Heritage Trust Strengthens Leadership Team
Heritage Trust, New Mexico’s longest-operating independent trust company, recently announced the appointment of Stella Edens Pederson as its new president. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the legal and financial sectors, Stella brings unparalleled expertise and leadership to her new role at Heritage Trust.
“We are delighted to welcome Stella Edens Pederson as our new president,” said Fred Winter, chair of Heritage Trust’s board of directors. “Stella’s extensive experience in estate planning, probate and trust administration, coupled with her proven leadership abilities, make her the ideal candidate to lead Heritage Trust into its next chapter of growth and excellence.”
Pederson’s career is marked by numerous achievements and leadership roles, including serving as Of Counsel at Pregenzer Baysinger Wideman & Sale PC, and as a senior managing attorney at Gravis Law PLLC, leading their estate planning and probate department. Her comprehensive understanding of fiduciary services and dedication to client-centric solutions make her uniquely qualified to lead Heritage Trust.
“I am honored to join Heritage Trust as president and to work alongside the talented team to continue delivering exceptional fiduciary services to families across New Mexico,” said Pederson. “I am committed to upholding Heritage Trust’s legacy of integrity, compassion and innovation as we navigate the evolving needs of our clients and communities.”
“We are confident that Stella’s leadership and strategic vision will propel Heritage Trust to new heights of success,” added Thomas Bustamante, a Heritage Trust director.
In addition to welcoming Stella Edens Pederson as president, Heritage Trust announced the appointment of John Rice as a director. His expertise extends across sectors including media, healthcare, technology, manufacturing and security services, among others.
“As a seasoned executive and board chair, John has been instrumental in driving companies towards exponential growth, often yielding remarkable returns for investors,” said Fred Winter. “His strategic acumen and problem-solving abilities have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor, frequently called upon to resolve crises, negotiate acquisitions and develop innovative business strategies.”
Noteworthy achievements in John’s career include overseeing an operational start-up in New Jersey, managing the divestiture of troubled cable TV properties and mediating complex acquisitions such as the re-acquisition of a major Pizza Hut franchisee. His track record also includes successful negotiations in the sale of electronic medical claims filing companies and the restructuring of government contracts to facilitate acquisitions.
A graduate of Harvard College, John resides in Taos and Albuquerque, where he enjoys skiing and cycling when he’s not immersed in work. Fred Winter added, “With his wealth of experience and dedication to excellence, John is poised to make a significant impact as a director at Heritage Trust.”
Capra Bank Opens in Albuquerque
Capra Bank recently announced the opening of a full-service branch in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at 400 Tijeras Ave. NW, Ste. 150. Banking operations officially commenced on July 15, 2024.
With a mission of “delivering banking without compromise,” Capra Bank invests in hiring the community’s top-tier talent paired with industry-leading technology, a combination that gives Capra Bank’s clients an unparalleled customer experience and competitive edge. Capra Bank’s team is comprised of familiar names within the New Mexico banking landscape. These well-respected, seasoned bankers, with deep roots in the community, have a proven track record of successfully creating growth, jobs and prosperity in the region. The team is empowered to make local decisions, allowing for personalized solutions and timely responses.
This team includes:
- Andres Garcia, President
- Trevor Lewis, Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking
- Liz Earls, Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking
- Mike Sanchez, Senior Vice President, Treasury Management
- Ryan Jaseph, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking
- Mike Gaillour, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking
- Martha Tierney, Vice President, Commercial Banking
- Matt Houston, Vice President, Commercial Banking
- Aaron Wadley-Child, Vice President, Commercial Banking
- Linnea Moe, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Banking
- Michelle Miranda, Assistant Vice President, Private Banking
- Tina Jaramillo, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Banking
- Lupita Orozco, Assistant Vice President, Treasury Management
- Kamryn Armstrong, Assistant Vice President, Private Banking
Capra Bank currently operates in Iowa and Texas. Venturing into the New Mexico market is a natural choice for Capra Bank due to the multi-decade connection between the Fuller and Leyendecker families. The father of Capra’s founder, Chairman and CEO Tut Fuller, partnered with the father of Capra’s president, Tyson Leyendecker, to enter the New Mexican banking landscape in 1998.
“Recently, we’ve witnessed many bank mergers, acquisitions and closures in Albuquerque, all of which result in a negative impact on customers and our community. It’s a pleasure to be a part of a financial institution that will allow us to do what we do best, and that is to serve our customers and the community while creating a fantastic work environment for our team,” said Andres Garcia, president of Capra Bank in New Mexico. “We have assembled a team of the best bankers in Albuquerque with the goal of contributing to our community’s growth and helping our customers reach new heights in their business and personal lives.”
Founded in 2022, Capra Bank was built upon two pillars: locally empowered, top-tier talent and industry-leading technology. Capra’s vision is to redefine what is possible in banking.
Pacific Coast Banking School Names Joan Reukauf New President and CEO
The board of directors of Pacific Coast Banking School (PCBS) recently announced the selection of Joan Reukauf as its incoming president and CEO. Reukauf is succeeding PCBS President and CEO Gretchen Clafin, who plans to retire at the end of 2024 when Reukauf will assume the title of president and CEO.
Reukauf comes to PCBS with deep connections to the school and a wealth of experience from her 20+ years in the banking industry. A PCBS graduate and current instructor, Reukauf most recently served as chief operating officer of People’s Bank of Commerce after a successful merger with Willamette Community Bank where she served as president and CEO. Reukauf also teaches for the American Banking Association and at Willamette University, where she received her MBA.
“I am honored and excited to lead PCBS as the new president and CEO,” Reukauf said. “This institution has always had a very special place in my heart, and I am committed to building upon our very strong foundation to drive innovation, growth and success. I look forward to embarking on this journey and contributing to the ongoing legacy of excellence forged by those before me, along with the talented team at PCBS.”
“Joan’s ties to PCBS and her experience as an instructor and leader in the banking industry make her uniquely qualified to lead PCBS into the future,” said Board Chairman Jack Heath. “Joan’s experience and energy will drive new initiatives that will benefit future generations of leaders in the banking and financial services industry.”
