Oregon Commercial Banking

Leigh Ann Evans

VP, Director of Agribusiness Lending
541-947-3142

Leigh Ann Evans joined the WaFd team in November 2012 and is currently the Director of the WaFd Bank Agribusiness Lending Group. Coming from a banking background, Leigh Ann has experience ranging from retail branch management, rural community facilities financing and building a commercial loan portfolio with an emphasis on agricultural lending. With a lending focus in the livestock, hay and row crop segments of agricultural lending, she brings with her a broad background of practical experience from the cattle industry. Throughout her 24 years in banking, Leigh Ann has served in a variety of leadership positions within the community and continues to be involved in several local service groups. Leigh Ann earned a Bachelor's degree from Oregon State University in Agricultural Economics and she and her family live and ranch in Lakeview, Oregon.

Thomas White

Senior Credit Analyst
541-774-1452

Thomas White has been with WaFd Bank for 7 years and is currently the Senior Credit Analyst 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.

Ryan Brown

Senior Relationship Manager
541-312-7132

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.

Shelle Pack

Relationship Manager
541-312-7130

Shelle has over 30 years in the banking industry, spending most of that time in commercial banking. She has helped both business clients and commercial real estate clients with their financial goals. Over the last several years, she has been the designated specialized Commercial Lender for WAFD Bank's Low Incoming Housing Tax Credit financings for both new construction and rehabilitations. She is a 2010 Leadership Bend Graduate and currently serves on the finance committee for the Bend/Redmond Area Habitat for Humanity since 2009. For 43 years she has called Central Oregon home where she enjoys the outdoors, including a small hobby farm raising cattle and hay.

Steve Smith

Community Business Banker
541-880-5206

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.

Danny Proudfoot

Commercial Division Manager
541-312-7140

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 Commercial Division Manager, 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 LaCoste

Regional President
541-434-3270

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!

Isaac Grant

Senior Relationship Manager
541-434-3270

Isaac Grant has over a decade of experience in commercial lending with a focus in investment real estate. Based in the Willamette Valley, his proven track record of providing customized financial solutions extends across the state of Oregon. Isaac's holistic approach, deep market insights, and commitment to building enduring client relationships make him an invaluable partner for businesses and investors alike. Beyond his professional pursuits, Isaac is family-centric, enjoying quality time with his wife and four children.

Scott Kuvaas

Relationship Manager
541-434-3274

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

Relationship Manager
541-434-3295

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 including the Eugene Delta Rotary.

Nicole Nelson

Commercial Division Manager
541-686-2134

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.

Jessica Ayres

Relationship Manager
541-774-1455

With over 20 years in banking, the majority being in commercial relationships, Jessica is customer service focused and prepared to help your business. Jessica is a native Southern Oregonian, vested in her community through non-profits, public service, and the overall desire to live and work in a great place. Jessica has experience in many industries with a focus on investor real estate, construction and the SBA 504 program.

Jerry Herbold

Senior Relationship Manager
541-774-1457

Jerry has over 27 years in commercial lending experience in the Southern Oregon area, with the last 9 years at WaFd Bank as a Relationship Manager. His experience includes construction financing for real estate projects including multi-family, commercial and medical facilities. Additionally, he has helped facilitate financing for businesses, including equipment financing, working capital and operating lines of credit. Jerry values building his relationships with his clients and providing customized solutions to meet their lending needs.