Salem, Oregon, thrives on its close-knit community spirit, a sentiment palpable even in the casual setting of Isaac’s coffee shop downtown. As Brad Compton, the newly appointed president of Pioneer Trust Bank, observes the local scene from his table, it’s clear he sees more than just patrons; he sees the fabric of Salem itself. He notes the pastor engrossed in doctoral studies, the nonprofit leader in deep discussion, and the young mothers connecting over coffee – each a thread in the city’s vibrant tapestry.
“Who knows what goes on here, what work is done?” Compton muses, his smile reflecting genuine enthusiasm. This very scene embodies the vision Compton held when Pioneer Trust Bank facilitated the loan for Isaac’s Room’s expansion, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to nurturing local ventures.
For Compton, banking transcends balance sheets and business suits. It’s about fostering relationships and understanding the unique dynamics of Salem. Recently named president of Pioneer Trust Bank, Compton represents the fourth generation of his family to lead this institution, a remarkable feat for a national bank deeply rooted in its community for nearly a century. Pioneer Trust Bank stands as a testament to enduring local ownership in an era of corporate consolidation, employing around 75 individuals in Salem and maintaining two branches, both strategically located to serve the community.
The bank’s history is as local as its leadership. Its original downtown headquarters on Southeast Commercial Street and the branch near Salem Health campus, established nearly 50 years prior at the request of local doctors seeking convenient access, underscore the bank’s responsiveness to community needs. Compton succeeds John Wilburn, who remains CEO, and follows in the footsteps of his uncle Mike, father Randy, grandfather Stuart, and great-grandfather H.V., the bank’s founder, ensuring a continuity of values and local focus.
Despite his family lineage, Compton’s path to banking wasn’t predetermined. He initially resisted the corporate image, drawn instead to people-centric roles where he could make a tangible difference. However, observing his father’s impact in Salem, he witnessed firsthand how community banking could be a powerful force for local good. The warm reception his father received everywhere they went, the handshakes and hugs from business owners whose ventures Pioneer Trust had supported, illustrated the profound connections a community bank could forge.
Although initially drawn to ministry and pursuing college in Southern California, Compton returned to Salem in 2011, joining Pioneer Trust as a teller. His journey from teller to loan officer and eventually to leadership reflects a deep understanding of the bank’s operations and its crucial role in the community.
Compton emphasizes Pioneer Trust Bank’s pragmatic yet supportive approach to lending. While acknowledging the necessity of financial realism, he highlights the bank’s commitment to working with individuals who possess vision but may lack traditional financial backing. “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 dedication to local businesses distinguishes Pioneer Trust Salem in a competitive financial landscape.
Pioneer Trust Bank’s commitment extends beyond business loans to encompass significant contributions to Salem’s nonprofit sector. The bank has played a pivotal role in shaping numerous community projects over the years. Compton recounts his father’s friendship with Willie Richardson, the late 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, a testament to the bank’s belief in their mission and community support.
Brad Compton’s deep roots in Salem are evident in his daily life. He notes that even a simple trip home to West Salem involves running into знакомых, underscoring his and the bank’s integral connection to the city. This community immersion is a cherished aspect of his role, balanced with a strong commitment to family. His daily lunch breaks at home with his wife and children for the past seven years highlight his dedication to both professional and personal life.
Looking to the future, Compton acknowledges the challenge of growth while preserving Pioneer Trust Bank’s intimate community focus. He cites his father’s proactive approach to online banking security by establishing an in-house IT department as an example of forward-thinking adaptation. The COVID-19 pandemic further tested the bank’s responsiveness. Pioneer Trust Bank played a crucial role in Salem’s economic resilience by distributing $131 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans, predominantly to local businesses. Compton emphasizes the bank’s personalized approach during this challenging period, offering individual guidance through a complex application process.
Brad Compton envisions his leadership as one of continued evolution, adapting Pioneer Trust Bank to the ever-changing financial world while upholding its foundational commitment to relationships and community. He encapsulates his guiding philosophy with a quote: “Preach the gospel always, and when necessary, use words.” For Compton and Pioneer Trust Salem, this translates to embodying their values through action and community engagement, letting their service and commitment speak volumes.
Contact reporter Rachel Alexander: [email protected] or 503-575-1241.
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Rachel Alexander
Rachel Alexander is Salem Reporter’s managing editor. She joined Salem Reporter when it was founded in 2018 and covers city news, education, nonprofits and a little bit of everything else. She’s been a journalist in Oregon and Washington for a decade. Outside of work, she’s a skater and board member with Salem’s Cherry City Roller Derby and can often be found with her nose buried in a book.
