Oregon Commercial Banking

Leigh Ann Evans

VP, Director of Agribusiness Lending
541-947-3142

Leigh Ann Evans joined the WaFd team in November 2012 and is currently the Director of the WaFd Bank Agribusiness Lending Group. Coming from a banking background, Leigh Ann has experience ranging from retail branch management, rural community facilities financing and building a commercial loan portfolio with an emphasis on agricultural lending. With a lending focus in the livestock, hay and row crop segments of agricultural lending, she brings with her a broad background of practical experience from the cattle industry. Throughout her 24 years in banking, Leigh Ann has served in a variety of leadership positions within the community and continues to be involved in several local service groups. Leigh Ann earned a Bachelor's degree from Oregon State University in Agricultural Economics and she and her family live and ranch in Lakeview, Oregon.

Thomas White

Senior Credit Analyst
541-774-1452

Thomas White has been with WaFd Bank for 7 years and is currently the Senior Credit Analyst for the Agribusiness Banking team. His primary lending focus is cattle, hay and grain production, with experience in vineyards and timber. As a 3rd generation rancher, he understands the production flow of agriculture and draws on that knowledge while working with clients.

Ryan Brown

Senior Relationship Manager
541-312-7132

Ryan has spent the majority of his 16-year banking career serving businesses, people, and communities throughout Central Oregon. A relentless advocate, he takes to heart the importance of supporting his client's entire relationship and in growing the right way. Ryan's in-depth experience of Commercial lending is wide-ranging and includes real estate, construction, equipment, and working capital lines of credit, as well as other financing capabilities. Outside of work, he prefers spending time outdoors with his wife and two daughters.

Craig Chenoweth

Commercial Relationship Manager
541-280-5683

Craig Chenoweth's professional background provides a diverse range of skills, making him a unique asset in the banking industry. In addition to his years as a Commercial Relationship Manager, specializing in construction and CRE lending since 2016, Craig worked for the City of Bend for 17 years in Planning and Development. There, he facilitated the entitlement process for various commercial, industrial, and residential projects. His consulting work within the private sector as a project manager for development projects provides a detailed understanding of project elements related to permitting and construction.

In addition to his professional roles, Craig has been actively involved in his community. He served on the Bend Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2024 and was a Bend Parks and Recreation District Board Member from 2013 to 2016. Craig has been proud to call Central Oregon his home for more than 25 years and is excited to be part of shaping its future.

Steve Smith

Community Business Banker
541-880-5206

A Klamath Falls native, Steve started his banking career in 2004 as a mortgage loan officer, transitioning into commercial banking in 2013. Steve enjoys working with local business owners supporting their lending and deposit needs. In his spare time, he enjoys family time, hunting, fishing and watching his girls play soccer.

Danny Proudfoot

Commercial Division Manager
541-312-7140

With over than 20 years banking experience, Danny has expertise in helping finance businesses in nearly all industries. His current focus is Home Builder Finance and Multifamily. As the Central Oregon Commercial Division Manager, he partners with the commercial banking team to provide customized lending and account solutions. Danny is a native Oregonian, living for the past 32 years in Central Oregon. When not working Danny enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling with his wife and son

Dan LaCoste

Regional President
541-434-3270

Dan has been in banking for 25 years and is well versed in most aspects of the financial industry. Dan's expertise in helping businesses spans from managing your cash to purchasing your dream business to ensuring you have the right amount of working capital. As the Southern Oregon Division Manager, Dan has a team of 5 lenders that are truly the in best in the business. As a resident of Oregon for the past 45 years, he is passionate about helping our state grow and flourish!

Scott Kuvaas

Relationship Manager
541-434-3274

Scott is a native Oregonian with over five years of commercial banking experience, supporting customers throughout the Willamette Valley. His areas of expertise include investor-owned commercial real estate in multi-family housing, office, industrial, retail, and hospitality, as well as commercial construction. Scott is committed to supporting businesses of all sizes to achieve their goals through a supportive banking relationship.

Jeannie Sterry

Treasury Relationship Manager
541-434-3295

Jeannie Sterry has worked in banking for 30+ years, joining WaFd in 2019. Her focus is around the secure and efficient management of client payables and receivables, combined with fraud tools and a team of support, which provide an effective and robust treasury environment for businesses to thrive. When Jeannie is not working, she enjoys camping and traveling with family, and volunteering through several local nonprofits.

Nicole Nelson

Commercial Division Manager
541-686-2134

Nicole has devoted her twenty-year career to commercial banking and serving clients throughout the Willamette Valley. Well versed in various types of commercial lending, Nicole has expertise in commercial real estate, construction, operating lines of credit and equipment finance. Growing up in a family business has given her a deep understanding of business operations and respect for her commercial clients.

Jerry Herbold

Senior Relationship Manager
541-774-1457

Jerry has over 27 years in commercial lending experience in the Southern Oregon area, with the last 9 years at WaFd Bank as a Relationship Manager. His experience includes construction financing for real estate projects including multi-family, commercial and medical facilities. Additionally, he has helped facilitate financing for businesses, including equipment financing, working capital and operating lines of credit. Jerry values building his relationships with his clients and providing customized solutions to meet their lending needs.

Laura Robles

Commercial Relationship Manager
503-956-9074

Laura, a lifelong PNW resident with a decade of diverse banking experience, is dedicated to supporting clients in the Southern Oregon area. Commercial lending specialties include multi-family housing, office, retail, and construction. Through detailed relationship reviews, Laura strives to add customized efficiencies to business operations with the support of her local team. Her priority is full immersion into the communities she lives in through volunteering and exploring all that Southern Oregon has to offer. In her personal life Laura supports the growth of her entrepreneurial husband and two children.

Gary Haines

Regional President
971-300-3313

Gary joined the bank in 2008 and has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry. He started his banking career in Florida as a Small Business Banker and relocated with his family to the PNW in 2000, where his career path moved him into commercial banking. After joining WaFd, Gary held roles as a commercial relationship manager, senior commercial relationship manager, and division manager. In 2013, he was asked to relocate to the Portland area to take on a new role with the bank integrating South Valley Bank and Trust into the WaFd family, and ultimately as its Northern Oregon regional president. Gary has been involved in many youth and community organizations, and has done a significant amount of work as a volunteer in the non-profit space in Oregon. He is the past president of JDRF Columbia-Willamette, and a former board member at the United Way Columbia-Willamette.

Gary has been happily married for 30+ years to his wife, Kirsten, and has 4 beautiful children. In his free time, he enjoys watching his children play sports, watching football, and fishing.

Kent Ikeda

Senior Vice President & Division Manager
503-893-0345

A native of Honolulu, HI, Kent has been a dedicated banking professional since 2005. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience working with various national, regional, and community banks. Kent began his journey as a Small Business Banker in Portland, OR, and subsequently held roles in Student Loans and Business Payroll Sales before transitioning to Business and Commercial Banking.

In 2013, Kent relocated to Denver, CO, to join a high-performing Business Banking team. Two years later, he and his wife decided to return to Portland to be closer to family. Upon their return in 2015, Kent joined a regional bank in Business Banking, and by 2018, he had moved into Commercial Banking with a community bank. In 2022, Kent advanced to Middle Market Banking, covering Oregon, Washington, and California.

Kent has been happily married to his wife, Josie, for over 14 years, and they have two children, Hiro and Mira, along with three fur children. An active community member, Kent serves on the boards of The Legacy Meridian Park Foundation, Schoolhouse Supplies, and Mary's Woods.

Daniel Weldon

Vice President & Director of Commercial Banking
503-327-3985

Daniel began his 35-year banking career in community development lending in Portland, Oregon. He is well versed in identifying and crafting solutions which meet the needs of commercial investors and developers, with specific expertise in multi-family and construction lending.

Daniel serves on the Board of the Portland Metro chapter of RMA as the Academic and Education committee chair. He is a graduate of Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo and earned his MBA from George Fox University, Newberg. A 40-year resident of Portland, and the father of two grown and independent sons, he never tires of the wealth of activities here in the Pacific NW.

Andrea Hyvonen

Vice President & Commercial Relationship Manager
503-226-1300

Andrea Hyvonen joins WaFd Bank as Relationship Manager, VP. With nearly 30 years in finance and real estate experience, Andrea is an insightful leader with a constant drive for development and contribution. She is dedicated, professional, and passionate in delivering high-touch tailored service to her business clients with excelled delivery in multi-family, owner and investor real estate, and C&I lending.

Derek Ditora

Officer & Relationship Manager
916-833-7359

Derek has over four years of Commercial Banking experience, joining the bank in 2020 as a Commercial Credit Analyst and working his way to a promotion to Community Business Banker, and recently to Commercial Relationship Manager. Prior to starting his career in banking, Derek worked in public accounting after graduating from Oregon State University with a degree in Finance and Accounting.

Actively involved in the community in volunteer roles, in his free time Derek enjoys being in the outdoors skiing, fishing, or golfing.

Madi Jones

Treasury Relationship Manager
503-306-2737

Madi Jones is an experienced banking professional, she joined the WaFd team in 2018. Originally from Arizona, Madi relocated to Oregon in 2015, where she discovered her passion for Treasury Management. In 2024, she embraced a new challenge by stepping into the Treasury Relationship Management role, further advancing her expertise in the field. Throughout her career, Madi has prioritized building strong relationships with clients, and focused on providing exceptional service.

Outside of her professional life, Madi is a dedicated pet owner, caring for two fur children and a variety of reptiles. Her personal interests include photography and PC gaming, where she enjoys exploring her creative side and connecting with the gaming community.  With a commitment to excellence in both her career and personal pursuits, Madi continues to grow and make an impact in Commercial Banking and Treasury Management.

Michelle Christner

Officer & Commercial Portfolio Manager
503-306-2739

Michelle brings over 20 years of experience in the banking industry, with a strong background in both retail and commercial banking. Throughout her career, she has specialized in managing commercial portfolios, with a particular focus on Commercial Real Estate. Michelle thrives on building lasting relationships with clients, providing tailored solutions to help them navigate and resolve the complexities of their portfolios.

Michelle is a 5th-generation Oregonian and earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Oregon State University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, including her husband, daughter, and their Australian Shepherd.

Andre Canessa

Officer & Senior Credit Analyst
503-306-2752

Andre has over a decade of experience in commercial banking, with a focus on structuring and underwriting commercial real estate construction and term loans. Andre takes pride in guiding WaFd clients through every stage of the lending process and serving as a trusted resource during and after loan origination.

Outside of work, Andre enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Rita Hsueh

Officer & Senior Credit Analyst
971-462-3160

A native of Taipei, Taiwan, Rita has over 10 years experience in the banking industry specialized in credit analysis and risk control. In 2018, Rita immigrated to Portland, Oregon with her family and has continued her career as a credit analyst through joining a local, community bank. Rita joined WaFd Bank as a Senior Credit Analyst in 2021, supporting our Portland Commercial Banking Team with a focus on C & I lending. As a credit analyst, she has worked with relationship managers in several industries ranging from small business to middle market businesses, both domestically and internationally.

Rita has been happily married to her husband, Vince, for 10 years, and they have raised two children together, Kate and Marcus. Outside of work, Rita likes to spend time traveling and enjoys trying all different kinds of food.