C.J. Johnson Named President and CEO of Mechanics Bank

WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mechanics Bank (OTCEM:MCHB) has named C.J. Johnson President and Chief Executive Officer, a role he has performed on an interim basis since February 2024.

Mr. Johnson has been instrumental in contributing to Mechanics Bank’s strategic direction and strong performance, both as an officer of the bank and as a Partner of Ford Financial Fund, the bank’s majority owner since 2015. His duties have included serving as the bank’s Chief Financial Officer and as a member of its Executive Committee. Additionally, Mr. Johnson has helped execute Ford Financial Fund’s acquisition strategy for Mechanics Bank, which has driven the Bank’s growth from $3 billion in assets in 2015 to nearly $17 billion in assets today.

“C.J. is a strong leader who knows our business, employees and clients well,” said Carl B. Webb, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mechanics Bank and Co-Managing Partner of Ford Financial Fund. “He appreciates Mechanics Bank’s 120-year record of financial stability and will continue to build on our reputation as a trusted financial partner in every community we serve across California.”

Engaged in community development and reinvestment activities, Mr. Johnson serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Richmond Housing Renovation, LLC, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing vacant and blighted single-family housing in vulnerable low-income neighborhoods in Richmond, California. The community organization is funded by a $3 million social impact bond financed solely by Mechanics Bank.

Mr. Johnson holds a B.A. in Economics, with highest distinction and honors, from the University of Michigan, where he was the recipient of the Harold D. Osterweil Memorial Prize in economics for graduating at the top of his class while also displaying a high degree of social awareness.

About Mechanics Bank

Mechanics Bank is an independent, full-service bank based in Walnut Creek, California, with nearly $17 billion in assets, a best-in-class deposit franchise and 112 branches. Founded in 1905 to help families, businesses and communities prosper, the historic financial institution has grown to become one of the largest California-based banks, and is among the strongest, safest and most resilient banks in the nation. Taking pride in providing a highly personalized banking experience, Mechanics Bank offers a wide range of products and resources in consumer and business banking, commercial lending, cash management services, private banking, and comprehensive wealth management and trust services. Visit www.MechanicsBank.com.

Mechanics Bank is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.