Movers & Shakers

BY VBJ STAFF

STEVE OKAZAKI

Columbia Credit Union hires new vice president of business lending

Columbia Credit Union senior vice president and chief credit officer Jim Brekke announced Jan. 15 the addition of Steve Okazaki as vice president of business lending.

With 12 years of business banking experience and 25 years of industry experience, Okazaki will focus on developing and maintaining business loan and deposit relationships, as well as assist in the credit union's commercial lending operations.

"We're focused on expanding our business lending efforts," Brekke said. "Steve's background and experience make him the ideal candidate to assist in reaching our goals."

Okazaki holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Portland State University and most recently served as a business lending and business development officer for a local financial institution. Active in the community, Okazaki plans memberships with the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce as well as professional networking organizations.

MICHELLE THOR

Michelle Thor was promoted to vice president business development at Columbia Credit Union earlier this month. Thor will lead Columbia's corporate outreach and cultivate relationships in the business community.

Thor joined Columbia in 2002, serving most recently as marketing manager.

A graduate of Eastern Washington University, Thor completed her MSC in Organizational Leadership in 1997. Thor is also a 2005 Vancouver Business Journal Accomplished Under 40 recipient and a 2008 graduate of Western Credit Union National Association Management School.

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