Pacific Valley Bank, a community bank serving California’s Central Coast, has announced the appointment of Vida Villanueva as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Villanueva brings close to 30 years of experience across community and international banking, along with financial services expertise, to her new role. Her career has included senior leadership positions at Monterey County Bank, 1st Capital Bank, and HSBC, where she managed strategies across the United States, Latin America, and the Middle East. Her background spans risk management, compliance, operations, IT, innovation, and large-scale strategic transformation.

“Vida’s appointment signals a bold step forward for Pacific Valley Bank,” said Anker Fanoe, CEO of PVB. “Her strategic vision and operational depth will be key to enhancing our efficiency, governance, and customer experience across our operating footprint, further positioning PVB for further growth and expansion.”

At Pacific Valley Bank, Villanueva will lead key areas such as Risk and Compliance, Information Technology, Innovation, Operations, and Human Resources. She will also be central to shaping the bank’s long-term strategy and building a culture that prioritises growth, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Alongside her professional achievements, Villanueva is known for her community involvement. A Mills College graduate, she is an advocate for education, empowerment, and social impact. She has served for many years on the board of Girls Inc. of the Central Coast, recently becoming its Board President.

“I’m honored to join Pacific Valley Bank and contribute to its mission of community-centered banking,” said Villanueva. “Together, we’ll build on the bank’s strong foundation and drive meaningful, sustainable change for our customers, employees, and the communities we serve.”