The Board of Directors at The Foothills Bank has unanimously approved the appointment of Mary Lynn D. Lenz as President and Chief Executive Officer, effectively immediately. Ms. Lenz, a 39-year banking professional that has held executive positions in community banks both in California and Massachusetts, has also been appointed to the bank’s Board of Directors.

“The addition of Mary Lynn Lenz to the Foothill team is a key move in our strategic plan to meet the growing needs of our customers and remain Arizona’s premier community bank,” said William Savory, Chairman of the Board of The Foothills Bank. “Mary Lynn has a track record of achieving growth goals, a passion for customer service and a proven record of community service.”

Lenz previously served as CEO of Pasadena, Calif.-based Professional Business Bank, where she was instrumental in leading the turnaround of the community bank during the financial crisis and was lauded with the 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking Award by US Banker Magazine for her efforts.

Lenz has also presided over Slades Ferry Bancorp in Somerset, Mass., and has served as Executive Vice President of Retail Banking for Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, a wholly-owned subsidiary of international banking giant Royal Bank of Scotland. Prior to that Lenz held a variety of leadership roles in small business, mortgage banking and retail banking over a ten-year period at Cleveland-based Key Corp.

“I am enthusiastic about working with our entire team as we continue to demonstrate The Foothills Bank as a leader in Arizona community banking,” said Ms. Lenz. “Our vision for the bank’s future is to earn that ranking everyday by providing our customers with the highest levels of service and quality.”

“Mary Lynn is committed to relationship banking and is exactly the person we want to lead our company to new heights,” said Scott Spencer, Vice Chairman of the Board. “I am thrilled to have her as our President and CEO.”