Redwood Capital Bancorp Appoints Technology Executive Charles “Dan” Phillips to Board of Directors
Redwood Capital Bancorp (OTCQB: RWCB), the only locally owned and operated community bank holding company in Humboldt County, has announced the appointment of Charles “Dan” Phillips to its Board of Directors.
Phillips officially joined the Board effective July 15, 2026, bringing more than three decades of experience in technology leadership, entrepreneurship, product development, engineering, operations and corporate strategy.
His appointment adds extensive experience from the technology sector to the leadership of Redwood Capital Bancorp and Redwood Capital Bank.
The company said Phillips’ background in building and scaling technology companies, combined with his long-standing ties to Humboldt County and commitment to regional economic development, will provide valuable insight as the bank continues to support businesses, consumers and communities throughout the North Coast.
Experienced Technology Leader Joins Community Bank Board
J. William McAuley, Chairman of Redwood Capital Bancorp, welcomed Phillips to the Board and highlighted the combination of innovation, leadership and strategic experience he brings to the organization.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are extremely pleased to welcome Dan Phillips,” McAuley said.
He noted that Phillips has developed an accomplished career in technology and entrepreneurship, including leadership roles at some of the nation’s fastest-growing technology companies.
According to McAuley, Phillips’ experience will provide a valuable perspective as the bank continues to evaluate opportunities, support economic growth and deliver community-focused financial services.
“Mr. Phillips brings a unique combination of innovation, leadership and strategic vision developed through an accomplished career in technology and entrepreneurship,” McAuley said.
He also pointed to Phillips’ deep roots in Humboldt County and his commitment to creating economic opportunity in the region.
McAuley said Phillips’ dedication to supporting local entrepreneurs and community institutions makes him a strong fit for the bank’s Board.
“His deep roots in Humboldt County, commitment to fostering economic opportunity and passion for giving back to the community make him an outstanding addition to our Board of Directors,” McAuley said.
He added that the company believes Phillips’ experience and perspective will be valuable as Redwood Capital Bancorp continues its mission of providing community banking services throughout Humboldt County.
Phillips Returns to the North Coast
For Phillips, the appointment represents an opportunity to contribute to the region where he began his professional career.
Phillips grew up on California’s North Coast and began his career in Humboldt County as a co-founder of MetaSystems, an enterprise software company based in Arcata.
After building an extensive career in the technology industry, he has remained connected to the region through entrepreneurial initiatives, educational institutions and community organizations.
Phillips said his decision to become involved with Redwood Capital Bancorp reflects his long-term commitment to helping create economic opportunities in the region.
“I grew up on the North Coast, and I’ve come home to spend this chapter of my career building economic opportunities here and I am excited to join an organization that shares that commitment,” Phillips said.
He emphasized that community banking plays an important role beyond traditional financial services.
“Redwood Capital Bank understands that community banking is about more than financial services, it’s about investing in local businesses, supporting community growth and helping our region prosper,” he said.
Phillips added that he is honored to join the Board and looks forward to contributing to the bank’s efforts to support the local economy.
More Than 30 Years of Technology Leadership
Phillips brings more than 30 years of experience leading technology organizations and innovation initiatives.
Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions involving technology strategy, product development, engineering and operations.
His experience includes helping companies scale during periods of rapid growth, leading operational transformations and developing technology strategies for large global businesses.
Most recently, Phillips served as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Chamberlain Group.
In that role, he was responsible for leading the company’s global technology strategy.
Chamberlain Group is a major technology-focused organization serving the connected access and smart home markets.
Phillips remained in the position until his retirement in 2025.
His responsibilities included overseeing technology strategy and supporting the development of technology capabilities designed to serve customers across global markets.
Leadership Roles at Hulu and TiVo
Before joining Chamberlain Group, Phillips held senior leadership roles at several prominent technology and media companies.
He previously served as Chief Technology Officer of Hulu, where he helped scale the streaming platform during a period of rapid growth.
The streaming industry experienced significant expansion as consumers increasingly shifted from traditional television services to digital platforms.
During this period, technology infrastructure, product development and operational scalability became increasingly important.
Phillips’ experience at Hulu provided exposure to the challenges associated with scaling a technology platform serving a rapidly expanding user base.
He also served as Chief Operating Officer of TiVo.
During his time at TiVo, Phillips helped lead the company’s operational transformation and international expansion.
His responsibilities included helping the company develop and execute strategies designed to improve operations and expand its reach into international markets.
These experiences gave Phillips a broad understanding of how technology companies manage growth, innovation and operational complexity.
That background is particularly relevant to financial institutions as banks increasingly invest in digital platforms, cybersecurity, data management and technology-enabled customer services.
Entrepreneurial Background
Phillips began his career in Humboldt County as a co-founder of MetaSystems, an enterprise software company based in Arcata.
His entrepreneurial experience gives him a direct understanding of the challenges faced by startup founders and business owners.
Building a company from the early stages requires decisions related to product development, hiring, financing, operations and market expansion.
That experience can provide valuable perspective in a community banking environment, where supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses is often an important part of the bank’s mission.
Phillips has continued to support entrepreneurship through his community activities.
He is a co-founder of Lost Coast Ventures, a nonprofit organization that mentors entrepreneurs and provides seed funding to early-stage businesses.
Through this work, Phillips has helped support entrepreneurs seeking to develop new businesses and create economic opportunities.
Supporting Entrepreneurs in Humboldt County
Phillips is also a founding member of StartUp Humboldt.
The organization supports entrepreneurship and innovation in Humboldt County by helping connect founders, mentors, investors and other members of the business community.
The development of a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem can help communities attract talent, support new businesses and create employment opportunities.
For a community bank, close relationships with local entrepreneurs and businesses can provide insight into regional economic conditions and emerging opportunities.
Phillips’ involvement in these initiatives complements Redwood Capital Bank’s focus on supporting local businesses and economic development.
His experience working directly with entrepreneurs also provides a perspective on the challenges businesses face when seeking financing, building teams and expanding operations.
Continued Commitment to Education
In addition to his work supporting entrepreneurs, Phillips has maintained strong ties to higher education in the region.
He serves as Vice Chair of the Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation and Co-Chair of the President’s Council at College of the Redwoods.
These roles reflect his commitment to education and workforce development.
Universities and community colleges play an important role in regional economic development by preparing students for careers, supporting research and helping connect employers with skilled workers.
In 2025, Cal Poly Humboldt awarded Phillips an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his leadership and contributions to education and regional economic development.
The recognition reflected his continued involvement in the region and his efforts to support students, entrepreneurs and economic opportunity.
Educational Background
Phillips holds bachelor’s degrees in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Cal Poly Humboldt.
His educational background combines technology and business disciplines.
That combination has been reflected throughout his career, where he has held roles involving both technical leadership and broader operational and strategic responsibilities.
His background in computer information systems provides a foundation in technology and software, while his business administration and accounting education provides knowledge of financial and organizational management.
The combination may prove valuable in a banking environment where technology, financial management and strategic planning are increasingly interconnected.
Potential Value to Redwood Capital Bancorp
The appointment of Phillips comes at a time when community banks are navigating significant changes in the financial services industry.
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in banking.
Customers increasingly expect digital banking services, mobile access, faster payments and convenient online financial tools.
Banks must also manage cybersecurity risks, data protection requirements and technology infrastructure investments.
At the same time, community banks continue to differentiate themselves through personal relationships and local market knowledge.
Phillips’ experience in technology and entrepreneurship could provide a valuable perspective as Redwood Capital Bank balances digital innovation with its community banking model.
His experience leading technology organizations through periods of growth and transformation could also support the Board’s consideration of long-term strategic opportunities.
Local Ownership and Community Focus
Redwood Capital Bancorp describes itself as the only locally owned and operated community bank holding company in Humboldt County.
The company’s local ownership model is designed to support a close connection with the communities and businesses it serves.
Community banks often play an important role in providing financing to local businesses, supporting residential and commercial real estate activity and maintaining relationships with customers.
The appointment of Phillips aligns with the company’s emphasis on local leadership and regional economic development.
His long-standing connection to the North Coast and continued involvement in local institutions make him particularly familiar with the opportunities and challenges facing the region.
Phillips’ appointment expands the experience represented on Redwood Capital Bancorp’s Board of Directors.
His background includes technology leadership at major national companies, entrepreneurship, operational transformation, international expansion and community development.
He also brings direct experience supporting startups and regional economic initiatives.
For Redwood Capital Bancorp, the addition of Phillips could provide insight into technology, innovation and the needs of entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
For Phillips, the appointment provides an opportunity to contribute to a locally focused financial institution serving the community where he began his career.
The bank’s leadership believes his experience will help support its mission of delivering exceptional community banking services throughout Humboldt County.
As the financial services industry continues to evolve, the combination of local market knowledge and technology expertise may become increasingly important.
Redwood Capital Bancorp’s decision to add a veteran technology executive and longtime regional supporter to its Board reflects the importance of innovation, economic development and community engagement to the future of banking.
Phillips lives in Los Gatos, California, with his wife, Cindy. They have two daughters.
Redwood Capital Bancorp trades under the symbol RWCB on the OTCQB Venture Market, which serves early-stage and developing U.S. and international companies.
The company continues to operate with a focus on community banking and regional economic development, supported by a leadership team that combines financial services experience with expertise in technology, entrepreneurship and community engagement.
Phillips’ appointment is expected to strengthen that leadership platform as Redwood Capital Bancorp continues working to support local businesses, residents and communities across Humboldt County.
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