William S. Smittcamp and Tom L. Dobyns, directors of the board of directors of Community West Bancshares, will retire, effective March 31, 2026.
Smittcamp joined the board during the bank’s early years and has worked alongside most of the original founders and all four of the bank’s CEO. Over nearly four decades, he has provided continuity, institutional and business knowledge, and a steady commitment to the community banking principles upon which the company was built.
“Bill’s service spans an extraordinary period in the Bank’s history,” Daniel J. Doyle, chairman of the board, said. “From the bank’s formative years through periods of growth and transformation, Bill has provided thoughtful counsel, steady leadership rooted in strong values and a genuine appreciation for the role community banking plays in supporting local businesses and families. His understanding of board governance, shaped by decades of experience in both industry and civic leadership, has strengthened this company in lasting ways. On behalf of the entire board, we are sincerely grateful for his leadership and friendship.”
Throughout his tenure, Smittcamp has been a highly engaged and influential board member. He played an important role in board recruitment and governance evolution. He has consistently advocated for employees, clients and the bank’s unique markets. During his service, Smittcamp served on and chaired numerous board committees, most recently he has served on the compensation, nominating/governance and retirement committees.
Smittcamp currently serves as president, CEO and owner of Wawona Frozen Foods and as a principal in other family-related businesses. Founded by his father in 1963, Wawona Frozen Foods has grown into a global supplier, shipping more than 100 million pounds of frozen fruit products annually to major jam, pie, yogurt, ice cream, foodservice and retail clients worldwide. Now in its third generation of leadership, Smittcamp has championed his children joining the business and advocated for next-generation leaders throughout the industry.
“Bill brought a practical business perspective grounded in deep community roots and generational leadership experience to our board. His long-standing involvement in agriculture and family enterprise contributed to the board’s understanding of the needs of local industries and the importance of relationship-driven banking,” James J. Kim, CEO of the company and president and CEO of Community West Bank, said. “Equally important is the character he brings to every interaction. Bill takes the time to know our team, understand our markets and support our mission. He leads with integrity, humility and genuine care for people, qualities that have left a lasting mark on this organization.”
Well-known throughout California’s Central Valley for his civic engagement and community stewardship, Smittcamp has served in numerous professional and volunteer leadership roles, including the board of trustees for Valley Children’s Healthcare, Garfield Water District, California Health Sciences University and the Fresno State Foundation Board of Governors. His service has also included leadership positions with Every Neighborhood Partnership, the Sigma Chi Foundation, the California League of Food Processors and the American Frozen Food Institute.
He earned his bachelor of science in business administration from California State University, Fresno, and is a proud “Bulldog.”
Smittcamp’s career has been recognized with numerous honors, including Agriculturalist of the Year (Fresno Chamber of Commerce), the Leon S. Peters Award for leadership in business, integrity, philanthropy and community service, the Frozen Food Hall of Fame (National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association) and multiple recognitions as a Best Family-Owned Business by The Business Journal.
Dobyns joined the Community West Bancshares and Community West Bank boards of directors on April 1, 2024, following the completion of the company’s transformative merger. He previously served as a director of the acquired institution beginning in 2017. Known for his practical leadership style and disciplined approach to governance, Dobyns brought a seasoned executive perspective that strengthened board dialogue during a period of growth and transition.
Dobyns has been an active and engaged member of the bank’s audit, risk oversight and retirement committees, serving as chair of the retirement committee. With more than four decades of executive and banking leadership, he consistently applied a long-term, risk-aware perspective to board oversight and committee work. His regional insight and commitment to community banking strengthened the board’s work.
“Tom has brought decades of executive leadership, sound judgment and a deep understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a strong community bank to our board,” Doyle said. “His insights, collaborative approach and commitment to thoughtful governance have strengthened our board during an important period of growth for our company. We are grateful for his service and leadership and wish him continued success in the next chapter.”
Dobyns served as the CEO of Mission Community Bank and president and CEO of American Security Bank. He is the founder of Enthusiology, a managerial and leadership consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, executive coaching and energizing the sales process for banks, credit unions and nonprofit organizations. Dobyns serves as the chairman of the Elder Board at his church and previously served as president of the board of directors for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of San Luis Obispo County. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where he earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration.
“Tom’s tenure is defined by his deep and steady leadership during periods of change, bringing clarity, experience and a balanced perspective to our Board’s work,” James J. Kim, CEO of the company and president and CEO of the bank, said. “From his decades as a bank CEO and executive to his work as a leadership coach and board member, Tom’s thoughtful perspective, strategic contributions and ongoing support of our mission helped guide the company through an important stage of its evolution.”
