Mechanics Bank has added Samantha Foster and Debbie Watson, two experienced food and wine industry finance specialists, to its regional commercial banking team in Napa.

“Both Samantha and Debbie are seasoned bankers who bring tremendous expertise to our team,” says Dan Aguilar, SVP and regional manager, Napa Commercial Banking. “They will help fuel our initiative to expand in one of California’s premier agricultural areas.”

Foster, who joins Mechanics Bank as vice president and senior relationship manager, previously held a senior position in the Food and Agriculture Division of Rabobank. Her 25-year career in commercial banking includes four and a half years at Wells Fargo, six years with First Bank in San Francisco and nearly three years at Bank of the West. Foster will continue to focus on providing financing solutions to wineries and vineyard owners located throughout the North Bay and greater SF Bay Area.

Watson, who also joins as vice president, senior relationship manager, was previously managing director of First Republic’s Wine Industry Group. Prior to that, she spent nearly a decade with Wells Fargo, and previously held positions with City National Bank, Umpqua and Bank of the West. Her primary focus will be providing financing solutions to wineries and grape growers, as well as other wine industry-related companies.

“Mechanics Bank has been lending in the North Bay for over 65 years, and we know wine, food and agriculture exceptionally well,” Aguilar says. “This is a dynamic region on which Mechanics Bank is strategically focused. As we continue to grow our team in 2018 with talented and experienced professionals, our clients will derive even greater benefits from our high-touch client service model, expertise and innovative financial solutions.”