Santa Cruz County Bank announced Shawn Lipman will succeed Susan Just as executive vice president and chief credit officer. Just has served in the chief credit officer role for the past two years and will leave the bank later this month.

In his 12-year career at Santa Cruz County Bank, Lipman has been promoted multiple times. He has served as senior vice president and director of credit administration for the last two years. Under his leadership, the bank’s credit portfolio has grown in size and complexity, with privately placed municipal bond purchases, loans issued under the New Market Tax Credit program, and structured credits originated by the bank’s asset-based lending division, which launched last year. In addition, Lipman led the department through systems conversions, the bank’s merger with Lighthouse Bank and the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program.

Earlier in his career, Lipman served as senior vice president and regional portfolio manager at GMAC Commercial Finance, where he was responsible for managing new business for the western region. In addition, he served as senior relationship manager and team leader at Union Bank, managing a portfolio of loans throughout California.

“We are excited for Shawn to step into the role of chief credit officer. He has been a key employee of the bank for 12 years and has progressively advanced to a leadership position, making him the logical successor to the role of chief credit officer,” Krista Snelling, president and CEO of Santa Cruz County Bank, said. “His promotion is a natural next step in his career given his background, expertise and detailed knowledge of the bank’s clients and policies, and we are excited to work with Shawn as he takes the top credit role at the bank. Susan has been a valued member of the bank and our executive team for the past two years and we wish her well in her future endeavors.”