A Coach for Your Business

Central Oregon native JILL CUMMINGS fosters banking talent and local businesses.

Jill Cummings, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Team Leader, has extensive experience in treasury solutions, business development, and management; she is a key figure in the substantial growth of Summit Bank's deposit base in Central Oregon. Since joining the bank in 2017, Jill's invaluable insights and unwavering dedication to her colleagues and the community have enhanced client services and operational efficiencies. Jill oversees business development, the region's treasury management team, and loan and deposit production. Focusing on understanding clients' businesses, trade and cash cycles, and objectives, she aims to help them run their operations more effectively. Jill ensures that all clients receive the exceptional service they deserve from a local business bank.

A native of Central Oregon with over 20 years in the banking industry, Jill serves on the Redmond Economic Development Inc. Board of Directors and is an Advisory Board Member for Rimrock Trails Treatment Services. She is a past Redmond School Board Director and a Student Teacher for Junior Achievement. We sat down with Jill to learn more about her work at Summit Bank.

Q. Tell us about your banking experience.

Over twenty years ago, I worked for a local CPA firm. A bank executive and manager came into the firm, and after a chance encounter, they recruited me to work for the bank. I have held many positions throughout my career: teller, new accounts, loan processor, operations supervisor, manager, hub manager, and SBA development officer, among other roles. Having held many positions throughout my tenure, I have a versatile skill set and in-depth understanding of the industry - key elements to serve our clients better. My background also gives me a sincere appreciation for the frontline and back-office colleagues essential to the banking team. It's fun to see where this professional journey has taken me; Summit now banks the CPA firm where it all started.

Q. What do you love most about banking?

First and foremost, the people! Meeting numerous business owners, their employees, and people from different walks of life and industries has been incredibly rewarding. I've learned about their experiences starting businesses, expanding their businesses, how cash flows through their company, raising capital, and their successes and failures. This has allowed me to learn and gain knowledge to better serve clients and colleagues and make meaningful connections throughout the community.

Q. What sets Summit Bank apart from other financial institutions?

With years of experience at larger and smaller institutions, there are several differences. Growing up in Central Oregon, being local is important to me! At Summit, our clients' deposits are kept here in Central Oregon and loaned to businesses here in Central Oregon, which provides a virtuous cycle of economic growth and a stronger community. We've all experienced calling a bank's 1-800 number option tree and had to sit on hold for too long, only to be told you'd have to be transferred to another department. At Summit Bank, direct lines to real humans are a vital differentiator. We value our clients' time and experience and have committed to answering our phones - which is unheard of anymore.

Q. What is the best part of your job?

One of the best parts of my job is developing relationships with bank prospects and clients and learning about their businesses. It's intriguing to know about the owners/executive directors, how their enterprise/organization serves the market's needs, how cash flows through their business, their industry outlook, and how we can partner. These interactions often lead to an opportunity for me to introduce them to others in the community, and I love making connections!

Q. What do you like most about the market where you live and work?

We live in a community with one of the state's highest per capita nonprofit organizations! Yes, that means there are a lot of sponsorship requests and events, but it also means a high percentage of residents who deeply care about their community. Additionally, it's a massive opportunity to share our nonprofit bank offering. Not only do we pay more interest on deposits, but we locally underwrite loan requests, which allows us to be more agile and creative in supporting the missions of these organizations. The number of entrepreneurs in Central Oregon also inspires me!

Q. If you weren't in banking, what else might you do for a living?

I would be an event planner in the fashion industry. I love a good party or event and have an eclectic wardrobe. In my position with Summit, I get to fulfill my love of events by planning our client parties, holiday parties, and parking lot parties, and I get to wear some of my favorite styles to work every day!

Q. While not at work, where might we find you?

I am likely volunteering at a board meeting, a committee meeting, an event, or on my peloton. I'm with my family if you find me not working or volunteering. During the summer, you will likely find me on Lake Billy Chinook.

Q. Tell us a story about a positive experience you had with a client.

There are so many positive experiences! As a leader, I love the feedback I hear about our colleagues—the number of unsolicited experiences I receive is remarkable. That can only come from dedicated colleagues committed to going above and beyond. So when they're recognized by clients, colleagues, and bank partners, I get so excited to remember them. In today's world, there are many negatives, and sharing something positive and simply recognizing others can change someone's day.

Q. Tell us about an enjoyable time with your team at work.

Some of my best memories are the pranks I spearheaded when Gary O'Connell, EVP Market President, was on vacation. Our team had a couple of party pictures in his office that I "accidentally" sent to him while he was away.