In the heart of downtown Salem, at Isaac’s coffee shop, Brad Compton, the newly appointed president of Pioneer Trust Bank, observes the vibrant local scene. He points out a west Salem pastor engrossed in doctoral studies, a nonprofit director deep in conversation, and mothers chatting as their children play nearby. “Who knows what goes on here, what work is done?” he remarks with a smile, capturing the essence of community connection he values deeply.
This very scene embodies Compton’s vision and Pioneer Trust Bank’s commitment to Salem. The bank played a pivotal role in facilitating a loan for Isaac’s Room to expand its coffee shop, fostering exactly this kind of community hub. For Compton, banking transcends numbers and balance sheets; it’s about nurturing relationships and strengthening the fabric of Salem.
Brad Compton, 42, represents the fourth generation of his family to lead Pioneer Trust Bank, a unique institution in today’s financial landscape. As a national bank within the Federal Reserve System, Pioneer Trust Bank remains a family-run operation, deeply rooted in its local community after nearly a century of service. With approximately 75 employees, the bank operates two branches in Salem, a testament to its enduring local focus.
The bank’s history reflects its community-centric approach. The original downtown headquarters on Southeast Commercial Street was joined nearly 50 years ago by a second branch on Southeast Oak Street, near Salem Health. Compton explains the second location was opened at the request of local doctors, highlighting the bank’s responsiveness to the needs of the Salem community.
Succeeding John Wilburn as president, who remains CEO, Compton follows in the footsteps of his uncle, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, H.V. Compton, the bank’s founder. Despite this strong family legacy, Brad Compton wasn’t pressured to join the business. 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, Compton realized banking at Pioneer Trust Bank was about community building. He witnessed the deep connections his father forged, noting, “Everywhere I went people were shaking my dad’s hands, giving him hugs.” These were often local business owners who had been given a chance by Pioneer Trust Bank.
Although initially drawn to ministry and attending college in Southern California, Compton returned to Salem in 2011, joining Pioneer Trust Bank as a teller. He progressed to loan officer and eventually into leadership, embracing the opportunity to contribute to Salem’s growth.
Compton emphasizes Pioneer Trust Bank’s role in supporting local businesses. While maintaining financial responsibility, he focuses on partnering with individuals who have a vision, helping them develop sound financial plans. He points out, “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. We, as a community bank, see that as a role.”
Pioneer Trust Bank’s commitment extends to Salem’s nonprofit sector. Compton’s father’s friendship with Willie Richardson, former president of Oregon Black Pioneers, led to the bank providing the nonprofit with rent-free office space for a decade, demonstrating their belief in community missions.
Today, Compton cherishes his deep Salem roots, where he frequently encounters знакомых faces. Balancing his professional life with family, he prioritizes daily lunch with his wife and children. A key focus for Compton, mirroring his father’s concern, is managing growth while preserving Pioneer Trust Bank’s intimate community focus.
The bank proactively adapted to technological advancements, establishing an in-house IT department as online banking evolved, prioritizing security and customer service. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Pioneer Trust Bank played a crucial role in Salem, distributing $131 million in paycheck protection program loans, predominantly to local businesses. Compton describes this period as “building the plane while it was in flight,” highlighting the bank’s agility and dedication to supporting its community during uncertain times.
Looking ahead, Compton aims to lead by example, adapting Pioneer Trust Bank to a changing world while upholding its relationship-focused ethos. He summarizes his approach with a meaningful quote: “Preach the gospel always, and when necessary, use words.” For Brad Compton and Pioneer Trust Bank Salem, this philosophy translates into action, demonstrating community commitment through dedicated service and genuine relationships.
