Andy Bennett

"The success of local businesses fuels the success of our communities. We do more than just collect deposits; we lend those dollars back into the local economy, collaborate with centers of influence, and look for opportunities to help businesses succeed."
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Andy Bennett, SVP, Commercial Lending Team Leader, Pacific West Bank, Portland

At Pacific West Bank, Andy Bennett has been more than a lender—he’s been a trusted advisor and partner for Western States Drilling, a geotechnical and environmental drilling company serving Oregon and Washington. “My longest client relationship spans over 20 years,” Andy recalls. “This local drilling company needed direction and lending support to grow, and I’ve had the pleasure of helping them with land purchases, construction projects, specialty equipment financing, and operating lines. I’ve become part of their core group of advisors.”
 
As Senior Vice President and Commercial Lending Team Leader, Andy leads the Portland Lending Team, focusing on business-related financing relationships across the Portland market. “We not only put together financing, but manage ongoing lending relationships,” he explains. “It’s about helping businesses thrive, even when that requires wearing multiple hats—lender, advisor, problem-solver.”
 
Andy’s community banking career began in the mid-1990s at a Salem-based bank and has included a range of leadership roles—from growing established banks to rolling up his sleeves for a startup to navigating mergers and acquisitions. “I’ve always been drawn to locally owned businesses and the impact they have on our economy,” he says. “Coming from a small town, I understand how interconnected businesses are in making a community run.”
 
Western States Drilling is a testament to that philosophy. Andy recalls a memorable moment when the owners asked to bring one of their sons to a meeting so he could learn how to work with a bank—a first step in their succession plan. “They trusted me to be involved with the next generation,” Andy says. “Now two of their sons are involved in the business, and I’m proud to have played a part in that journey.”
 
“The success of local businesses fuels the success of our communities,” Andy reflects. “We do more than just collect deposits; we lend those dollars back into the local economy, collaborate with centers of influence, and look for opportunities to help businesses succeed.”
 
Outside the bank, Andy serves as board president of the Portland Metro Chapter of the Risk Management Association, board secretary for Valley Development Initiatives, and volunteers with his son’s Scouts troop. His commitment to community mirrors his professional ethos: helping businesses grow, supporting people, and giving back.
 
Sharon Stigall, owner of Western States Drilling, sums up the relationship: “I’ve had the privilege of banking with Andy Bennett for many years. Andy and his team are not only knowledgeable and efficient, but genuinely easy to work with. They make every interaction a positive experience. I truly value their continued partnership and support.”
 
Through his dedication to clients and community, Andy exemplifies the human side of community banking—building relationships that strengthen small businesses and the communities they serve.

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Western States Drilling's Ford Stigall and Chuck Fobert.