News/Press Room

Torrey Pines Bank Expands Professional Staff
Construction Lenders and Private Banker serve clients in Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties

Oakland-based Torrey Pines Bank has expanded its staff with the addition of five new professionals serving clients in Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties.

Los Altos Office – Construction Lending

Natalie Taaffe has joined the bank’s new office in Los Altos as a senior vice president and construction lender, bringing more than 20 years of experience in local market lending to clients in Santa Clara County. Taaffe leads the office, which is located at 20 First Street. A fifth-generation Californian with deep historic ties to the Bay Area and its development, Taaffe traces ancestors back to the Murphy-Stevens party, the first wagon train to successfully traverse the Sierras in 1844 and settle in California. Another ancestor founded Sunnyvale, and most recently, her father has had his own successful construction company.

Joining Taaffe are Sandra Swensen, vice president and construction loan officer, and Maria Ybarra, construction portfolio officer. All three previously had been with Taaffe at Vineyard Bank.

"I am delighted with the opportunity to represent Torrey Pines in a new market and look forward to helping current and future clients with their construction lending needs," said Taaffe.

Oakland Office – Construction Lending

Margaret Lowell has joined the bank’s Oakland office as vice president and construction lender, bringing more than 20 years of experience in local market environments to clients in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

"It is personally rewarding to me to help clients build their dream house or renovate an older home that has historical or nostalgic meaning to them," said Lowell. Prior to joining Torrey Pines, Lowell was with Tri-Valley Bank in San Ramon and before that with Greater Bay Bank in Walnut Creek.

Piedmont Office – Private Banking

Orinda resident Edrene Case has joined as a vice president and private banker in the bank’s Piedmont office, with more than 20 years of local banking experience. She previously worked as a branch manager for Bank of Walnut Creek, Mechanics Bank and Summit Bank.

"Torrey Pines offers businesses and consumers a unique brand of banking," she said. "It has a high level of personalized customer service, a broad array of products and offers high-tech services that make banking easy, efficient and enjoyable for customers," she said.

About Torrey Pines

Torrey Pines Bank is a community bank with a focus on businesses, professionals, nonprofit groups, faith-based organizations, medical practices and individuals in Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties. Headquartered in Oakland’s financial district, Torrey Pines has branch offices in Oakland, Piedmont and Los Altos. At December 31, 2008, the bank had assets of $138 million, an 11 percent increase from its third-quarter 2008 assets.

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