Phoenix, Ariz. – (Aug 5, 2008) Jim Claffee has been named Regional President – Southwest for Mutual of Omaha Bank. In his role, Claffee is responsible for leading all aspects of Mutual of Omaha Bank’s operations in the Southwest Region of the United States, which includes 28 locations in Arizona, Nevada and California.
Claffee brings more than 30 years of banking experience to Mutual of Omaha Bank, most recently serving as the President and CEO of First National Bank of Nevada (also operating as First National Bank of Arizona) and its affiliate, First Heritage Bank in Newport Beach, Calif. Claffee joined First National in 2007 as the bank’s Executive Vice President and COO. Mutual of Omaha Bank acquired the deposits of First National on July 25.
“Jim Claffee is an experienced leader with a proven track record of developing strong banking organizations,” said Jeff Schmid, Chairman and CEO of Mutual of Omaha Bank. “Not only does he have the respect and admiration of the people he leads, he understands our philosophy of relationship banking. We’re thrilled to have someone of his caliber to lead Mutual of Omaha Bank’s expansion in the Southwest.”
Prior to his banking career, Claffee served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Tufts University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University. Claffee also attended the Liberal Arts Program for Senior Managers at Stanford, the Kellogg School of International Management at Northwestern University and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He has held executive positions at Washington Mutual Bank, Citizens Bank of Connecticut, Fleet Bank and Bank of America.
Mutual of Omaha Bank operates 44 locations in Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, California, Texas and Iowa with deposits totaling approximately $4 billion. It is a subsidiary of Mutual of Omaha, a 99-year-old insurance and financial services company with more than $22 billion in total assets and very high ratings from major ratings agencies. For more information about Mutual of Omaha Bank, visit www.mutualofomahabank.com.
