Brad Compton, the newly appointed president of Pioneer Trust Bank, perfectly embodies the spirit of Salem. While sipping a smoothie at Isaac’s coffee shop in downtown Salem, Compton observes the vibrant local scene – a pastor engrossed in doctoral studies, a nonprofit director deep in discussion, and mothers chatting as their children play. This very coffee shop, expanded thanks to a loan brokered by Pioneer Trust Bank, exemplifies Compton’s vision of community banking.
For Compton, banking transcends balance sheets and formal attire. It’s about fostering relationships within Salem, a principle deeply ingrained in Pioneer Trust Bank’s nearly century-long history. At 42, Compton is the fifth president and fourth generation of his family to lead this unique institution. Pioneer Trust Bank stands as a rarity: a national bank within the Federal Reserve System, yet steadfastly family-owned and community-focused. With approximately 75 employees, the bank operates two branches in Salem, maintaining a close-knit presence. The original headquarters and a second branch near Salem Health campus, established nearly 50 years ago to serve the local medical community, underscore their commitment to Salem’s specific needs.
Compton succeeds John Wilburn, who remains CEO, continuing a lineage of Compton leadership including his uncle, father Randy, grandfather Stuart, and great-grandfather H.V., the bank’s founder. Despite his family’s legacy, Compton wasn’t pressured to join the bank. Initially, he envisioned a different path, stating, “I didn’t want to wear a suit or sit at a desk. I was a people person, just wanted to be with people and make a difference.” However, observing his father’s role in the community changed his perspective. He noticed the deep connections his father forged through banking, witnessing firsthand how the bank supported local businesses.
Although initially hesitant, Compton’s path shifted in 2011 when he joined Pioneer Trust Bank as a teller. He progressed to loan officer, eventually ascending to leadership. He emphasizes the bank’s practical approach, balancing financial realism with support for local visions. “A lot of these local businesses need access to capital but don’t have friends and family money to make something happen, and they don’t have a bigger bank that’s giving them the time of day,” Compton explains. “We, as a community bank, see that as a role.” This commitment extends beyond business loans to encompass deep community involvement.
Pioneer Trust Bank has a long history of supporting Salem’s nonprofits and community projects. Compton recalls his father’s friendship with Willie Richardson, former president of Oregon Black Pioneers. Demonstrating the bank’s values, his father offered the nonprofit rent-free office space in the Pioneer building for a decade, believing strongly in their mission. This proactive community engagement is a hallmark of Pioneer Trust Bank’s operations.
Today, Compton experiences this interconnectedness daily in Salem. He values these local relationships, ensuring his professional life integrates with family. For seven years, he has prioritized family time by returning home for lunch daily to connect with his wife and children. This balance reflects a broader concern for Pioneer Trust Bank: how to expand while retaining its community-centric approach.
Innovation has been key to this balance. Compton’s father established an in-house IT department to manage growing online banking needs, prioritizing security. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Pioneer Trust Bank focused on supporting customers through unprecedented challenges, particularly with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Compton describes this period as “building the plane while it was in flight.” Pioneer Trust Bank successfully distributed $131 million, primarily to Salem businesses, offering personalized assistance through the complex application process.
Looking ahead, Compton aims to lead by example, adapting Pioneer Trust Bank to evolving times while maintaining its relational focus. He summarizes his philosophy with a quote: “Preach the gospel always, and when necessary, use words.” For Brad Compton and Pioneer Trust Bank, actions rooted in community and trust speak louder than words, solidifying their legacy in Salem.
