Community West Bank Names Hinson M. Thomas Chief Credit Officer
James J. Kim, President and Chief Executive Officer of Community West Bank, proudly announced today the appointment of Hinson M. Thomas as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer (CCO) of the Bank. Thomas will officially assume his new role on March 17, 2025. His appointment is a significant step forward for Community West Bank as it continues to strengthen its leadership team and expand its footprint in California’s banking sector.
Thomas joins Community West Bank with an impressive career spanning over three decades in credit risk management, commercial lending, and community banking. His broad experience and proven expertise have positioned him as one of the leading figures in the financial services industry, particularly within the California banking landscape. Most recently, Thomas served as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at a prominent California-based community bank. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing credit policy, portfolio quality, and lending strategies, ensuring sound credit practices while fostering growth and stability.
Known for his thoughtful leadership and collaborative approach, Thomas is highly respected for his ability to cultivate strong, cohesive teams while maintaining a sharp focus on credit quality and prudent risk management. His leadership style emphasizes building meaningful relationships with clients, small businesses, and the wider community—an approach that aligns perfectly with Community West Bank’s core mission and values.
In his new capacity at Community West Bank, Thomas will be entrusted with leading the Bank’s Credit Administration Division. This vital division is responsible for managing all aspects of credit quality across the organization, from credit policy development to risk assessment and loan portfolio oversight. Additionally, Thomas will play a pivotal role on the Bank’s Executive Managing Committee, contributing his insight and strategic vision to help steer the institution toward sustained growth and long-term success.
“We are excited to welcome Hinson to the Community West Bank family,” said President and CEO James J. Kim. “His deep knowledge of credit risk management, combined with his extensive experience in commercial and community banking, makes him an ideal addition to our leadership team. Hinson’s outstanding ability to balance disciplined risk management with relationship-focused banking will be instrumental as we continue to expand our services and deliver superior value to our clients.”
Kim further emphasized that Thomas’ leadership style—marked by collaboration, integrity, and a strong commitment to shared success—aligns seamlessly with the Bank’s culture and strategic priorities. “At Community West Bank, we believe that the strength of our team and the quality of our leadership are essential to achieving our long-term goals. Hinson’s addition to the team reinforces our commitment to building on our 45-year legacy of excellence. I am confident that under his guidance, we will continue to exceed expectations for our clients, employees, communities, and shareholders.”
Thomas also expressed enthusiasm about joining Community West Bank and contributing to its ongoing success. “I am honored to take on the role of Chief Credit Officer at such a respected institution,” Thomas commented. “Community West Bank has a well-established reputation for its dedication to client service, community involvement, and prudent financial management. I look forward to working alongside the talented leadership team and contributing to the Bank’s continued growth and positive impact in the communities it serves.”
Thomas’ professional journey is marked not only by his leadership roles but also by his commitment to professional development and education. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from California State University, San Jose. Further demonstrating his dedication to excellence in banking, Thomas completed the prestigious postgraduate program at the Pacific Coast Banking School, a leading graduate school for banking professionals. These academic credentials have played a key role in shaping his strategic thinking, financial acumen, and leadership philosophy.
Throughout his career, Thomas has been recognized for his ability to balance the often-competing demands of strong credit oversight and client relationship management. His leadership has consistently resulted in robust credit portfolios while supporting business clients’ growth and development. He is particularly skilled in working with small and mid-sized businesses, helping them navigate financial challenges, access capital, and achieve long-term financial success.
Beyond his professional achievements, Thomas is also known for his dedication to community involvement and volunteerism. Over the years, he has actively participated in various local initiatives, economic development programs, and nonprofit organizations aimed at supporting small businesses, affordable housing, and financial literacy. This commitment to community engagement is yet another reason why he is an ideal fit for Community West Bank, an institution known for its strong ties to the communities it serves.
Community West Bank has built a solid reputation over its four-and-a-half decades of operation, serving clients across California with a range of commercial, small business, and personal banking services. The Bank’s focus on relationship-based banking, combined with its emphasis on sound financial practices, has made it a trusted partner for businesses and individuals alike. With the appointment of Thomas as Chief Credit Officer, the Bank is further reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality financial services while maintaining prudent credit risk management.
As Community West Bank continues to navigate a dynamic economic environment, leadership transitions such as this play a crucial role in positioning the organization for future success. The addition of a seasoned leader like Thomas brings fresh perspectives and valuable expertise to the Bank’s executive team. His strategic vision, combined with a deep understanding of the complexities of credit risk and community banking, will help ensure the Bank remains resilient, adaptable, and well-positioned for growth.
In summary, the appointment of Hinson M. Thomas as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer represents a significant milestone for Community West Bank. His arrival signals the Bank’s continued focus on strengthening its leadership, enhancing credit quality, and fostering sustainable growth. Clients, shareholders, and community partners alike can look forward to the positive contributions Thomas will bring in the months and years ahead.
