WaFd Bank Appoints Veteran Banker Colin Murphy as Regional President for Northern Oregon
WaFd, Inc the parent company of WaFd Bank, today announced the appointment of Colin Murphy as Regional President for Northern Oregon, further strengthening the bank’s leadership team across the Pacific Northwest. In his new role, Murphy will oversee WaFd Bank’s commercial and retail banking operations throughout Northern Oregon, with responsibility for driving regional growth, strengthening client relationships, developing high-performing teams, and deepening community engagement.Murphy brings more than 22 years of banking experience, including over 15 years focused on commercial banking, to WaFd Bank. He joins the organization with a proven track record of leadership across highly competitive markets and a reputation for building strong, relationship-driven banking teams. Most recently, Murphy served in a senior leadership role at BMO/Bank of the West, where he led a commercial banking team responsible for key markets across Portland, Seattle, and Boise. In that role, he successfully guided market expansion initiatives, strengthened client portfolios, and fostered a culture of accountability and collaboration.
Colin’s deep commercial banking expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and passion for serving local businesses make him an outstanding addition to our organization,” said Dan LaCoste, Executive Director at WaFd Bank. “His experience throughout the Pacific Northwest and his relationship-based approach align perfectly with WaFd Bank’s long-standing commitment to helping businesses, families, and communities thrive.”
Throughout his career, Murphy has been recognized for his relationship-centered leadership style, emphasizing long-term partnerships, local decision-making, and tailored financial solutions. His approach focuses on empowering teams to deliver consistent results while maintaining a strong connection to the communities they serve. At WaFd Bank, Murphy will play a key role in advancing the bank’s mission to support small and mid-sized businesses, expand market presence, and deliver personalized banking services across Northern Oregon.
I’m excited to join WaFd Bank and lead the Northern Oregon region during such an important time of growth,” said Murphy. “I chose WaFd because of its deep commitment to small businesses and local communities. The bank has a strong reputation for relationship-based banking and genuine community involvement. Its regional size was also important to me—large enough to offer comprehensive products and services, yet focused on truly knowing and supporting the people it serves. I’m confident I can make a meaningful and positive impact.”
Beyond his professional career, Murphy is deeply involved in his community. He volunteers as a member of the Board of Directors for Campfire Columbia, where he also serves on the finance committee, supporting the organization’s mission to empower youth and families. Outside the office, Murphy enjoys spending time with his wife, Malinda, and their two children, Addie (10) and Jaxson (6). His interests include golfing, coaching youth softball and baseball, hiking, and traveling with his family.
Murphy’s appointment underscores WaFd Bank’s continued investment in experienced leadership to support regional growth, deepen customer relationships, and reinforce its long-standing commitment to community-focused banking across the Pacific Northwest.
About WaFd Bank:
WaFd, Inc. is the parent company of WaFd Bank, a federally insured Washington state chartered commercial bank that operates branches in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and California. Established in 1917, the bank provides consumer and commercial deposit accounts, financing for small- to middle-market businesses, commercial real estate, residential real estate, and insurance products through a subsidiary.
