LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pan American Bank (OTCQB:PAMB), the oldest Hispanic community bank in the Western United States, announced today that Armida Colmenares-Stafford has been named to Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking and Community Relations.
"With almost three decades of banking experience in the Southern California market, Armida has the financial expertise and commercial business network to lead our team into serving business owners and consumers in the heart of Los Angeles," said Robb Evans, Chairman of the Board. "Her deep roots in our communities and extensive experience in the regional banking community are welcome additions to our senior management team."
"Pan American Bank has a rich history of providing financial services to the underserved Latino community in Los Angeles, and I am committed to building upon this legacy," said Armida Colmenares-Stafford. "I am excited to be part of this management team, and look forward to providing top-quality banking products and exceptional service to our underserved communities."
Prior to joining Pan American, Armida Colmenares-Stafford served in various senior management positions with national, regional, and community banks in the greater Los Angeles area. At Bank of America she successfully managed her district's 28 banking offices. At US Bank she was the Hispanic Lead helping create products and services for the Latino market. Colmenares-Stafford led an application process to start a bank to serve the Latino community. She was head of commercial banking, marketing, and community relations for Western Commercial Bank. At First California Bank and Mission Valley Bank she was responsible for contributing to their growth and profitability with extensive focus on portfolio management and business development.
Colmenares-Stafford, a graduate of California Lutheran University, received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Finance. She is currently serving on the board of directors of the United Chambers of Commerce. Colmenares-Stafford also served with the California Bankers Association to raise awareness with members of Congress about banking legislation. She was a nominee for the Women in Business Award by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.
About Pan American Bank
Pan American Bank was established in 1964 by Romana Acosta Bañuelos, the first Latina United States Treasurer. Pan American Bank opened its doors with the mission of serving the under-represented and under-served consumers and small businesses of East Los Angeles. Pan American Bank meets its mission every day by providing banking relationships built on trust, service, respect, communication and guidance. The Bank offers a wide range of financial services for consumers and small businesses and maintains a fully-bilingual staff (English/Spanish). The Bank has become nationally recognized as a leading community bank based on its advocacy-based style of banking.