Movers & Shakers — Heyden, Pickhardt, Greene, Bristow

May 29, 2025

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

Movers & Shakers — Heyden, Pickhardt, Greene, Bristow

West Coast Community Bank Hires Diane Heyden as Senior Vice President, Director of SBA Lending

West Coast Community Bank (WCCB) is pleased to announce Diane Heyden has joined as Senior Vice President and Director of Small Business Administration (SBA) Lending. Heyden will lead the Bank’s SBA Lending throughout its four-county service area: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz.

Heyden brings more than 30 years’ experience in financial services with a strong focus on SBA lending. Her background includes oversight of nationwide SBA sales activities, spearheading the launch of a nationwide SBA loan origination program, developing high-performance SBA teams and managing successful Business Development Officers. She will provide leadership and enhance operational efficiency within the SBA Department as the Bank expands its footprint.

“We’re thrilled to have Diane join the Bank,” said Krista Snelling, WCCB President and Chief Executive Officer. “Her experience and proven track record will benefit small businesses all along the Central Coast and throughout the state. Our problem-solving approach to lending aligns perfectly, and we look forward to her contributions and successes with the Bank.”

“It is an honor to join West Coast Community Bank at such an exciting time in the Bank’s growth,” said Heyden. “I look forward to working with and expanding an SBA team that is so highly regarded in the industry.”

Heyden is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School. She is a member of the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders and served as Chair for its National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NAGGL) Small Bank West committee for five consecutive years.

Paul Pickhardt Promoted to EVP, Director of Government Guaranteed Lending at Climate First Bank

Climate First Bank has announced the promotion of Paul Pickhardt to Executive Vice President, Director of Government Guaranteed Lending. Paul originally joined the bank in April 2024 as Senior Vice President in the same department, bringing with him decades of experience in both banking and operations.

A focused and energetic executive, Paul is known for his passion for customer service and solution-driven mindset. His background includes an extensive career in the manufacturing sector, where he held various executive roles from 1969 to 2002.

In his new role, Paul will continue leading the bank’s SBA lending team, overseeing loan origination and portfolio management. His deep knowledge of SBA programs, combined with his strategic approach to client needs, positions him to strengthen and expand the bank’s government-guaranteed lending platform. As Climate First Bank continues to grow its SBA lending capabilities, Paul Pickhardt’s leadership ensures the bank remains dedicated to supporting small businesses.

Wells Fargo Promotes Ryan Greene to Managing Director for Government Banking

Wells Fargo & Co. named Ryan Greene managing director and Government Banking market executive for the Northeast region.

Greene, based in Shelton, CT, succeeds Elena Gallo. He is responsible for expanding and delivering Wells Fargo’s banking services to government clients across 15 states and the District of Columbia.

“Ryan’s accomplishments over the past 10 years as a change leader, innovator, and advocate for disciplined, profitable growth laid the foundation for his promotion,” Gallo said in a statement.

Greene joined Wells Fargo in 2015 as a senior portfolio manager and was promoted to executive director in 2019. He holds a master of public administration from New York University and a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University.

County Bank Welcomes Cody Bristow as New Vice President – Commercial Loan Officer

County Bank is continuing its longstanding tradition of investing in local talent with the addition of Cody Bristow to its growing team of banking professionals. A lifelong resident of Sussex County, Bristow joins the organization with nearly six years of experience in both commercial and retail banking.

“County Bank has always stood out to me because of its authentic commitment to the people of Sussex County,” Bristow said. “It’s more than a bank—it’s a neighbor, a partner, and a champion for local growth. I’m excited to contribute to a place that truly values its roots.”

That community-first mindset aligns directly with County Bank’s mission, which for the past 35 years has centered on serving and uplifting the communities it calls home. Bristow’s arrival is part of a broader effort by the bank to deepen relationships and continue providing locally focused financial guidance.

“We are very excited to have Cody join the County Bank team,” said Clay Serman, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “His addition reflects our continued commitment to investing in local talent, deepening our community relationships, and supporting the sustained growth of the businesses that are the backbone of our local economy.”

Outside of work, Bristow enjoys spending time with his wife, Hannah, and their two daughters, Scottie and Eliza. The couple celebrates their ninth wedding anniversary this summer. He also enjoys golfing, traveling, training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and making the most of life in Sussex County.