Montecito Bank & Trust Looks to Continued Growth Under Leadership Succession Plan

April 20, 2017

Montecito Bank & Trust reported total assets grew $68.1 million during the prior 12-month period, closing at over $1.3 billion driven by continued strong loan growth of $155 million, or 21.5%, year-over-year and grew deposits to $1.2 billion, an increase of 7.34% year-over-year. Net income for the same period grew 28%, to $4.6 million, enhanced by a one-time collection of interest on a loan. The bank's total risk-based capital remains very strong at 12.7%, exceeding the 10% regulatory minimum required to be considered well-capitalized.

At their regular meeting on April 18, the board of directors approved the leadership succession plan proposed in early April when founder and Chairman of the Board, Michael Towbes stepped down. Mr. Towbes passed away on April 13.

Janet Garufis, was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO; and, George Leis was appointed as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Montecito Bank &Trust. Ms. Garufis has been president since 2006, working alongside Mr. Towbes, to build a community bank with assets exceeding $1.3 billion. Mr. Leis joined the bank in June 2016 and has more than 32 years of community banking experience. In addition, the Board also took action to appoint S. Lachlan Hough to the nine-member board as its newest Director. Mr. Hough has more than 30 years of banking and diversified financial service experience. He is a resident of Santa Barbara County.

“Montecito Bank &Trust has a lot to be proud of and our beloved founder and mentor Mike Towbes made sure planning and implementation strategies were in place to carry on our strength and independence as a community bank long into the future,” said Ms. Garufis, Chairman and CEO. “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Hough to the board. The board is poised to continue to govern Montecito Bank &Trust as responsible stewards of the oldest and largest, locally owned and managed community bank on the Central Coast.”

“I am honored to serve as President to lead our more than 200 dedicated bank associates. We have the clarity of mission and are in a position of strength to continue to serve our customers in ways that only a community bank can,” said George Leis, President of MB&T. “Our customers have confidence in our ability to serve their needs and we will continue to earn that confidence by offering a full complement of banking products, services and unique solutions.”

Montecito Bank &Trust added yet another recognition to the long list of awards for their leading status among community banks. Western Independent Bankers (WIB) awarded the 2017 Bank of the Year to Montecito Bank &Trust from among more than 550 independent community banks headquartered in 13 western states. The bank was honored for its enduring impact on local communities, exceptional bank performance, and demonstrated industry innovation. Candidates are nominated and selected by bankers from across the West Coast.

Montecito Bank &Trust, an S Corporation, is the oldest and largest locally owned community bank in the Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Founded in 1975, the bank celebrated its 42nd anniversary on March 17, 2017 and operates 10 branch offices in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Solvang, Montecito, Carpinteria, Ventura, Camarillo and Westlake Village. The bank offers a variety of competitive deposit and lending solutions for businesses and consumers, including business loans and lines of credit; commercial real estate finance; SBA loans; mortgage loans, consumer loans; credit cards; merchant services; and online services, including mobile banking and cash management. Its Wealth Management Division provides comprehensive trust services and full investment management for all branch office markets.

Montecito Bank &Trust received a 2016 Premier Performing Bank designation by The Findley Reports, an independent service which rates the annual performance of California banks. Montecito Bank &Trust has been designated as a Premier Performing or Super Premier Performing bank by The Findley Reports 32 times in its 41-year history.

For more information, please contact Megan Orloff, SVP Director of Marketing at (805) 564-0236 or [email protected].