Tamara Gurney, president and CEO of Mission Valley Bank, has been selected as the California Independent Bankers’ 2013 incoming president.

“With more than 33 years in banking, Tamara is a natural leader whose great wealth of experience in community banking will be a valuable asset in leading our association as president,” said CIB Executive Director David Haithcock. “Tamara has a deep understanding of community banking issues and is the right fit to support our causes at the forefront.”

Gurney believes in the importance of developing strong affiliations within the community and with clients.  Her dedication and philosophy were contributing factors by the CIB Board of Directors when selecting Gurney as the 2013 incoming president.

The California Independent Bankers, an affiliate of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), has approximately 7,000 members statewide and represents more than 240 community banks of various sizes and charter types within the state.  It is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, superior education and high-quality products and services.

CIB and ICBA support fair competition for financial institutions, maintaining the separation of banking and commerce, and a balanced financial system to prevent the concentration of economic and financial-services resources, according to the organization’s website. The member community banks create symbiotic relationships with the communities they serve, favor local decision-making, while adhering to the highest business practices and ethical standards.

In her role as president, Gurney will be part of a delegation of California community bankers attending the ICBA Washington D.C. Policy Summit in April where community bankers across the country will meet directly with their members of Congress and regulators on top issues facing the industry. ICBA continues to target the regulatory impact of too-big-to-fail with its Plan for Prosperity agenda while also focusing on the too-big-to-fail cause of regulatory burdens.

About Mission Valley Bank

Mission Valley Bank is a full-service, independent, commercial bank specializing in the banking needs of small to medium businesses in the San Fernando & Santa Clarita Valleys. The Bank was chartered in July 2001, with a vision of local ownership and a commitment to providing financial solutions to meet the needs of its clients. www.MissionValleyBank.com

About California Independent Bankers

The California Independent Bankers represents more than 240 community banks of all sizes and charter types in the state, is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education and high-quality products and services. CIB is the affiliate of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), with nearly 7,000 members – representing more than 24,000 locations nationwide and employing 300,000 Americans, ICBA members hold $1.2 trillion in assets, $1 trillion in deposits, and $750 billion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community. www.cib.org