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Bank of San Francisco Announces Upcoming Retirement of President, Wendy Ross, and the Addition of David Lichtman as Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer

SAN FRANCISCO, CA—(4/11/2024)—Bank of San Francisco (OTCQX: BSFO), a forward-thinking community bank serving Bay Area businesses, nonprofits, and individuals, announced today that Wendy Ross will retire from her role as President, effective Friday, June 28, 2024, following more than 18 years as a senior executive. Ms. Ross will remain a director, advisor, and shareholder of the bank she co-founded in 2005.

“These past two decades have been exceptionally rewarding,” Ms. Ross said. “Building our Bank to serve this community has been my purpose, and I am proud to have worked alongside our BSF team every day to achieve that goal. While I will be stepping back from my day-to-day role, I will continue to support the Bank in every way I can.”

“It’s with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to Wendy as President,” said Ed Obuchowski, CEO. “Having worked very closely with my colleague and co-founder over the past 18 years, I am delighted that she will remain a key member of our BSF family. Additionally, I am pleased to announce that David Lichtman has joined the BSF team as Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer. David is the former Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of First Republic Bank, where he worked for more than three decades. I’m thrilled to have someone of his caliber and experience be an integral member of the executive leadership team of our Bank.”

“I am honored to join the incredible team at Bank of San Francisco,” Mr. Lichtman said. “I am excited to leverage my banking experience and passion for the Bay Area to further our mission of serving and supporting our local community, and I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated team to deliver exceptional service to our clients."

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About Bank of San Francisco

Bank of San Francisco is a forward-thinking community bank that reflects the best qualities of San Francisco and the Bay Area. We combine advanced, modern technology with the enduring values of high-touch, personalized financial services, delivered with agility and accountability. Like the businesses, nonprofits, individuals, and families we serve, the Bay Area is our home. We are a local bank, with significant ownership by members of the community. Our team is as diverse as the community we serve, which allows us to understand our clients’ unique needs and goals. We invite you to learn more about our Bank, and to join our family of successful, community-minded clients, employees, and investors. For more information about Bank of San Francisco, please call us at (415) 744-6700, or visit us at www.bankbsf.com. Bank of San Francisco is a member of the FDIC and is an Equal Housing Lender.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to new products and anticipated growth. Forward-looking statements are those that are not statements of historical fact and may be identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Bank of San Francisco’s business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. These risks and uncertainties may affect the operations, performance, development, growth, capital needs and results of operations of Bank of San Francisco, and include, but are not limited to, local and national economic conditions; interest rate changes; inflation and monetary policy; changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our loan and deposit clients; changes in the levels of performing and nonperforming assets and charge- offs; timely implementation by Bank of San Francisco of new products and technology enhancements; the impact of competitive products, services and pricing; acts of war, terrorism or civil unrest; the soundness or failure of other financial institutions that may directly or indirectly affect the Bank; potential deposit withdrawals triggered by client concerns following the failures of or risks at other depository institutions; the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious illness outbreaks that may arise in the future; natural disasters, such as earthquakes; clients’ requirements and preferences; federal, state and local legislation and regulatory developments; the ability to retain or increase market share, retain or grow client relationships and control expenses; changes in regulatory or generally accepted accounting principles and other similar matters. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are subject to influence by the foregoing risk factors and unanticipated future events. Actual results, accordingly, may differ materially from management expectations. Bank of San Francisco undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Bank of San Francisco Contact

Leslie Katter
Email: leslie.katter@bankbsf.com
415-517-4012

Media Contact
Leah Stapleton
Email: leah@upraisepr.com
415-397-7600

Oct. 17, 2023 – Lia Economopoulos, SVP, and Felix Miranda, EVP, recently presented at the California Political Treasurers Association (CPTA) 21st Annual Conference held in San Diego, CA. As a corporate sponsor, BSF played a prominent role in supporting this gathering of political treasurers and consultants. Ms. Economopoulos and Mr. Miranda participated in a roundtable discussion, where they shared best practices and strategies for managing risk in the banking industry. They also discussed the Bank’s history, its diverse range of services, and its commitment to tailoring solutions specifically for treasurers and consultants in the political arena. 

The BSF team looks forward to continuing to work with the CPTA and its members in the future.

Oct. 13, 2023 – The BSF team honored Hispanic Heritage month with a delicious lunchtime El Salvadorean meal and presentation by Reina Contreras, VP and Residential Lending Operations Manager. We treasure the diversity of our team members and appreciate learning about the histories, cultures and food of the various nationalities represented by our colleagues.

Bank of San Francisco Empowers Bay Area Nonprofits Through Engaging Lunch-and-Learn Workshops

SAN FRANCISCO – Aug. 25, 2023 – Bank of San Francisco (OTCQX: BSFO), a forward-thinking community bank serving Bay Area businesses, nonprofits and individuals, will host its next lunch- and-learn workshop in partnership with Miracle Mile Advisors on Aug. 30. The workshop will highlight best practices for managing fiduciary obligations, including endowments and qualified retirement plans (403(b), 401(k), 457). Attendees will learn how to reduce liability, streamline processes, and improve financial outcomes for organizations and retirement plan participants.

Lunch-and-learn workshops have been a key initiative in BSF’s community engagement efforts for several years. The seminars, which the Bank hosts on a quarterly basis, are designed to bring together local nonprofit organizations to learn from one another and gain insights from industry experts. During these events, BSF aims to create an environment where nonprofits can join together, share experiences, and discuss relevant issues and solutions.

"As a premier bank for nonprofits, BSF is unwavering in its commitment to supporting organizations that make a difference in the communities it serves," said Victor Vazquez, senior vice president at Bank of San Francisco. "Our new office space is designed to be a place for gathering, and these lunch-and-learn seminars are one way the Bank aims to connect with the community, promote collaboration, and further support the success of Bay Area nonprofits."

BSF’s most recent lunch-and-learn workshop took place on May 31, in collaboration with Civic Edge Consulting. The seminar, which was attended by a diverse group of local nonprofit leaders, focused on the crucial roles effective branding and communication play for nonprofit organizations, and offered valuable insights and strategies to enhance outreach efforts.

If you are part of a nonprofit organization in the Bay Area and are interested in attending upcoming lunch-and-learn workshops hosted by BSF, please contact us at info@bankbsf.com.

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About Bank of San Francisco

Bank of San Francisco is a forward-thinking community bank that reflects the best qualities of San Francisco and the Bay Area. We combine advanced, modern technology with the enduring values of high-touch, personalized financial services, delivered with agility and accountability.

Like the businesses, nonprofits, individuals and families we serve, the Bay Area is our home. We are a local bank, with significant ownership by members of the community. Our team is as diverse as the community we serve, which allows us to understand our clients’ unique needs and goals. We invite you to learn more about our Bank, and to join our family of successful, community-minded clients, employees and investors. For more information about Bank of San Francisco, please call us at (415) 744-6700, or visit us at www.bankbsf.com. Bank of San Francisco is a member of the FDIC and is an Equal Housing Lender.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to new products and anticipated growth. Forward- looking statements are those that are not statements of historical fact and may be identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Bank of San Francisco’s business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. These risks and uncertainties may affect the operations, performance, development, growth, capital needs and results of operations of Bank of San Francisco, and include, but are not limited to, local and national economic conditions; interest rate changes; inflation and monetary policy; changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our loan and deposit clients; changes in the levels of performing and nonperforming assets and charge-offs; timely implementation by Bank of San Francisco of new products and technology enhancements; the impact of competitive products, services and pricing; acts of war, terrorism or civil unrest; the soundness or failure of other financial institutions that may directly or indirectly affect the Bank; potential deposit withdrawals triggered by client concerns following the failures of or risks at other depository institutions; the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious illness outbreaks that may arise in the future; natural disasters, such as earthquakes; clients’ requirements and preferences; federal, state and local legislation and regulatory developments; the ability to retain or increase market share, retain or grow client relationships and control expenses; changes in regulatory or generally accepted accounting principles and other similar matters. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are subject to influence by the foregoing risk factors and unanticipated future events. Actual results, accordingly, may differ materially from management expectations. Bank of San Francisco undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Bank of San Francisco Launches New Website, Logo and Zelle® Integration

Investment in technology-driven tools will offer clients simplicity, accessibility and a more streamlined navigation

SAN FRANCISCO – Feb. 22, 2022 – Bank of San Francisco (OTCQX: BSFO), a forward-thinking community bank serving businesses, nonprofits and individuals, today announced the launch of its new website, www.BankBSF.com, as well as a new logo, which reflects the Bank’s continued growth and evolution, and its service to clients throughout the Bay Area, and beyond.

BankBSF.com will offer the Bank’s clients and website visitors a fresh look and feel in addition to simplicity, accessibility and a more streamlined navigation system—helping users reach whatever they seek in just a few clicks.

In addition to the website launch, Bank clients can now access Zelle® through their mobile banking app. Zelle® is a fast, safe and easy way to send and receive money, typically within minutes1. Using just an email address or U.S. mobile phone number, you can send money to people you trust, regardless of where they bank1.

“At Bank of San Francisco, we are committed to combining technology with the traditional values of high-touch, personalized service. The design and technology improvements we have made will strengthen our ability to provide the best service possible to current and future clients, wherever they reside,” said Ed Obuchowski, CEO, Bank of San Francisco.

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1U.S. checking or savings account required to use Zelle®. Transactions between enrolled users typically occur in minutes. Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.


About Bank of San Francisco

Bank of San Francisco, headquartered in San Francisco, is a progressive community bank that reflects the best of San Francisco and Bay Area culture – flexible, entrepreneurial, and forward-thinking. We are a local bank, with significant ownership by members of the community, serving Bay Area businesses, nonprofits, individuals, and families. Bank of San Francisco delivers high-touch, personalized service with agility and accountability. Our team is as diverse as the community we serve, which allows us to understand our clients’ unique needs and goals. We invite you to learn more about Bank of San Francisco and to join our family of successful, community-minded clients. For more information about Bank of San Francisco, please call us at (415) 744-6700, or visit us at www.bankbsf.com. Bank of San Francisco is a member of the FDIC and is an Equal Housing Lender.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to our anticipated growth. Forward-looking statements are those that are not statements of historical fact and may be identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Bank of San Francisco’s business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. These risks and uncertainties may affect the operations, performance, development, growth projections, capital needs and results of Bank of San Francisco’s business and include, but are not limited to, local and national economic conditions, interest rate movements, changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our loan and deposit clients, changes in the levels of performing and nonperforming assets and charge-offs, timely implementation by Bank of San Francisco of technology enhancements for its products and operating systems, the impact of competitive products, services and pricing, acts of war or terrorism, or natural disasters, such as earthquakes, clients’ requirements and preferences, federal, state and local legislation and regulatory developments, the ability to retain or increase market share, retain or grow client relationships and control expenses, changes in regulatory or generally accepted accounting principles and other similar matters. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are subject to influence by the foregoing risk factors and unanticipated future events. Actual results, accordingly, may differ materially from management expectations. Bank of San Francisco undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Bank of San Francisco Secures More Than $259 Million in Paycheck Protection Program Loans for Bay Area Small Businesses and Nonprofits; Preserves More Than 18,000* Jobs


During two rounds of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Bank of San Francisco provided more than 900 PPP loans to local businesses and nonprofits

SAN FRANCISCO – June 23, 2021 – Bank of San Francisco (OTCQX: BSFO), a forward-thinking community bank serving Bay Area businesses, nonprofits and individuals, today announced the results of its Small Business Administration (SBA) PPP loan activity for both the first and second rounds of funding, which took place from March to August 2020 and December 2020 to May 2021, respectively. Through the program, the Bank funded approximately $259.2 million in PPP loans, providing 928 loans to Bay Area small businesses and nonprofits that disbursed vital funds during the pandemic.

The SBA stopped accepting PPP loan applications on May 31, 2021. As of that date, Bank of San Francisco had:

Preserved more than 18,000 jobs*, and
Secured 928 SBA loan authorizations, totaling approximately $259.2 million.
Of the Bank’s PPP loan balance funded, nonprofits represented approximately 37%, restaurants, bars and retail represented approximately 13%, construction represented approximately 9%, and distribution and manufacturing represented approximately 7%, among other industries.

The Impact of PPP Loans on Bank of San Francisco Clients

Since the start of the pandemic, Bank of San Francisco has been in close communication with its clients. Some have commented, as seen below:

Margaret O’Leary, CEO, Margaret O’Leary, a San Francisco-based clothing brand specializing in knitwear and women’s apparel, noted:
“We originally tried to work with a large bank that had outsourced their PPP process; it was terrifying to think our survival rested on a nameless, faceless group. Bank of San Francisco swooped in and took over, delivering the loan quickly and efficiently. Securing a PPP loan meant the difference between surviving and having to shutter this iconic, eponymous business, to which I have dedicated my life. I cannot overstate how great the Bank has been for Margaret O’Leary Inc. and me personally.”

Paul Geduldig, CEO, Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF), a nonprofit that brings people together to explore, connect and flourish, said:
“We reached out to many banks, but it was clear to us, Bank of San Francisco was well-versed in dealing with SBA loans and was able to handle the process. Securing a PPP loan gave us the solid financial footing we needed to catch our breath and get through the pandemic. The loan allowed us to retain more staff and to support and build community for our family participants, older adults and fitness members.”

Peter Cooperstein, President, Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria, a Bay Area pizza chain serving pizza inspired by the traditional Italian brick oven pizzas of New England, said:
“We originally applied for PPP loans through two larger banks, but after several months, there was no progress. Just 10 days after applying through Bank of San Francisco, our PPP loans were approved, and the funds were in our accounts. We cannot emphasize how grateful we are for our loyal customers and hardworking team members who have kept us going for more than thirty years.”

Sharon Nahm, Director of Operations and Executive Chef, E&O Kitchen + Bar, a modern Asian restaurant and lounge located in San Francisco’s Union Square, said:
“Closing down and reopening a business multiple times is financially devastating. Bank of San Francisco was so instrumental in helping us secure the PPP loans. From start to finish, they were there to ensure all needed information was complete and submitted quickly. Having this loan meant we could employ staff, cover overhead costs, and hang in there until we could open our doors again.”

Zack Barulich, CFO, BiRite Foodservice Distributors, a third-generation, family-owned distribution company serving quality products to the Bay Area since 1966, said:
“Bank of San Francisco saved us when it came to the PPP loan process. I was amazed at how easy they made accessing the loan and how supportive they’ve been, while other banks we’ve worked with dropped the ball. Being a family company, we treat each employee as a member of our family, and securing the loan allowed us to keep our staff paid throughout the worst of the pandemic. Knowing that we could keep paying them and supporting their families as we tried to navigate the pandemic meant so much to us."

“Our tagline, ‘with you when it matters,’ was especially meaningful to us this past year. Supporting small businesses and community organizations has always been a top priority of ours, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be able to continue helping them for years to come,” said Ed Obuchowski, Chief Executive Officer, Bank of San Francisco.

Bank of San Francisco, President, Wendy Ross added, “The Bay Area wouldn’t be what it is today without its small businesses and nonprofit organizations; they are the lifeblood of our community. We look forward to supporting them in the coming months as things begin to reopen.”

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About Bank of San Francisco

Bank of San Francisco, headquartered in San Francisco, is a progressive community bank that reflects the best of San Francisco and Bay Area culture – flexible, entrepreneurial, and forward-thinking. We are a local bank, with significant ownership by members of the community, serving Bay Area businesses, nonprofits, individuals, and families. Bank of San Francisco delivers high-touch, personalized service with agility and accountability. Our team is as diverse as the community we serve, which allows us to understand our clients’ unique needs and goals. We invite you to learn more about Bank of San Francisco and to join our family of successful, community-minded clients. For more information about Bank of San Francisco, please call us at (415) 744-6700, or visit us at www.bankofsf.com. Bank of San Francisco is a member of the FDIC and is an Equal Housing Lender.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to our anticipated growth. Forward-looking statements are those that are not statements of historical fact and may be identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Bank of San Francisco’s business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. These risks and uncertainties may affect the operations, performance, development, growth projections, capital needs and results of Bank of San Francisco’s business and include, but are not limited to, local and national economic conditions, interest rate movements, changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our loan and deposit clients, changes in the levels of performing and nonperforming assets and charge-offs, timely implementation by Bank of San Francisco of technology enhancements for its products and operating systems, the impact of competitive products, services and pricing, acts of war or terrorism, or natural disasters, such as earthquakes, clients’ requirements and preferences, federal, state and local legislation and regulatory developments, the ability to retain or increase market share, retain or grow client relationships and control expenses, changes in regulatory or generally accepted accounting principles and other similar matters. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are subject to influence by the foregoing risk factors and unanticipated future events. Actual results, accordingly, may differ materially from management expectations. Bank of San Francisco undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Bank of San Francisco Launches “Catering to the Community” Initiative to Support Restaurants and Benefit Frontline Workers


SAN FRANCISCO – May 6, 2020 – Bank of San Francisco, (OTCQX: BSFO), the modern Bay Area community bank that supports the entrepreneurial goals of people, businesses and nonprofits, announced today the launch of “Catering to the Community,” an initiative to support local small businesses and benefit frontline workers of government agencies and nonprofit organizations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bank of San Francisco is purchasing gift cards from its restaurant clients in the Bay Area and donating them to government and nonprofit workers who are out front during this critical time. So far, the restaurants include:
  • 4505 Burgers & BBQ,
  • Andytown Coffee Roasters,
  • b. patisserie,
  • Bamboo Asia,
  • The Little Chihuahua,
  • Subway,
  • and Sushirrito.
Beneficiaries of the donations include:
  • First Responder EMTs,
  • Emergency room and hospital staffs,
  • Nonprofit workers assisting the homeless,
  • Nursing home staff,
  • Muni drivers and public health workers,
  • Fire fighters,
  • Police officers,
  • and, labor union members working in hospitality.
“We support the businesses, agencies and nonprofits that support our community in this time of crisis,” said Ed Obuchowski, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of San Francisco. “We started ‘Catering to the Community’ to extend that support, in a more tangible way, during this difficult time.”

Restaurants are turning to creative solutions to keep customers and revenues flowing. Some have devoted part of their space to selling prepared food and other household food items.  Others are preparing meal kits customers can purchase at the door or through delivery services. Government agencies and nonprofit organizations are providing life-saving services, for which we are all so grateful.

“We are committed to helping our community weather this crisis and emerge stronger,” added Obuchowski.

About Bank of San Francisco

Bank of San Francisco, headquartered in San Francisco, is a progressive community bank that reflects the best of San Francisco and Bay Area culture – flexible, entrepreneurial, and forward-thinking. We are a local bank, with significant ownership by members of the community, serving Bay Area businesses, nonprofits, individuals, and families. Bank of San Francisco delivers high-touch, personalized service with agility and accountability. Our team is as diverse as the community we serve, which allows us to understand our clients’ unique needs and goals. We invite you to learn more about Bank of San Francisco and to join our family of successful, community-minded clients. For more information about Bank of San Francisco, please call us at (415) 744-6700, or visit us at www.bankofsf.com. Bank of San Francisco is a member of the FDIC and is an Equal Housing Lender.

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Bank of San Francisco Media Contact: Victoria Guimarin
Email: bankofsf@upraisepr.com Phone: 415.397.7600