SAN FRANCISCO, June 8, 2001, (PRIMEZONE) -- The California Bankers Association (CBA), one of the largest state banking associations in the nation, announced today that Dennis L. Kern, president and chief executive officer of Valley Independent Bank Corp., El Centro, has been elected chairman. He succeeds Bill Fike, Executive Vice President of Bank of the West.
Mr. Kern, 61, will seek to broaden the organization's membership base, strengthen grass roots efforts and provide more value-added products and services to the 255 member institutions of the banking trade association.
"We look forward to working with Dennis on these priorities and formulating industry positions on issues such as FDIC insurance reform, customer privacy and sub-prime lending," said Gary Gertz, President and Chief Executive Officer of California Bankers Association. "His longstanding involvement with the California Bankers Association and the political process make him a tremendous asset to our association."
Kern worked as a senior vice president for 12 years with Bakersfield's American National Bank (Central Pacific Corporation), before joining Torrey Pines Bank in Solana Beach. In 1983, he became president and chief executive officer of Valley Independent Bank, the origin of today's VIB Corp.
He received his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska and a degree from Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He resides in El Centro with his wife Sharon.
Established in 1891, the California Bankers Association is the largest banking association in California, and one of the largest state bank trade associations in the country. It includes among its members the State's largest banks, such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, Union Bank of California and Sanwa Bank, as well as hundreds of California community banks. CBA lobbies on behalf of the banking industry in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., promotes public information and education on the banking industry and provides professional development and value-added products services for its membership.
For further information, visit www.calbankers.com.
For more information and a photo contact Bill Mitchell at Hill and Knowlton.