Gary O’Connell, Market President of Summit Bank, announced Roger Lee, the long-time Chief Executive Officer for the Economic Development of Central Oregon (EDCO) has joined the team as Vice President, Business Client Advisor. He brings nearly 30 years of economic development strategy including business recruitment and retention, industry development and strategic projects to improve the overall business climate of Central Oregon.

Throughout his tenure at EDCO, Lee was dedicated to creating a diversified economy. He helped attract businesses from outside areas to Central Oregon and enabled these businesses to provide middle-class jobs for the region’s workforce. Prior to his time at EDCO, he was the director of the Baker City Economic Development Department, where he oversaw the execution of comprehensive economic and community development programs within Baker County. For the past eight years, Lee also has served on the loan committee for Evergreen Business Capital, an SBA 504 lender and Summit Bank partner.

As Central Oregon continues to flourish while dealing with the effects the pandemic had on the local economy, Lee has decided it’s time to take on a new role. “I am very thankful for the opportunity at Summit Bank to continue helping businesses in our region. I look forward to learning about this industry and to working with a hard-driving, results-oriented team. It’s been remarkable how many people have already commented that Summit Bank is the perfect fit for me.”

O’Connell agreed. “We’re very excited to have Roger on board. His depth of experience, knowledge, and management capabilities will complement our growing team of business client advisors as we help to continually grow the number of businesses we serve in our market.”

With offices in Central Oregon, Eugene, and Portland, Summit Bank is a community bank that specializes in providing high-level service to professionals and medium-sized businesses and their owners.