Columbia Bank Welcomes Ivan Seda as New Deputy CFO, Enhancing Financial Leadership
Columbia Bank Welcomes Ivan Seda as New Deputy CFO
Columbia Bank has taken a significant step in enhancing its leadership team by appointing Ivan Seda as the Executive Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer. This announcement, made on August 25, 2025, highlights Columbia's commitment to strengthening its financial strategies and performance management as it navigates a rapidly evolving banking landscape.
A Proven Financial Leader
Ivan Seda comes with a wealth of experience in the financial sector, making him an invaluable asset to Columbia Bank. Prior to this role, he held various executive positions, including Chief Financial Officer at Union Bank and Head of Financial Planning & Analysis at MUFG Americas. His track record involves guiding these organizations through critical periods of transformation and growth, showcasing his adeptness in financial management.
Most recently, Seda served as Deputy Chief Financial Officer at BECU, where he was instrumental in overseeing major financial initiatives that contributed to organizational success. In his new role at Columbia Bank, he will be expected to leverage this extensive expertise to refine financial strategies and support the bank's long-term growth objectives.
Bolstering Financial Performance
The appointment of Seda comes at a crucial time for Columbia Bank, which operates as a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, Inc., and has established a strong presence across several states, including Washington and California. His focus will not only be on enhancing the bank's financial performance but also on fostering operational excellence that aligns with Columbia's mission of delivering consistent value to its shareholders.
Clint Stein, CEO of Columbia Bank, expressed enthusiasm about Seda’s addition to the team, stating, "Ivan is an accomplished financial leader whose expertise makes him an outstanding addition to our executive team. His focus on performance and operational excellence will help ensure we remain well-positioned for future growth."
Seda's Academic Background and Community Involvement
In addition to his impressive professional background, Seda holds a Master's in Accounting alongside a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Washington's Michael G. Foster School of Business. Furthermore, he is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA-Inactive). Outside of his professional responsibilities, Seda is actively engaged in community service and currently serves on the board of the Seattle Aquarium, reflecting his commitment to local initiatives and environmental stewardship.
About Columbia Bank
Columbia Bank, which also operates under the name Umpqua Bank, stands as one of the largest banks headquartered in the Northwest, boasting an asset base exceeding $50 billion. The bank is renowned for combining national banking sophistication with a dedication to superior customer service, offering a comprehensive suite of retail and commercial banking solutions, as well as wealth management services through Columbia Wealth Management.
With Seda now in place, Columbia Bank aims to continue its trajectory of growth and stability, reinforcing its status as a leading regional bank in the Western United States. The future looks promising as the bank endeavors to navigate the complexities of the financial sector while delivering exceptional service to its customers and stakeholders alike.