Chris Werner Joins State Bank Northwest as VP/Ag Loan Officer
Spokane Valley, WA – June 6, 2025 – State Bank Northwest is pleased to announce that Chris Werner has joined State Bank Northwest as Vice President/Agricultural Loan Officer. Werner brings 15 years of experience in the agricultural finance industry, previously serving with the Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Greg Deckard, CEO and Chairman of State Bank Northwest, said, “Chris possesses comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the technicalities of farm financing and credit, farm operations, land use and value, production of various crops and livestock, and prices and markets. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the team as a leader in support of our agribusiness customers.”
His key experiences include:
-
Washington Deputy State Executive Director (2024 - Present): Provided leadership in long-term strategic planning and delivery of all FSA programs in Washington State.
-
WA State Farm Program Chief (2023 - 2024): Made decisions on program delivery, learned essential Washington State programs, and ran strategy for state staffing and agency planning.
-
Farm Loan Manager (Spokane County, 2015 - 2021): Managed the loan staff and portfolio, and was responsible for servicing delinquent accounts. Grew the Spokane loan portfolio from 128 to over 180 direct borrowers and more than 100 guarantee borrowers. Received the FSA Administrator's Harvest Recognition Award in 2016 and Washington State FSA Employee of the Year in 2020.
-
Farm Loan Officer (2011 - 2015): Provided farm loan assistance to farmers and ranchers under the guidance of Farm Loan Program regulations through direct and guarantee loans. Processed farm loan applications and serviced an agricultural loan portfolio.
A Spokane resident for 13 years, Chris Werner enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping. He resides in Spokane Valley with his wife, Heidi, and their five children.
About State Bank Northwest:
State Bank Northwest, originally founded in 1902 in Garfield, Washington as The State National Bank of Garfield, is a privately held Community Bank headquartered in Spokane. The Bank offers business banking, consumer banking, agricultural banking, and residential and commercial mortgage services in the Spokane Valley, North Spokane, Garfield, Colfax, Rockford and Palouse. With over $245 million in assets, State Bank Northwest continues to create prosperity for clients, team members, shareholders, and communities with its focus on relationship banking and excellent customer service.
For more information, please contact:
Lorilei Bruggink
President
State Bank Northwest
LorileiB@statebanknorthwest.com