West Coast Community Bancorp Annual Shareholder Meeting Results
On April 23, 2026, West Coast Community Bancorp, known affectionately as Bancorp, held its annual shareholder meeting in Santa Cruz, California. The meeting garnered substantial participation, with a remarkable 8,441,376 shares representing 80.55% of the total 10,480,171 shares entitled to vote. This robust turnout underscores the commitment of shareholders to remain engaged with the company’s governance and direction.
Results of Director Elections
The primary agenda for the meeting included the election of directors, among other proposals. All eleven nominees proposed in the proxy statement were successfully elected as directors, reflecting shareholders' confidence in their leadership. The directors and their respective vote counts are listed below:
- - Judith N. Bornstein: 6,339,437 votes (97.35% approval)
- - Caroline D. Chapin: 6,409,074 votes (98.41% approval)
- - Kenneth R. Chappell: 6,257,479 votes (96.09% approval)
- - Wayne S. Doiguchi: 6,238,532 votes (95.80% approval)
- - Craig A. French: 5,973,430 votes (91.73% approval)
- - Kurt J. Gollnick: 6,464,284 votes (99.26% approval)
- - Daniel R. Hightower, M.D.: 6,470,184 votes (99.35% approval)
- - Alexander B. Potts: 6,394,741 votes (98.19% approval)
- - Gunlek L. Ruder: 6,347,849 votes (97.47% approval)
- - Krista Snelling: 6,387,746 votes (98.09% approval)
- - James L. Weisenstein: 6,288,164 votes (96.56% approval)
The voting results indicate a strong endorsement for the nominees, with most receiving over 90% approval. This level of confidence is a testament to the directors' effectiveness and the trust shareholders place in their governance.
Approval of Key Proposals
Apart from the election of directors, shareholders were presented with additional proposals that required their approval:
Proposal 2: Indemnification Agreements
Shareholders approved the proposal for indemnification agreements with non-employee directors and executive officers, securing protections under the law. This proposal received 90.37% approval, indicating a clear backing of the board's integrity and governance.
Proposal 3: Elimination of Cumulative Voting
The proposal aimed at eliminating cumulative voting fell short of approval. While 79.62% of votes supported the change, it wasn't enough to meet the majority requirement of the shares outstanding, demonstrating the complexities of shareholder preferences.
Proposal 4: Shareholder Action by Written Consent
In another crucial vote, shareholders approved the amendment to eliminate shareholder action by written consent, indicating a desire for more direct participation in decision-making through meetings rather than written approvals. This proposal passed with 86.86% approval.
Proposal 5: Selection of Independent Public Accountants
Finally, the appointment of Crowe LLP as the independent registered public accountant for the fiscal year 2026 was overwhelmingly supported with 98.75% approval, highlighting confidence in the firm's ability to oversee financial practices.
About West Coast Community Bancorp
Founded in 2004, West Coast Community Bancorp operates as a community-focused banking entity. The bank delivers a wide variety of financial products and services, emphasizing a commitment to local businesses and individuals. Its offerings include competitive loans, deposit solutions, and extensive banking services tailored to meet the needs of its customers.
Moreover, the bank is recognized as a leading SBA lender in Santa Cruz County and Silicon Valley, demonstrating its dedication to fostering local economic growth. Not only does Bancorp provide financial products, but it also actively supports community initiatives by partnering with local nonprofits, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility.
In conclusion, the annual meeting results illustrate the collective voice of shareholders and the strategic direction of West Coast Community Bancorp. With its leadership firmly in place, the bank is poised to continue its growth trajectory while prioritizing the interests of its stakeholders and the community it serves.