Meet the Team

Joseph C. Adams is a director and has been the Chief Executive Officer of 1st Security Bank of Washington since July 2004. He has also served in those capacities for FS Bancorp since its formation in September 2011. He joined 1st Security Bank of Washington in April 2003 as its Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Adams served as Supervisory Committee Chairperson from 1993 to 1999 when the bank was Washington’s Credit Union. Mr. Adams is a lawyer, having worked for Deloitte as a tax consultant, K&L Gates as a lawyer, and then at Univar USA as a lawyer and Director of Regulatory Affairs. As the Director of Regulatory Affairs for Univar USA, the largest chemical distribution company in the United States, Mr. Adams used his environmental law expertise to ensure Univar complied with all relevant local, state, and federal environmental laws, rules, and regulations.

He is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, a Board member of the Community Bankers of Washington, and was previously a Board member of the Central Washington University Foundation.

Mr. Adams graduated with Distinction from the University of Hawaii with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. He also graduated cum laude with a Juris Doctor from the University of Puget Sound School of Law. In addition, Mr. Adams graduated with honors from Pacific Coast Banking School in 2007; a master’s level program held at the University of Washington. Mr. Adams’ legal and accounting backgrounds, as well as his duties as Chief Executive Officer of 1st Security Bank of Washington, bring a special knowledge of the financial, economic, and regulatory challenges faced by the Bank, which makes him well-suited to educating the Board on these matters.

Matthew joined 1st Security Bank in July 2011 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer in September 2011. He was promoted to President of both the Bank and the Company in July 2024. Matthew began his banking career in June 2000 as a financial examiner with the Washington State, Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banks. In 2004, he accepted a position at Golf Savings Bank in Seattle. Matthew served in a variety of capacities at Golf Savings Bank before his promotion to Chief Financial Officer in 2007.

After the Golf Savings Bank merger with Sterling Savings Bank, Matthew held the position of Senior Vice President of the Home Loan Division at Sterling until resigning in 2011 to join 1st Security Bank. Matthew is inspired by the Bank’s commitment to its customers and to the communities it serves.

Matthew serves on the Government Relations Committee with Washington Bankers Association. He volunteers with The IF Project, teaching Financial Literacy at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. He also works with a nonprofit school as its treasurer and is passionate about youth education.

Shana launched her banking career over three decades ago. She has held positions in lending, finance, operations, and information technology. As a leader in the IT field, she is a frequent guest speaker at industry forums and has been a primary contributor to articles published in the Puget Sound Business Journal, the Microsoft Small Business Center, and other publications about information security in financial services.

Shana attended the University of Washington and holds certifications in IT Service Management under the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional. She currently sits on the Client Advisory Board for Computer Services, Inc and the IT & Cybersecurity Program Advisory Committee for Peninsula College. Shana has also served as the digital communications and travel coordinator for a nonprofit division of the Washington-based travel softball club team, the Sundodgers, for several years, helping female student-athletes get to college. In addition, she received the organization's first annual “Proud to Be Here” award for service to the organization.

She currently oversees the technology, security, and project management teams at 1st Security Bank and is wholeheartedly committed to serving the Bank’s customers and employees. She is also an enthusiastic volunteer and has served organizations such as Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County and the White Center Food Bank.

Erin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Western Washington University. She began her career in 1999 as a financial examiner for the Washington State, Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banks. In 2006, Erin joined Builders Capital Mortgage in Seattle as its senior underwriter. She joined 1st Security Bank in January 2009 and became the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Officer in January 2010. She took on the Enterprise Risk Manager role in May 2012 and was promoted to Chief Risk Officer in April 2018.

As the Bank’s CRA Officer, Erin coordinates the Bank’s community outreach volunteer programs and enjoys building relationships with nonprofit groups that support the communities the Bank serves. Erin is a member of the Housing Consortium of Everett and Snohomish County and is dedicated to addressing affordable housing issues. She volunteers with The IF Project, teaching Financial Literacy to women who are in the Washington Corrections Center and she works with YWCA BankWork$ and the Teach Children to Save Program. Erin has also volunteered in various roles with Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County.

As the Chief Risk Officer, Erin uses her regulatory background to help promote and build risk awareness throughout the Bank.

In 2011, Jill joined the Bank and became the Underwriting Manager of the newly formed Home Lending Department. She was then promoted to SVP, Home Lending Credit, overseeing underwriting, product development, funding, and post-closing. Jill began her career in the financial industry in 1984 as a bank teller at a small community bank which eventually merged into Wells Fargo. She spent 15 years in retail banking, advancing from teller to Branch/Market Manager until she left retail banking to pursue a career in mortgage underwriting and management.

Jill is a certified FHA/VA underwriter and has completed training at the Institute of Financial Education. As a Loan Officer, Jill received a teaching certificate for WA State Adult Education and taught numerous classes for real estate agents.

Jill’s passion is working for local community-minded companies whose emphasis is on employees, customer service and the community.

Donn is a cum laude graduate from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He began his career in mortgage lending over three decades ago and joined the Bank in 2011, overseeing home lending production. Donn previously held the position of Executive Vice President at Sterling Savings Bank after its merger with Golf Savings Bank in 2009. Prior to the merger, Donn was President of Golf Savings Bank, serving on the Asset and Liability, Personnel and Lending Committees and held the position of Executive Vice President of Mortgage Lending.

Donn’s achievements include serving as President of the Washington Mortgage Lenders and the Seattle Mortgage Bankers, as well as on the Advisory Boards of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. His goal for the home lending team at 1st Security Bank is to provide “best in class” customer service and loan programs that help people achieve the dream of homeownership.

Ben has over 17 years of diverse experience in the banking industry including many years as a commercial lending team lead, director of consumer lending, and relationship manager. After beginning his career as a college intern at a local community bank in La Jolla, California, Ben discovered he had a passion for serving businesses and consumers alike. He currently serves as 1st Security Bank’s Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Northern Arizona University with a specialty in Marketing and Advertising. He is an honor graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School, a master’s level program held at the University of Washington, and has an Executive Leadership Certificate from the University of Washington’s Michael G. Foster School of Business.

With a deep dedication to local nonprofits and the community, Ben has served on several nonprofit boards throughout his career. He finds satisfaction in being able to use the skills he has developed in banking to help others.

Vickie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Seattle Pacific University. She joined 1st Security Bank in 2002, after working with the Ballard Boys and Girls Club.

Vickie was promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer in 2018. Prior to becoming the Director of WOW and HR Manager, Vickie worked with our Consumer Lending team. In addition to her Human Resources responsibilities, Vickie is personally involved in the onboarding and orientation of new hires where she shares the Bank’s Vision, Mission, Core Values, and unique company culture. She ensures that the Bank’s Core Values continue to reflect the personal principles that support all the employees as the organization evolves.

She has always been a passionate and dedicated volunteer, giving back to our communities and nonprofits. Vickie volunteers with The IF Project, teaching Financial Literacy at the Washington Corrections Center for Women, YWCA BankWork$, and for the Teach Children to Save Program.

Kyle joined 1st Security Bank in 2015 as Senior Vice President, Capital Markets. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Western Washington University. His career has been focused on mortgage finance and capital markets activities. He volunteers with several youth sports organizations in the community, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, and has volunteered for the Teach the Children to Save Program.

Kyle appreciates the Bank’s daily commitment to building a truly great place to work and bank and to serving the communities of the northwest.

In early 2016, Brian joined the Bank and has contributed significantly to the commercial lending growth.  He oversees 1st Security Bank’s commercial lending platform including managing the commercial and industrial (C&I) lending teams and the treasury management team.

Brian brings nearly two decades of banking industry experience, including fifteen years as a seasoned commercial lender. Prior to his employment with 1st Security Bank, he spent several years as a senior lender for a large regional bank focusing on middle-market clients. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, and in 2010, graduated from the American Bankers Association, Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Pennsylvania. He has also completed the Omega Performance Credit Training Program and a Bank Management Training Program.

Brian is passionate about building long-term relationships within the community and providing unique perspectives for business owners. He provides a personalized touch for his clients, focusing on their banking needs so they can focus on what they do best.

Sean joined 1st Security Bank as a Commercial Credit Analyst in 2011. He was promoted to VP Credit Administrator in 2017 and to SVP Director of Credit Administration in 2023. In his current role as Chief Credit Administrator Officer, Sean oversees the Bank’s credit strategy, credit risk, and financial analysis of the Bank’s loan portfolios.

He has been instrumental in the prudent growth and expansion of the Bank’s loan portfolios and the Bank’s credit risk mitigation efforts. The 11 years that he spent working directly under Rob Fuller, the long time, and recently retired former Chief Credit Officer of the Bank, have provided Sean a tremendous amount of institutional knowledge.

Sean holds a BA in Finance from the University of Washington and graduated from the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He received a leadership certificate from the Wharton Executive Education Program in 2022. Sean continues to volunteer with the Stonier Graduate School of Banking as a mentor for third year students. He is also a member of the Finance Committee for the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish counties.

Robert joined 1st Security Bank in 2017 as Vice President, Commercial Lending Relationship Manager and has been actively involved in helping build the Bank’s highly successful commercial lending team. He was promoted to his current role of Chief Credit Operations Officer in 2024 and is responsible for overseeing the Bank’s commercial credit operations.

Robert has been in the commercial banking industry for 25 years, focusing on commercial and industrial lending and commercial real estate lending at both regional and large community banks.

Robert holds a BA in History from the University of Tennessee and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He volunteers with Food Lifeline and is an active member of the Association of General Contractors and the Community Association Institute.

Kelli has worked in the financial services industry for three decades and brought a wealth of retail banking and leadership experience to her role when she joined 1st Security Bank in 2016. Previously, she was VP, Sales and Service Manager of Retail Banking at Cascade Bank before she moved to Sound Community Bank as the SVP of Retail Banking and Marketing.

In 2016, Kelli graduated from the American Bankers Association (ABA), Stonier Graduate School of Banking, and holds a Certificate of Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School. She also serves on the ABA Stonier Advisory Board, is an advocate for women, serves on the Alumni Committee, and is Capstone Advisor for year-three students with Stonier. Passionate about building relationships and helping others, Kelli serves on the Washington Bankers Association (WBA) Retail Banking Committee, the Government Relations Committee and is on the WBA Pros Board.

Kelli is a published children’s book author and certified life coach.  She has a deep commitment to causes that improve the lives of children. She has volunteered with Long Way Home, a nonprofit in Guatemala focused on building schools from sustainable materials. She is a former board member for Victim Support Services and the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA). Kelli also volunteers with The IF Project, teaching Financial Literacy and serving as a mentor to female residents of the Washington Corrections Center for Women.

Dennis brings decades of banking experience to his position at 1st Security Bank. He joined the 1st Security team in 2011 as Executive Vice President and manager of the newly formed construction lending division. In 2013, he was promoted to Chief Lending Officer, and in July of 2023 he transitioned to his current role of Senior Vice President, Director of Construction and Commercial Real Estate. His responsibilities include oversight of loan production for the construction and commercial real estate lending programs for the Bank.

In 2006, following Sterling Savings Bank’s purchase of Golf Savings Bank, Dennis served as the Senior Vice President and Puget Sound Regional Director of the residential construction lending division. A twenty-year veteran at Golf Savings Bank, he served as Executive Vice President of the residential construction department and was a bank board member for five years.

Dennis holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a focus on Finance and Economics from Central Washington University. Dennis volunteers with the non-profit Homesight and more specifically the Field Order 15 Fund, a lending program that assists black home developers to build affordable homes in the Puget Sound area.

Kathrine has nearly two decades of banking experience at various financial institutions in the Northwest. At Golf Savings Bank, she started the mortgage loan servicing program. In 2012, she joined 1st Security Bank as the Vice President of Consumer Loan Servicing and was then promoted to Senior Vice President of Service & Operations in 2013.

As a community volunteer, she has raised more than $20,000 for Breast Cancer research by participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-day Walk. She volunteers with The If Project, teaching Financial Literacy at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. She contributes her time to the Good Cheer Food Bank and has volunteered in various roles with Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County.

Kathrine is passionate about the Mission and Core Values of the Bank. She leads a team of service professionals who support the Bank’s customers and employees.

May-Ling became 1st Security Bank’s SVP, Compliance Officer, in November 2006 after previously working for the Bank as a private consultant. Her career in banking has spanned over three decades and in 2012 she obtained her Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager designation.

Prior to joining the Bank, she held similar positions with several local community banks and spent two years as a private consultant and operator of her own consulting business. In her role of Compliance Officer, May-Ling is responsible for and leads a team of employees who support the Bank’s regulatory compliance, internal audit, security and regulatory training areas at the Bank.

Phil Whittington joined 1st Security Bank in January 2020 as the Bank’s Controller. He graduated with distinction from the College of Charleston in South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and later went on to earn a Master of Accountancy from the University of South Carolina.

As a licensed Certified Public Accountant, Phil began his career in public accounting at the firm of Elliott Davis in their banking practice, where he was promoted to manager during his five-year tenure.

Phil volunteers with Special Olympics and Food Lifeline. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, pickleball, and spending time with family.