Sunflower Bank expands into Southern California

Denver-based Sunflower Bank is expanding into southern California by hiring Regional President James Canepa and adding four commercial banking teams in the market.."Southern California's commercial banking market will be our largest market and provides an opportunity to continue the expansion of our relationship banking model for middle market clients," according to the bank. .An executive vice president, Canepa joined the $7.8 billion bank last month to lead its strategy, management and growth in Greater Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego counties. .Canepa has 25 years of experience in commercial banking, private banking and wealth management, most recently developing and overseeing California-wide banking teams for regional banks..Four commercial offices are being established in Southern California with plans for future growth. David Alterman is senior vice president and managing group director leading the Greater Los Angeles market. Cathie Wachter is SVP & managing group director leading the West Los Angeles market specializing in the entertainment industry and family offices. Ernesto Arredondo Jr. and Stephen Clark are SVPs and co-managing group directors leading Orange County and San Diego markets. Kenneth Hernandez is SVP & managing group director covering San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Keith Budoff is SVP & regional senior credit administrator for the Southern California region.