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Phil Bridge
Academic Chair
SVP, Senior Credit Officer
Heritage Bank

Phil Bridge has worked in all aspects of commercial banking from credit analysis, portfolio management, relationship management, leading a commercial lending team and most recently as Senior Credit Officer working with commercial teams in Oregon, SW Washington and Puget Sound. Phil is passionate about education and mentorship in banking, driving his enthusiasm for the RMA. Phil holds a BA and MBA from the University of Portland and is an honors graduate with a published management paper from Pacific Coast Banking School. Outside of banking, Phil enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children. You can connect with Phil at: Phil.Bridge@heritagebanknw.com
Chris Folkerts
Academics Committee
Consumer Lending Manager
OnPoint Community Credit Union

Marisol McAllister
Communications Chair
Real Estate Attorney
Farleigh Wada Witt
Cristal Finley
Developing Professionals Chair
Credit Analyst
U.S. Bank
Kaco Newbury
Education Committee
AVP, Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager
Umpqua Bank

Sarah Abadi
Education Committee
Credit Review Officer
Umpqua Bank

Jason Ayres
General Counsel
Creditors’ Rights & Bankruptcy Attorney
Foster Garvey PC

Alex Gosline
Membership Chair
Commercial Lending Team Leader
Pacific West Bank
Sam Othus
Membership Committee
Vice President, Commercial Banking Center Manager
Banner Bank

Sam Othus serves as Vice President, Commercial Banking Center Manager / Team Leader for the Greater Portland Market. He’s been with the Banner Bank for 7.4 years and in commercial baking for 9.4 years.
In today’s ever-changing economic environment, business owners and decision-makers deserve a guide who is passionate about their company and their industry. Sam works hard to fill that role, blending financial expertise with a sincere desire to understand your business and help you succeed. Finding the right solution for your situation involves looking at unexplored areas of your industry and the ways you differentiate your company from the competition.
In addition to an MBA from the University of Oregon and a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University, Sam has 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry. During this time, he’s gained exposure to a broad range of commercial projects, including business sale and acquisition, partner buy-outs, and diverse financing options. You can connect with Sam at: sothus@bannerbank.com
Carlene Lodeski
Membership Committee
Senior Sales Executive
Lawyers Title

Carlene J. Lodeski is AVP, Senior Sales Executive for Lawyers Title of Oregon. In her 30-year career she has provided sales & product support for financial institutions and attorneys in the Portland Metropolitan Area. Carlene supports a team of title & escrow professionals that facilitate and insure residential and commercial transactions. With her expertise of product knowledge, she has designed and presented training on title & escrow to banks such as Bank of America, Columbia Bank, Pacific West Bank as well as presenting to RMA’s Skill Builders. Carlene Lodeski received certification in Land Title Institute I & II as well as completing Oregon Escrow Council certificates I, II & III and has been a member of the President’s Circle for most of her sales career years. Lawyers Title of Oregon parent company, Fidelity National Financial Group, is a Fortune 500 company with over $1.5 Billion in reserves. This provides confidence to lenders securing collateral for loans $500,000 to $50,000,000. Carlene also provides support for our communities of color in Portland by participating in Home Ownership education and serving as a Board Member on several non-profits.
Chris Kane
Programs Chair
SVP, Commercial Banking Team Leader
Heritage Bank

Chris.Kane@HeritageBankNW.com
Dave Porter
Sponsorship Chair
Shareholder
Geffen Mesher

Dave Porter is known for his responsiveness, creativity, and client focus. After 15 years in public accounting with a Big 4 firm, Dave started and led two successful consulting firms over the next 14 years before coming aboard at Geffen Mesher. He also served as the VP of Finance and Controller for a rapidly growing manufacturer of technology products. His experience in public accounting, private industry, and consulting combine to give him a unique perspective.
Dave’s forensic expertise helps companies develop stronger internal controls, mitigate risks, and recover from occupational fraud when it does occur. “Business owners are focused on running their companies, and may not stop to consider that a trusted employee might be stealing from them.” This need led Dave to launch Geffen Mesher’s Forensic Accounting group. Under his leadership, the group has quickly become a well-rounded and sought-after forensic team. You can connect with Dave at dporter@gmco.com.