As part of Oregon Community Bank Week, we are proud to highlight a recent presentation by Ron Green, President and CEO of Oregon Pacific Bank, at the University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business. Speaking to students enrolled in the university’s commercial banking course—led by esteemed former Pacific Continental Bank CEO and now the James and Shirley Rippey Professor of Practice, Roger Busse—Ron shared his personal journey, insights into leadership, and a heartfelt call to consider careers in community banking.
Building a Philosophy on Relationships and Integrity
Throughout his 34-year career, Ron worked his way up from branch operations to CEO, learning invaluable lessons along the way. Central to his philosophy is the importance of relationships.
“Everything is about relationships,” he emphasized. “People around you—your team, your family, your community—relationships are what make everything possible and make life a lot easier.”
Ron shared several guiding principles that have shaped his leadership:
- Be Kind and Respectful: Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their position. “People are people, and everyone deserves kindness,” he noted.
- Clear is Kind: He stressed the importance of clear communication. “There’s no better way to be kind than to be very clear with your expectations.”
- You’re Not the Smartest Person in the Room: Recognize that others have valuable perspectives. “Understand that someone next to you has value and an opinion you weren’t thinking of.”
- Embrace Collaboration: “You cannot go through life thinking it’s all about you,” Ron advised. A collaborative mindset leads to better outcomes.
- Lead with Integrity: Do the right thing at all times. “Your word, your commitment—these are everything,” he emphasized.
- Serve Others First: Focus on helping your team succeed. “If you help those around you do well, you will be rewarded,” he assured.
- Have Fun: “Life is too short to take ourselves too seriously,” Ron said. “Enjoy what you do and bring joy to those around you.”
The Role of Community Banks
Ron highlighted the unique position of community banks like Oregon Pacific Bank. “We’re not just financial institutions—we’re part of the fabric of our communities,” he said. The bank’s mission is driven by creating value for four key pillars: employees, clients, community, and shareholders.
He stressed the responsibility that comes with this role. “Businesses like banks get so much out of the community; it becomes our responsibility to give back,” Ron explained. This commitment is evident through employee volunteer time, philanthropy, and support for local nonprofits that create equity and opportunity for those who are underserved.
Facing the Future of Banking
Addressing the evolving landscape of the banking industry, Ron spoke about challenges such as bank consolidations, economic cycles, regulatory changes, and technological advancements like artificial intelligence. He discussed the impact of immediate electronic fund transfers on bank stability, citing the rapid collapse of Silicon Valley Bank as an example of how quickly situations can change in the digital age.
“Life is full of surprises, and the banking industry is no exception,” he noted. “But with these challenges come opportunities for innovation and growth.”
Ron encouraged students to “leverage your generational prowess” in navigating these changes. “Our industry needs you—your fresh perspectives, your adaptability, your focus on community and the environment,” he said. “You are the generation that will shape the future of banking.”
A Call to Consider Community Banking
Throughout his presentation, Ron underscored the nobility of banking as a profession. “Banking is about people of character who want to do good things for their communities,” he stated passionately. He emphasized that community banks play a crucial role in supporting local economies, from providing loans to small businesses and nonprofits to investing in community initiatives.
With nearly 5,000 jobs in community banking available across Oregon, Ron’s message was clear: “If you’re looking for a career where you can make a real impact, consider community banking.”
He concluded with a powerful reminder about the lasting impact of our interactions, drawing inspiration from poet and activist Maya Angelou’s famous words: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Ron encouraged the students to take this sentiment to heart, adding, “Be intentional with your words and actions, and strive to leave a positive impression.”
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate Oregon Community Bank Week, Ron’s words serve as an inspiration—not just to the students who heard him speak, but to all who believe in the power of community banking to make a difference.
At Oregon Pacific Bank, we are committed to fostering the next generation of banking professionals who share our values of integrity, relationship-building, and community service. We invite students, graduates, and professionals to explore career opportunities with us and join a team dedicated to serving our communities with dedication and heart.
