Exchange Bank Names Suzanne Knowlton VP of Marketing & Community Relations
Exchange Bank has announced the appointment of Suzanne Knowlton as vice president and director of marketing and community relations. In her new role, Knowlton will oversee all marketing, communications, and community relations activities, aligning them with the Bank’s strategic priorities to enhance customer engagement and community impact.
Extensive Experience in Community Banking
Knowlton brings a wealth of experience from community-based financial institutions. Prior to joining Exchange Bank, she held key marketing and community relations roles at Monterra Credit Union from 2019 to 2024 and Redwood Credit Union from 2014 to 2019. Her expertise spans digital marketing, content creation, brand management, and public relations, positioning her well to drive strategic marketing initiatives at Exchange Bank.
Reflecting on her new role, Knowlton expressed enthusiasm: “I am thrilled to return to my roots in community banking and honored to join such a well-respected organization that has made a meaningful difference in Sonoma County.”
Commitment to Community Engagement
A long-time resident of Sebastopol, Knowlton is deeply involved in community service. She has served on the boards of several organizations, including the Sequoia Awards, Monterra Community Fund, Chops Teen Club, and the Sebastopol Area Chamber of Commerce. Her leadership in these roles underscores her dedication to fostering local development and strengthening community connections.
Knowlton’s passion for financial education and literacy aligns well with Exchange Bank’s mission of empowering individuals and businesses through comprehensive banking services. She has previously developed financial literacy programs for underserved communities, ensuring individuals have the tools and resources needed to make informed financial decisions.
Exchange Bank’s Legacy and Commitment
Founded in 1890 and headquartered in Sonoma County, Exchange Bank is a full-service community bank with assets totaling $3.30 billion. The Bank offers a wide range of personal, commercial, and trust and investment management services, operating 17 retail branches in Sonoma County, a retail branch in Roseville, and Trust & Investment Management offices in Santa Rosa, Roseville, Marin County, and Silicon Valley.
Exchange Bank is distinguished by its strong corporate values—commitment, respect, integrity, and teamwork—that define its approach to customer service and community engagement. The Bank has a longstanding tradition of financial leadership and community support, evidenced by its continued recognition as a top employer and a preferred banking institution.
One of Exchange Bank’s unique attributes is its commitment to local reinvestment. Unlike many banks that distribute profits to shareholders, Exchange Bank is partially owned by the Doyle Trust, which supports scholarships for students attending Santa Rosa Junior College. This philanthropic initiative underscores the Bank’s commitment to education and community development.
Recognized Excellence in Banking
Exchange Bank’s reputation as a trusted financial institution is reinforced by multiple industry accolades, including:
- 19-time winner of the North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work survey.
- 13-time winner of the Best Bank of Sonoma County in the Press Democrat’s Readers’ Choice Awards (2024).
- Named Best Consumer Bank by NorthBay biz Magazine’s Best of the North Bay readers’ poll.
- Recognized as Best Local Bank by The Petaluma Argus Courier People’s Choice Awards (2024).
These awards highlight the Bank’s dedication to exceptional service, ethical banking practices, and deep-rooted community involvement.
The Role of Marketing in Banking Success
As VP of Marketing and Community Relations, Knowlton will play a key role in enhancing brand awareness, customer engagement, and community outreach. Modern banking demands a robust digital presence, and Knowlton’s expertise in digital marketing will help Exchange Bank strengthen its online customer experience and communication channels.
With the rise of digital banking, customers are seeking more personalized and convenient interactions. Knowlton is expected to spearhead initiatives that integrate technology with customer-centric banking solutions. This includes enhancing the Bank’s social media presence, optimizing digital advertising campaigns, and fostering a seamless omnichannel banking experience.
Additionally, Knowlton will focus on deepening relationships with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. By reinforcing Exchange Bank’s role as a community partner, she will help drive economic growth and support initiatives that address financial inclusion and sustainability.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Future Initiatives
Exchange Bank’s history of corporate social responsibility (CSR) plays a crucial role in its mission. The Bank actively invests in philanthropic initiatives, nonprofit partnerships, and environmental sustainability projects. Knowlton’s leadership will enhance these efforts, expanding the Bank’s influence in areas such as:
- Financial literacy programs for youth, seniors, and underserved populations.
- Sponsorship of local events and scholarships to support education and workforce development.
- Green banking initiatives that promote sustainability, including digital banking solutions that reduce paper waste and eco-friendly financing options for businesses adopting sustainable practices.
In addition to CSR initiatives, Exchange Bank plans to expand its services to better serve diverse customer segments. Knowlton will be instrumental in crafting targeted marketing campaigns that cater to different demographics, ensuring that the Bank remains a trusted financial partner for individuals and businesses alike.
