Washington Trust Bank

Please join us in welcoming Seth Kinsey, who has joined Washington Trust Bank’s Commercial Banking team in Spokane as VP and Relationship Manager. With more than 20 years of banking experience in the region, he uses his extensive background to advise clients and develop customized plans to help them achieve their goals. Seth's background includes working with clients in the manufacturing, skilled trade, wholesale, and nonprofit industries. He holds a bachelor’s degree in global business management with an emphasis in finance from Arizona State University and is passionate about supporting the community. Welcome to the team, Seth!

When it comes to the #Idaho economy, Washington Trust Chief Economist, Steve Scranton, CFA, stresses the importance of understanding that reality and social media are two very different worlds. Read more of his perspectives in the Idaho Business Review. https://lnkd.in/gRfGbnDc

We are excited to welcome Madison Rountree to the Bank as our newest Small Business Relationship Manager in Spokane! Madison joins us with an impressive and diverse background that includes experience in higher education, real estate, and hospitality. She is currently pursuing her MBA at Whitworth University. She was a collegiate athlete at Linfield University, playing on the soccer team, where she earned a bachelor’s in business marketing. Madison is dedicated to helping Spokane’s businesses grow and succeed. We are confident that her expertise and passion for client success will be a tremendous asset to our team. Join us in welcoming Madison to Washington Trust Bank!

Congratulations to our September Legendary Award winner, Dawn Schmelebeck, Business Unit Compliance Officer. Dawn S. was nominated under the Washington Trust culture pillar of Vision. Her innovations with control assessments and testing improved compliance efficiencies and created a real-time view into controls, gaps, and weaknesses for business lines. Put another way, Dawn’s doing awesome things that make work easier and life better for all those around her. Way to go, Dawn!

Exciting happenings in the central Oregon startup scene. Innovative startups — ranging from AI-driven construction tools to autonomous EV battery recycling — have been competing to pitch at the recent Bend Venture Conference (BVC). Winners were announced last week; congrats to the finalists and winners! https://lnkd.in/g8t5xSrA

The magnitude of the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut — 0.50 percentage points — took most economists by surprise, many had expected a more modest 0.25 percentage point cut. Steve Scranton, CFA, Chief Economist at Washington Trust Bank, highlights that businesses and consumers with variable-rate loans are set to benefit, but savers will feel the pinch. The move could also stimulate housing and auto sectors, while giving commercial real estate some breathing room. For Portland, recovery is gradual, but Scranton remains optimistic about long-term growth. https://lnkd.in/dAAiYpMx

With over two decades of experience in the banking industry and having held leadership positions at both regional and national banks, we are thrilled to share that Leland Williams has joined Washington Trust as VP and Relationship Manger. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Seattle market where he will serve commercial banking clients in west and north Puget Sound. An Army Veteran, Leland trained and deployed in the US Army for six years. He is also a proud tribal member of the Chippawa Cree Native American Tribe from Montana. He holds a business administration degree from Montana State University and has completed advanced training in commercial lending, financial analysis, and investment banking. He is also a distinguished honor graduate of the Fort Sill Army Leadership School.

We’re thrilled to share that our Seattle Private Banking Team is growing with the addition of Chris Frankovich!  Chris joins Washington Trust as a Vice President and Relationship Manager with over 30 years in banking and finance. He excels in cultivating and managing private banking and medical/dental relationships by providing customized financial solutions and exceptional service. His educational background, combined with hands-on experience, has equipped him with the skills to deliver exceptional financial recommendations and solutions for our customers. Chris has expertise in working with high-net-worth clients, providing commercial loans and lines of credit, commercial and residential real estate loans, and other tailored lending solutions. Additionally, Chris enjoys volunteering in his community of West Seattle, is a veteran of the US Air Force, and earned an associate in art degree from the College of DuPage Welcome to the team, Chris!

We are pleased to announce the hire of Simon Bean, CFA as Vice President, Senior Client Portfolio Manager on our Wealth Management & Advisory Services team. With over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Bean brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our Portland Financial Center. As part of your wealth management team, Simon partners with clients’ existing legal and tax advisors to ensure positioning of the most appropriate custom wealth planning strategies for any financial circumstance. Simon holds a bachelor’s in business finance from Portland State University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charter Holder   Thrilled to have you on the team, Simon!

We're thrilled to welcome Joey Robinson as Vice President and Senior Client Portfolio Manager on our western Washington Wealth Management & Advisory team. With over a decade of experience in portfolio management and client advisory, Joey is dedicated to crafting personalized, goals-based strategies for high-net-worth individuals, institutions, and foundations.   His expertise and passion for helping clients achieve their financial objectives make him another great asset to our western Washington team.   Welcome aboard, Joey!