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Baker Boyer promotes nine employees


Baker Boyer announces the appointment of two employees to vice president and another seven to assistant vice president, effective Jan. 1, 2023. The promotions recognize leadership, innovation and commitment to the mission of the Bank and its communities and clients.

“Baker Boyer’s more than 150-year history includes the longstanding tradition of growing from within,” said Baker Boyer President and CEO Mark Kajita. “These promotions continue that practice, strengthening the Bank with impactful leaders dedicated to relationships, service, and progress for a successful future.”

The promoted individuals and their new roles are:

Tyson Romanick to Vice President 

Tyson Romanick headshot
Tyson Romanick joined the Bank in June 2019 as a Portfolio Manager with BBAM. He quickly earned the trust of clients and colleagues during a volatile time for the economy and markets. Tyson is a voracious reader and loves consuming podcasts regarding all things finance. He has been integral to the Portfolio Management Department’s use of more sophisticated technology in the management of portfolios and communication with clients about the market and economy. In addition to quickly taking responsibility for a full book of clients, Tyson has participated in several economic updates and authored numerous articles for national publications. He is a CFA Charterholder.  

When he’s not engrossed in finance, Tyson can be found barbecuing on a Weber at Husky games or camping with his wife, Annie, and daughters, Elise and Audrey.  

Matt Sursely to Vice President 

Matthew Sursely headshot
Matt Sursely joined the Bank’s Cetera team in 2019 with more than 15 years of experience in the financial industry. He played a pivotal role in the bank’s transition away from Cetera and has since taken on the role of Financial Planner and Trust and Investment Advisor Supervisor. Matt’s leadership, both in the room with clients and with his teammates, helps BBAM improve and grow. His dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to help wherever he is needed make him a key member of the BBAM team.   

When not at work, Matt enjoys golfing and keeping up with his rambunctious dog, Farley.   

 John Adams to Assistant Vice President 

John Adams headshot
John Adams joined Baker Boyer in 2019 as a Trust Advisor and has established himself as a dedicated and valued team member. He is committed to our clients and works hard to ensure they have the best Baker Boyer experience possible. John’s roots in Adams, Oregon, and his co-ownership and operation of his family farm have provided a deep, personal connection to the region he serves.      

John enjoys spending time with his wife and two children when not at work. You may see him at the park with his family or at the golf course enjoying a round with friends and colleagues.  

Amanda Anderson to Assistant Vice President

Amanda Anderson headshot 
Amanda Anderson joined the Bank in 2018 as a Human Resources Coordinator and was promoted in 2021 to Assistant Human Resources Manager and Career Development Advisor. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in Family Life Education. She combines her talent for listening, caring, and understanding with her skills in organization and project management to provide an individualized experience for each staff member. She exemplifies and demonstrates what it means to be successful at Baker Boyer.   

Amanda’s positive impact and leadership go beyond Baker Boyer. She has served as a former PTA president in the Walla Walla School District and as a leader on the Worksite Committee for the Blue Zones Project.  

Eric Denney to Assistant Vice President

Eric Denney headshot 
Eric Denney moved back to his hometown of Walla Walla to join Baker Boyer in 2019. As a Family Advisor, he works with business owners and high-net-worth clients, providing superior solutions and service for a successful future. His previous work in nonprofit management helped develop his relationship-based approach to understanding clients. Eric enjoys working with his team at Baker Boyer, coordinating and responding to the diverse immediate and long-term needs of his clients. He believes in building lasting relationships by taking the time to understand his clients’ plans, fears, and goals and how they have evolved.  

Eric loves being in the Walla Walla Valley and raising his two kids here with his wife, Erin. Eric gets outdoors with his family at every opportunity, and you can find him skiing, cycling or golfing throughout the year.  

Elise Jablonski to Assistant Vice President

Elise Jablonski headshot
Elise Jablonski joined Baker Boyer in 2012 and is currently the Business Banking Support Supervisor. With years of dedicated service to our Business Banking clients and a passion for providing unparalleled customer care, Elise works closely with her team to assist clients with their business lending needs. She takes great pride in delivering solutions to help clients achieve their goals and has demonstrated the utmost commitment to serving our community.   

Elise grew up in Joseph, Oregon, and has called Walla Walla home since 2009. She enjoys spending her free time with family, traveling, and getting outdoors.  

Becky Kettner to Assistant Vice President 

Becky Kettner headshot
Becky Kettner joined Baker Boyer in 2017 after working in marketing and business strategy. During her time here, she has been a Trust Advisor and Investment Advisor. She was a key member of the D.S. Baker Investment team, which merged with the Wealth Management and Trust team in 2021. Becky has provided her clients the best level of service possible and makes their needs her No. 1 priority.    

A graduate of Walla Walla University, Becky prides herself in giving back to the community through volunteerism. In her spare time, she can be found on the golf course in the summer or on the slopes of Bluewood in the winter.  

Molly Neal to Assistant Vice President

Molly Neal headshot
Molly Neal joined the D.S. Baker Advisor team at Baker Boyer in 2021. As a Trust Advisor who also serves as Interim Yakima Branch Manager, she builds relationships with clients and team members to deliver the Baker Boyer experience. A graduate of Western Governors University with an MBA, she previously was a small business owner with an outdoor guide service. Molly takes great pride in supporting our clients and helping colleagues collaborate and succeed.  

Molly grew up in Kennewick and moved to Yakima in 2011 after spending six years in Boise, Idaho. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, tennis, snowboarding, adventures with her family, and reading books. She most looks forward to the next year because she plans to hike the Grand Canyon Rim 2 Rim. 

Nick Punch to Assistant Vice President

Nick Punch headshot 
Nick Punch joined Baker Boyer in 2019 after spending time in both Tri-Cities and Denver in retail and commercial lending. As a Business Advisor who also serves as Interim Tri-Cities Branch Manager, he devotes his time to business development and expanding existing relationships. Nick is proud to deliver an exceptional client experience while increasing the Baker Boyer appeal in the community. He looks forward to expanding Baker Boyer’s market attraction to help additional families and businesses in the community.    

Nick grew up in Pasco and returned to the community in 2019 after spending six years in Colorado. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, golfing, skiing, and some peaceful weekend tractor hours on the farm.