First Choice Bancorp promoted Lorraine Lee to executive vice president, chief strategy officer and head of commercial banking. She will report to Robert Franko, president and CEO. Lee previously served as senior vice president and chief strategy officer, a position she held at the company since January 2018. Lee began her career at First Choice Bank in 2014 as first vice president/relationship manager in the commercial lending division.
“Lorraine has consistently demonstrated her ability to effectively handle increased responsibility as our franchise has grown,” Franko said. “She has played a valuable role in executing key initiatives such as our acquisition and integration of Pacific Commerce Bancorp, our listing on the NASDAQ stock market, and the upgrade and enhancement of our technology platform.Her background in commercial lending and experience working with all areas of our operations as chief strategy officer makes her well suited to be head of commercial banking and lead the continued growth of our commercial banking presence in Southern California.”
“Ms. Lee consistently demonstrates the qualities that define the corporate culture we have built at First Choice Bank with an unwavering commitment to supporting our clients, our employees and our shareholders,” Peter Hui, chairman of the board of First Choice Bancorp, said. “We are very pleased to recognize the significant contributions she has made to the growth of our franchise.”
“I am honored to take on a larger role at First Choice Bank. We have built an outstanding team and I look forward to continuing to build First Choice into a premier community bank in Southern California,” Lee said.
Lee has 16 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining First Choice Bank, Lee served as vice president of commercial banking and portfolio manager with increasing responsibilities at Beach Business Bank and then Banc of California following the merger of the two companies.
First Choice Bancorp, headquartered in Cerritos, CA, is the sole shareholder of and the registered bank holding company for First Choice Bank.
