American River Bank appointed Dennis Raymond to the newly created role of executive vice president and chief lending officer. Raymond will oversee the loan production for the company.

“I am pleased to be joining the American River Bank team,” Raymond said. “The organization has built and maintained strong relationships with the business community. I look forward to continuing that legacy while also leading new development activities.”

Raymond brings more than 25 years of lending experience in California and Nevada markets to his new role. Prior to joining American River Bank, he worked for Farmers & Merchants Bank as senior vice president/market manager in Sacramento and Irwin Union Bank where he was senior vice president/market president for Sacramento and Reno. While at F&M, he oversaw the Bank’s commercial loan division and led collaborative sales efforts with lending, retail, treasury management, small business and mortgage teams.

“The move to bring a chief lending officer to the team signifies our strong commitment to loan growth,” said David E. Ritchie Jr., president and CEO of American River Bank. “Dennis has demonstrated abilities in key areas we have planned for expansion and his extensive experience brings value to clients, employees and shareholders.”

American River Bankshares is the parent company of American River Bank, a regional bank serving Northern California since 1983.