As vice president, commercial relationship banking officer, Debra Holland is responsible for retaining current clients, adding clients and referring lending opportunities while building the Columbia Bank brand in the Greater Puget Sound area. In her role, Debra focuses on the nonprofit services group which she has grown from having approximately 20 clients in 2009 to more than 150 today.
Debra mirrors Columbia Bank’s philosophy of being client-centered in her approach. Her enthusiasm and ability to create strong, positive, lasting relationships and knowledge of nonprofit finances, governance and trends allow her to excel in her role. Debra has more than eight years of industry experience including vice president, senior relationship banking officer at Pacific Continental. Prior to becoming a banker, Debra spent nearly 30 years in nonprofit leadership. A graduate of Seattle Pacific University, Debra received her Bachelor of Arts in communication.
Debra is qualified to leverage marketing opportunities to grow the bank’s brand by taking advantage of networking with nonprofit organizations in the community and at hosted events by the bank, with marketing materials and by being visible where nonprofits meet. Debra also leads speaking and training opportunities on topics such as “Fundraising Fundamentals for the Nonprofit Board,” as well as “The Art of the Ask” where she combines her experience as a grant maker and grant seeker, having worked in both sectors.
Debra currently serves as Chair-Elect for Humanities Washington and is a member of Seattle Pacific University School of Business, Government and Economics Executive Advisory Board. She is also involved with Sons of Norway, Swedish Cultural Center and Seattle Yacht Club. Past volunteer experience includes Junior League of Seattle, Fran Nordstrom Guild of Seattle Children’s Hospital and Seattle Rotary Club #4. Debra has also supported Leadership Tomorrow, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, American Lung Association, CityClub of Seattle, The Arboretum Foundation, First Place School and Treehouse.