Michelle Martinich was named the Editor’s Choice CFO of the Year in the 50 Fastest-Growing Companies issue of the Pacific Coast Business Times, published Sept. 20. Martinich has played a key role in American Riviera Bank’s expansion throughout the years, having been a part of the team from its beginnings in 2006.
American Riviera Bank was also featured as one of the 50-Fastest Growing Companies in the same issue. Martinich was honored recently at an awards reception at the MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation.
“This award is very well-deserved. Michelle is more than just a top notch CFO, she is a multi-faceted executive that has been a pillar at American Riviera Bank from the very start,” said Jeff DeVine, American Riviera Bank CEO. “As you might imagine, the CFO of a bank works to a higher standard; Michelle’s is the highest of all.”
Hailing from Northern California, Martinich first came to Santa Barbara to study business economics at UCSB. Upon graduation, she moved to Los Angeles, earned her certified professional accountant designation, and landed a job as an auditor at Arthur Andersen.
Before long, however, an opportunity at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust (SBB&T) presented itself and led Martinich back to the community she had come to cherish.
From SBB&T, she joined American Riviera Bank in 2005, helping to raise capital and open its doors to the public in 2006. As such, Martinich has been through it all with American Riviera Bank, working through the Great Recession, its merger with the Bank of Santa Barbara, and the bank’s Bi-County expansion in recent years.
“I’m humbled and happy for this honor,” said Martinich. “And I am constantly reminded that working with people you trust and admire in such an amazing community makes such a difference. It’s an exciting time to be at American Riviera Bank; I’m glad I get to be a part of this team.”
In addition to being named CFO of the Year, Martinich has been honored as a PCBT Who’s Who in Banking & Finance, as one of the Top Women in Business, and is a 40 Under 40 alumni.
Being involved in the community, Martinich has lent her support over the years to the Girl Scouts of America’s Central Coast Chapter, National Charity League, and HEARTS, as well as to the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care.
— Joyce Valentino for American Riviera Bank. For more information, visit www.AmericanRivieraBank.com.