Oregon Commercial Banking
Here at WaFd Bank, our experienced Oregon Commercial Bankers knows what it takes to get your commercial loan booked, whatever your goals might be. With an impressive combined 250 years of experience, we do real estate projects, business purchases, working capital, equipment financing and more. Every year on average, our team finances more than $300 million in commercial loans for Oregon clients. We have the ability to help your business succeed too, whether you're in agriculture, healthcare, construction, or anywhere in between and beyond.
Meet our Oregon Commercial Team
Agribusiness
Commercial Agribusiness
Thomas White has been with WaFd Bank for 7 years and is currently the Commercial Relationship Manager for the Agribusiness Banking team. His primary lending focus is cattle, hay and grain production, with experience in vineyards and timber. As a 3rd generation rancher, he understands the production flow of agriculture and draws on that knowledge while working with clients.
Bend Office
Ryan has spent the majority of his 16-year banking career serving businesses, people, and communities throughout Central Oregon. A relentless advocate, he takes to heart the importance of supporting his client's entire relationship and in growing the right way. Ryan's in-depth experience of Commercial lending is wide-ranging and includes real estate, construction, equipment, and working capital lines of credit, as well as other financing capabilities. Outside of work, he prefers spending time outdoors with his wife and two daughters.
Craig Chenoweth's professional background provides a diverse range of skills, making him a unique asset in the banking industry. In addition to his years as a Commercial Relationship Manager, specializing in construction and CRE lending since 2016, Craig worked for the City of Bend for 17 years in Planning and Development. There, he facilitated the entitlement process for various commercial, industrial, and residential projects. His consulting work within the private sector as a project manager for development projects provides a detailed understanding of project elements related to permitting and construction.
In addition to his professional roles, Craig has been actively involved in his community. He served on the Bend Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2024 and was a Bend Parks and Recreation District Board Member from 2013 to 2016. Craig has been proud to call Central Oregon his home for more than 25 years and is excited to be part of shaping its future.
A Klamath Falls native, Steve started his banking career in 2004 as a mortgage loan officer, transitioning into commercial banking in 2013. Steve enjoys working with local business owners supporting their lending and deposit needs. In his spare time, he enjoys family time, hunting, fishing and watching his girls play soccer.
With over than 20 years banking experience, Danny has expertise in helping finance businesses in nearly all industries. His current focus is Home Builder Finance and Multifamily. As the Central Oregon Regional Director of Commercial Real Estate, he partners with the commercial banking team to provide customized lending and account solutions. Danny is a native Oregonian, living for the past 32 years in Central Oregon. When not working Danny enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling with his wife and son
Dan has been in banking for 25 years and is well versed in most aspects of the financial industry. Dan's expertise in helping businesses spans from managing your cash to purchasing your dream business to ensuring you have the right amount of working capital. As the Southern Oregon Division Manager, Dan has a team of 5 lenders that are truly the in best in the business. As a resident of Oregon for the past 45 years, he is passionate about helping our state grow and flourish!
Eugene Office
Scott is a native Oregonian with over five years of commercial banking experience, supporting customers throughout the Willamette Valley. His areas of expertise include investor-owned commercial real estate in multi-family housing, office, industrial, retail, and hospitality, as well as commercial construction. Scott is committed to supporting businesses of all sizes to achieve their goals through a supportive banking relationship.
Jeannie Sterry has worked in banking for 30+ years, joining WaFd in 2019. Her focus is around the secure and efficient management of client payables and receivables, combined with fraud tools and a team of support, which provide an effective and robust treasury environment for businesses to thrive. When Jeannie is not working, she enjoys camping and traveling with family, and volunteering through several local nonprofits.
Nicole has devoted her twenty-year career to commercial banking and serving clients throughout the Willamette Valley. Well versed in various types of commercial lending, Nicole has expertise in commercial real estate, construction, operating lines of credit and equipment finance. Growing up in a family business has given her a deep understanding of business operations and respect for her commercial clients.
Dan Drennan brings more than 20 years of financial services experience to his role at WaFd Bank. With a strong background in leadership, business and commercial banking, and digital innovation, Dan is known for delivering strategic, client-focused solutions and building long-lasting relationships. Prior to joining WaFd, Dan held leadership roles at large financial institutions, where he led large scale teams across multiple business lines and was instrumental in growing regional revenue. His expertise spans commercial lending, consultative sales, and cross-functional partnerships with wealth management, treasury, and digital services. At WaFd, he is committed to helping businesses thrive through customized banking strategies and a collaborative, one-bank approach.
Medford Office
Bryan partners with businesses across the Rogue Valley, helping them grow and manage their finances with clarity and confidence. With nearly 20 years in business banking, he brings a straightforward, relationship-first approach to every client conversation. Outside of work, Bryan finds joy in family life and cheering on the SOU softball team.
Portland Office
A native of Honolulu, HI, Kent has been a dedicated banking professional since 2005. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience working with various national, regional, and community banks. Kent began his journey as a Small Business Banker in Portland, OR, and subsequently held roles in Student Loans and Business Payroll Sales before transitioning to Business and Commercial Banking.
In 2013, Kent relocated to Denver, CO, to join a high-performing Business Banking team. Two years later, he and his wife decided to return to Portland to be closer to family. Upon their return in 2015, Kent joined a regional bank in Business Banking, and by 2018, he had moved into Commercial Banking with a community bank. In 2022, Kent advanced to Middle Market Banking, covering Oregon, Washington, and California.
Kent has been happily married to his wife, Josie, for over 14 years, and they have two children, Hiro and Mira, along with three fur children. An active community member, Kent serves on the boards of The Legacy Meridian Park Foundation, Schoolhouse Supplies, and Mary's Woods.
Daniel began his 35-year banking career in community development lending in Portland, Oregon. He is well versed in identifying and crafting solutions which meet the needs of commercial investors and developers, with specific expertise in multi-family and construction lending.
Daniel serves on the Board of the Portland Metro chapter of RMA as the Academic and Education committee chair. He is a graduate of Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo and earned his MBA from George Fox University, Newberg. A 40-year resident of Portland, and the father of two grown and independent sons, he never tires of the wealth of activities here in the Pacific NW.
Andrea Hyvonen joins WaFd Bank as Relationship Manager, VP. With nearly 30 years in finance and real estate experience, Andrea is an insightful leader with a constant drive for development and contribution. She is dedicated, professional, and passionate in delivering high-touch tailored service to her business clients with excelled delivery in multi-family, owner and investor real estate, and C&I lending.
Derek has over four years of Commercial Banking experience, joining the bank in 2020 as a Commercial Credit Analyst and working his way to a promotion to Community Business Banker, and recently to Commercial Relationship Manager. Prior to starting his career in banking, Derek worked in public accounting after graduating from Oregon State University with a degree in Finance and Accounting.
Actively involved in the community in volunteer roles, in his free time Derek enjoys being in the outdoors skiing, fishing, or golfing.
Madi Jones is an experienced banking professional, she joined the WaFd team in 2018. Originally from Arizona, Madi relocated to Oregon in 2015, where she discovered her passion for Treasury Management. In 2024, she embraced a new challenge by stepping into the Treasury Relationship Management role, further advancing her expertise in the field. Throughout her career, Madi has prioritized building strong relationships with clients, and focused on providing exceptional service.
Outside of her professional life, Madi is a dedicated pet owner, caring for two fur children and a variety of reptiles. Her personal interests include photography and PC gaming, where she enjoys exploring her creative side and connecting with the gaming community. With a commitment to excellence in both her career and personal pursuits, Madi continues to grow and make an impact in Commercial Banking and Treasury Management.
Michelle brings over 20 years of experience in the banking industry, with a strong background in both retail and commercial banking. Throughout her career, she has specialized in managing commercial portfolios, with a particular focus on Commercial Real Estate. Michelle thrives on building lasting relationships with clients, providing tailored solutions to help them navigate and resolve the complexities of their portfolios.
Michelle is a 5th-generation Oregonian and earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Oregon State University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, including her husband, daughter, and their Australian Shepherd.
Andre has over a decade of experience in commercial banking, with a focus on structuring and underwriting commercial real estate construction and term loans. Andre takes pride in guiding WaFd clients through every stage of the lending process and serving as a trusted resource during and after loan origination.
Outside of work, Andre enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
A native of Taipei, Taiwan, Rita has over 10 years experience in the banking industry specialized in credit analysis and risk control. In 2018, Rita immigrated to Portland, Oregon with her family and has continued her career as a credit analyst through joining a local, community bank. Rita joined WaFd Bank as a Senior Credit Analyst in 2021, supporting our Portland Commercial Banking Team with a focus on C & I lending. As a credit analyst, she has worked with relationship managers in several industries ranging from small business to middle market businesses, both domestically and internationally.
Rita has been happily married to her husband, Vince, for 10 years, and they have raised two children together, Kate and Marcus. Outside of work, Rita likes to spend time traveling and enjoys trying all different kinds of food.