Sunwest Bank Triumphs with Benefits Innovator Award at Thrive Summit 2026

Sunwest Bank, a prominent player in commercial banking, is thrilled to announce its recognition with the prestigious Benefits Innovator Award at the Thrive Summit 2026. This annual event serves as a spotlight for health and well-being innovations, drawing leaders from across the healthcare spectrum to engage, collaborate, and forge pathways toward improved workforce health.

The award honors Sunwest Bank for its pioneering approach in utilizing Personify Health solutions aimed at transforming employee benefits while enriching the overall employee experience. This decision aligns with their mission of fostering a healthy and supportive work environment for their team.

Carson Lappetito, President of Sunwest Bank, expressed pride at this recognition, highlighting the continuous efforts of the bank's team, especially Kara Trebs, the Chief Human Capital Officer. He stated, "We're honored to be receiving the Benefits Innovator Award at Thrive Summit this year. It signifies the hard work and innovative thought put into developing a world-class health insurance program for our team and their families. Over the last year, we have invested time and resources into refining our benefits to ensure cost transparency for our team members."

This recognition underscores the significance of investing in employee benefits, particularly at a time when healthcare costs are on the rise. In this context, Kara Trebs is set to speak at the Thrive Summit 2026, where she will address contemporary challenges in healthcare delivery. She plans to explore innovative strategies employed by organizations to overcome the rising costs of healthcare, including the importance of direct agreements between employer-sponsored plans and hospital networks. This approach aims to enhance quality and accessibility to care while effectively managing expenses.

Trebs expressed honor in accepting the award, stating, "This award reflects our commitment to our employees and challenges us to ensure they have access to quality care without draining their wallets."

About Sunwest Bank

Founded in 1969, Sunwest Bank is a privately held commercial bank with assets exceeding $4 billion. With a growing presence throughout the United States—including locations in California, Arizona, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, and Florida—the bank specializes in offering strategic banking and financial solutions catered to businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. With its commitment to innovation and a strong capital foundation, Sunwest Bank continues to redefine traditional banking practices, paving the way for future growth and long-term success. As an accredited member of FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender, the bank dedicates itself to serving both its clients and the community.