Karen R. Saunders Joins Heritage Financial Corporation's Board

Karen R. Saunders Joins Heritage Financial Corporation's Board

Heritage Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: HFWA) recently appointed Karen R. Saunders to its Board of Directors, marking a significant addition to the bank's leadership team. Her appointment is effective from January 1, 2025. In addition to her role on the corporate board, Ms. Saunders will also serve on the board of Heritage's wholly-owned subsidiary, Heritage Bank.

Expertise and Experience of Karen R. Saunders

Ms. Saunders comes with an impressive background in audit, finance, and financial services. Brian L. Vance, Chair of the Board, expressed enthusiasm for her joining the board, stating, "Karen possesses the depth of experience we were seeking, coupled with exceptional executive leadership skills." Having previously served as an audit partner at KPMG, she will undoubtedly bring valuable insights to the table.

A Career at KPMG

Her career at KPMG spanned nearly four decades. Ms. Saunders started in 1986 and was elevated to partner in 1999 within the Seattle office. As a SEC Reviewing Partner for the financial services practice, she showcased her expertise and leadership while overseeing critical auditing processes. Additionally, she managed KPMG's Pacific Northwest Region and held a leadership position in community banking.

Academic Qualifications and Community Involvement

With a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington's Foster School of Business, Ms. Saunders is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Washington and California. Her commitment to community service is evident as she currently holds the position of Ambassador Board Member for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Puget Sound. She has previously chaired the organization and been actively involved with various boards and committees, including the Washington State Accountancy Board.

About Heritage Financial Corporation

Heritage Financial Corporation operates from Olympia and serves as the holding company for Heritage Bank, a full-service commercial bank. The bank maintains a network of 50 branches across Washington and Oregon, providing quality banking services to its customers. Heritage's stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "HFWA." This strong foundation positions Heritage Bank to continue its growth and service delivery effectively, reflecting its commitment to the community.

Through its strategic initiatives and board enhancements, Heritage Financial Corporation aims to adjust and cater to the evolving needs of its customers. With Karen R. Saunders on board, the corporation strengthens its commitment to exceptional service and robust financial practices, ensuring the organization is well-prepared for future challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Karen R. Saunders?

Karen R. Saunders is the newly appointed member of the Board of Directors for Heritage Financial Corporation, with extensive experience in audit and finance.

What role did Karen R. Saunders have before joining Heritage Financial?

Ms. Saunders was a partner at KPMG, where she focused on the financial services sector and held various leadership positions during her career.

When does Karen R. Saunders officially start her role?

Her appointment becomes effective on January 1, 2025.

What is Heritage Financial Corporation?

Heritage Financial Corporation is a bank holding company based in Olympia, with Heritage Bank as its wholly-owned banking subsidiary.

How does Heritage Bank serve its community?

Heritage Bank operates 50 branches across Washington and Oregon, providing a variety of financial services to its customers while engaging with their communities.

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