Summit Bank Announces Appointment of Steve Ritchie to Eugene & Springfield Advisory Board

EUGENE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Summit Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Ritchie, CPA, CFE, and Managing Partner at Kernutt Stokes, to its Eugene & Springfield Advisory Board. Ritchie brings a wealth of accounting, finance, and business leadership expertise to strengthen Summit Bank's commitment to exceptional service, fiscal responsibility, and sustainable growth.

With more than two decades of industry experience, Ritchie began his career managing his family's business before discovering a deep passion for accounting and finance. In 1996, he joined Kernutt Stokes, an Oregon-based public accounting firm, and became Managing Partner in 2017. In this role, Ritchie oversees strategic planning, staff development, advanced technology initiatives, and client service.

A certified public accountant in Oregon, Ritchie also holds the designation of Certified Fraud Examiner and the Uniform Investment Advisor Series 65 license. Forbes has recognized him as one of America's Top 200 CPAs. His professional affiliations include memberships in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

"We are pleased to have Steve join our Eugene & Springfield Advisory Board," said Craig Wanichek, President & CEO of Summit Bank. "Steve's depth of knowledge, leadership experience, and commitment to the Eugene community will help guide Summit Bank's continued growth and strengthen our position in serving the local business community."

Jenny Bennett, Market President for Eugene & Springfield, echoed these sentiments, stating, "Steve's proven track record of strategic thinking and exceptional client service will be a tremendous asset to our advisory board. His insight will help us continue to deliver on our mission of providing innovative, community-based banking solutions."

Ritchie graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance. An active member of the Eugene community, he has served on multiple boards, including Volunteers in Medicine, Eugene Montessori School, and the Center for Community Counseling.

Summit Bank is pleased to announce Steve Ritchie's appointment to the Eugene & Springfield Advisory Board. His addition reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting local businesses and individuals through a strong advisory team focused on excellence, innovation, and sound guidance.

ABOUT SUMMIT BANK:

Summit Bank Group Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary Summit Bank, maintains offices in Eugene & Springfield, Central Oregon, and the Portland Metropolitan area, specializing in providing high-level service to professionals and medium-sized businesses and their owners. The Bank was voted for the fourth year in a row as one of Oregon's "Top 100 Companies to Work For," according to Oregon Business Magazine. Summit Bank was honored as "Favorite Bank" in the Eugene Register-Guard's annual Reader's Choice Awards and "Best Bank" by Central Oregon's Bend Bulletin in the last two years. Recently, Summit Bank was recognized by the American Banker as one of the top 100 banks in the country, affirming its position among the elite national financial institutions. Summit Bank Group Inc. is quoted on the OTCPK under the symbol SBKO.