.

February 1, 2018

Record-setting 2017 prompts $1,000 employee bonuses from River City Bank

SACRAMENTO, CA — January 30, 2018 — River City Bank, Sacramento’s premier business bank, is awarding each employee at the Vice President level and below a $1,000 bonus following a successful 2017 fiscal year. The bank recently reported a record-setting $2 billion in total assets and a net income of $16.7 million for 2017. In recognition of their employees’ hard work in contributing to a lucrative 2017 year, the bonuses will be distributed in mid- February.

“We want to acknowledge the accomplishments of our incredible employees because we know that a prosperous year stems directly from their exceptional customer service, dedication, intelligence, and integrity,” said Steve Fleming, President and CEO of River City Bank. “Reaching the $2 billion mark in total assets is a significant accomplishment, and we look forward to even more success in the future”

January 25, 2018

Meet Nick Capraro

Nick Capraro is the Banking Center Manager for both the Davis and Downtown branches of River City Bank. Nick is responsible for ensuring both branches run smoothly and the needs of all its customers are met. We caught him during his busy work day to sit down with us to discuss baseball, endurance running, and going the distance.

Hometown: San Jose, CA

First Job: I worked at Service Merchandise as a cashier and quickly learned how much I loved working with money.

First Car: 1977 Monte Carlo Favorite Quotes: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it”

Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption

First site or app you check in the morning: I always check out the Strava running app to see how many miles my friends have run. It inspires me to get out and run.

Favorite city to visit: Bend, Oregon. It has beautiful mountains, trails, lakes, and is dog-friendly. Which talent would you most like to have? The athletic ability to play professional sports.

Which causes/nonprofits do you support? Alzheimer’s Association, Ovarian Cancer Education & Research Network, Inc.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Perfect happiness for me is running trails. It’s a great stress reliever. I get to run near lakes and rivers while taking in awesome views and seeing wildlife up close.

What did you want to be when you were a child? I wanted to be a professional baseball player. I played baseball in high school, but injuries derailed any further thoughts of continuing to the next level.

What was the best piece of business advice you were given when you were starting out? (Or a piece of advice you’re glad you ignored?) Do it right the first time.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Finishing a 100-mile race. The course started in Folsom, ran up to Auburn and Cool, and then finished back at Folsom. I’ve completed two 100-mile races so far and am trying to get into the 100 mile Western States Endurance Run. It starts in Squaw Valley and finishes in Auburn. It’s the most coveted endurance run for trail runners. After the race, my body was exhausted from being on my feet for 22 hours. Physically, I was not as sore as I thought I’d be and had no blisters on my feet. Mentally, I was drained, but very proud to have completed something not very many people have.

What do you like best about working at River City Bank? Working at the branch allows me the opportunity to build relationships with people in the community every day. I value those relationships and always look forward to establishing new ones.