Oak Valley Bancorp CEO Christopher M. Courtney to Retire in 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 26 2026
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Should l Buy OVLY?
Oak Valley Bancorp announced that Christopher M. Courtney has notified the Boards of his intention to retire as Chief Executive Officer of both entities on June 30, 2026. Courtney joined Oak Valley Community Bank in 1996 and served in several executive leadership roles, including EVP Chief Operating Officer and EVP Chief Credit Officer. He became President in 2004 and Chief Executive Officer in 2013. He will continue to serve on the Boards of Directors. In conjunction with the announcement, the Boards confirmed that Richard A. McCarty, current President and Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer upon Courtney's retirement. McCarty has been with the Bank for over 26 years and has held key leadership roles including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, and Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He has served on the Boards of Directors since 2024.
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About OVLY
Oak Valley Bancorp. is a bank holding company of Oak Valley Community Bank (the Bank). The Bank offers a range of commercial banking services designed for both individuals and small to medium-sized businesses in the two areas, such as the Central Valley and the Eastern Sierras. The Bank offers a complement of business checking and savings accounts for its business customers. The Bank also offers commercial and real estate loans, as well as lines of credit. It offers other services for both individuals and businesses, including online banking, remote deposit capture, mobile banking, merchant services, night depository, extended hours, wire transfer of funds, note collection, and automated teller machines in a national network. It offers a variety of accounts for depositors, which are designed to attract both short-term and long-term deposits. These accounts include certificates of deposit, regular savings accounts, money market accounts, checking accounts, and savings accounts.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Oak Valley Community Bank Appoints New Senior Vice President
- Executive Appointment: Oak Valley Community Bank has appointed Nathan Dellinger as Senior Vice President and Credit Administrator, tasked with overseeing credit administration functions and supporting prudent lending practices to maintain the bank's strong credit culture.
- Extensive Experience: Dellinger brings over 20 years of banking experience, having served as Senior Vice President at a regional financial institution where he managed credit quality and structured complex loan transactions to ensure sound portfolio performance.
- Strategic Support: His addition is expected to bolster Oak Valley Community Bank's continued growth while upholding its strong credit culture, reflecting the company's commitment to high-quality credit management.
- Educational Background: Dellinger holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of the Pacific and an MBA from UC Davis, along with completion of the Banking Executive Program at the University of Colorado Boulder, showcasing his solid professional credentials.
See More
Oak Valley Community Bank Appoints New Branch Manager
- New Branch Manager: Oak Valley Community Bank announces the hiring of Pete Centeno as Vice President and Branch Manager of the Ripon Branch, overseeing operations and client relationships to drive continued growth in the market.
- Extensive Industry Experience: Centeno brings over 20 years of banking experience, having served as Vice President at a large national financial institution where he successfully led high-performing teams and achieved operational excellence and sales growth, which is expected to positively impact the Ripon Branch.
- Community Commitment: Centeno will work closely with local businesses and residents to deliver personalized financial solutions, further reinforcing the Bank's commitment to exceptional community banking and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Leadership and Innovation: Julie DeHart noted that Centeno's strong leadership record and forward-thinking energy will strengthen the Ripon Branch, aligning with Oak Valley Community Bank's values and signaling a positive impact for clients and the community.
See More
Oak Valley Bancorp Announces 25% Dividend Increase
- Dividend Increase: Oak Valley Bancorp has declared a semi-annual dividend of $0.375 per share, marking a 25% increase from the previous $0.300, which underscores the company's enhanced profitability and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Yield Performance: The forward yield of 2.33% not only attracts income-seeking investors but also reflects the company's robust performance in the current economic environment, indicating financial stability.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on February 13, with a record date of February 2 and an ex-dividend date also on February 2, ensuring shareholders receive their returns promptly, thereby boosting investor confidence.
- Investor Interest: The dividend growth aligns with Oak Valley Bancorp's financial health, drawing market attention to its future performance, which may further drive stock price appreciation and enhance recognition of its long-term investment value.
See More
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- New Branch Manager: Oak Valley Community Bank has appointed Carlos Chavez as the Stockton Branch Manager, where he will guide branch operations and strengthen client relationships, expected to drive business growth and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Extensive Industry Experience: With over 21 years in banking, Chavez previously served as Vice President at a large national bank, showcasing exceptional operational leadership and sales performance, which is anticipated to bolster Oak Valley's market competitiveness.
- Community Engagement: A long-time Stockton resident, Chavez is actively involved in local organizations such as the San Joaquin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Stockton Rotary, enhancing the bank's connection with the community and improving its brand image.
- Leadership and Team Development: Chavez's leadership style aligns closely with Oak Valley's values, and he is expected to enhance service quality and business performance through team building and a client-focused culture.
See More
Oak Valley Bancorp Promotes Nunes to Executive VP and CMO
- Executive Promotion: Oak Valley Bancorp has promoted Bill Nunes to Executive VP and CMO, who has been with the bank since 2005 and has significantly enhanced the company's marketing strategy and brand presence through his leadership in the marketing and Community Reinvestment Act departments.
- Community Reinvestment Officer Appointment: Jose Sabala has been appointed as Senior VP and Community Reinvestment Act Officer, a move aimed at strengthening the bank's compliance and commitment to community investment, thereby fostering local development.
- Marketing Strategy Enhancement: During his tenure as Marketing Manager, Nunes successfully oversaw multiple marketing initiatives that increased customer engagement and brand awareness, laying a solid foundation for the bank's long-term growth.
- Governance Optimization: This executive reshuffle reflects Oak Valley Bancorp's commitment to enhancing management capabilities and market responsiveness, aiming to drive sustained growth in the highly competitive banking sector through a strengthened leadership team.
See More
Oak Valley Bancorp Appoints New Executives to Enhance Community Engagement
- Executive Promotions: Oak Valley Bancorp has promoted Bill Nunes to Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, reflecting his significant contributions to brand strategy and community initiatives, which are expected to enhance the bank's market influence.
- CRA Officer Role: Jose Sabala has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Community Reinvestment Act Officer, tasked with strengthening the CRA program to drive economic development and improve credit access for low-income families, enhancing the bank's social responsibility.
- Brand Strategy Impact: During his tenure, Nunes successfully elevated the bank's brand image through advertising, public relations, and strategic partnerships, which is anticipated to lead to increased customer loyalty and market share.
- Community Engagement: Sabala's active involvement in local organizations has strengthened the bank's community relationships, ensuring that CRA initiatives meet regulatory expectations and deliver tangible benefits to the service areas, further solidifying the bank's community foundation.
See More
Oak Valley Community Bank Appoints New Senior Vice President
- Executive Appointment: Oak Valley Community Bank has appointed Nathan Dellinger as Senior Vice President and Credit Administrator, tasked with overseeing credit administration functions and supporting prudent lending practices to maintain the bank's strong credit culture.
- Extensive Experience: Dellinger brings over 20 years of banking experience, having served as Senior Vice President at a regional financial institution where he managed credit quality and structured complex loan transactions to ensure sound portfolio performance.
- Strategic Support: His addition is expected to bolster Oak Valley Community Bank's continued growth while upholding its strong credit culture, reflecting the company's commitment to high-quality credit management.
- Educational Background: Dellinger holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of the Pacific and an MBA from UC Davis, along with completion of the Banking Executive Program at the University of Colorado Boulder, showcasing his solid professional credentials.
See More
Oak Valley Community Bank Appoints New Branch Manager
- New Branch Manager: Oak Valley Community Bank announces the hiring of Pete Centeno as Vice President and Branch Manager of the Ripon Branch, overseeing operations and client relationships to drive continued growth in the market.
- Extensive Industry Experience: Centeno brings over 20 years of banking experience, having served as Vice President at a large national financial institution where he successfully led high-performing teams and achieved operational excellence and sales growth, which is expected to positively impact the Ripon Branch.
- Community Commitment: Centeno will work closely with local businesses and residents to deliver personalized financial solutions, further reinforcing the Bank's commitment to exceptional community banking and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Leadership and Innovation: Julie DeHart noted that Centeno's strong leadership record and forward-thinking energy will strengthen the Ripon Branch, aligning with Oak Valley Community Bank's values and signaling a positive impact for clients and the community.
See More
Oak Valley Bancorp Announces 25% Dividend Increase
- Dividend Increase: Oak Valley Bancorp has declared a semi-annual dividend of $0.375 per share, marking a 25% increase from the previous $0.300, which underscores the company's enhanced profitability and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Yield Performance: The forward yield of 2.33% not only attracts income-seeking investors but also reflects the company's robust performance in the current economic environment, indicating financial stability.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on February 13, with a record date of February 2 and an ex-dividend date also on February 2, ensuring shareholders receive their returns promptly, thereby boosting investor confidence.
- Investor Interest: The dividend growth aligns with Oak Valley Bancorp's financial health, drawing market attention to its future performance, which may further drive stock price appreciation and enhance recognition of its long-term investment value.
See More
Oak Valley Bancorp Appoints Carlos Chavez as Stockton Branch Manager to Enhance Client Relations
- New Branch Manager: Oak Valley Community Bank has appointed Carlos Chavez as the Stockton Branch Manager, where he will guide branch operations and strengthen client relationships, expected to drive business growth and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Extensive Industry Experience: With over 21 years in banking, Chavez previously served as Vice President at a large national bank, showcasing exceptional operational leadership and sales performance, which is anticipated to bolster Oak Valley's market competitiveness.
- Community Engagement: A long-time Stockton resident, Chavez is actively involved in local organizations such as the San Joaquin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Stockton Rotary, enhancing the bank's connection with the community and improving its brand image.
- Leadership and Team Development: Chavez's leadership style aligns closely with Oak Valley's values, and he is expected to enhance service quality and business performance through team building and a client-focused culture.
See More
Oak Valley Bancorp Promotes Nunes to Executive VP and CMO
- Executive Promotion: Oak Valley Bancorp has promoted Bill Nunes to Executive VP and CMO, who has been with the bank since 2005 and has significantly enhanced the company's marketing strategy and brand presence through his leadership in the marketing and Community Reinvestment Act departments.
- Community Reinvestment Officer Appointment: Jose Sabala has been appointed as Senior VP and Community Reinvestment Act Officer, a move aimed at strengthening the bank's compliance and commitment to community investment, thereby fostering local development.
- Marketing Strategy Enhancement: During his tenure as Marketing Manager, Nunes successfully oversaw multiple marketing initiatives that increased customer engagement and brand awareness, laying a solid foundation for the bank's long-term growth.
- Governance Optimization: This executive reshuffle reflects Oak Valley Bancorp's commitment to enhancing management capabilities and market responsiveness, aiming to drive sustained growth in the highly competitive banking sector through a strengthened leadership team.
See More
Oak Valley Bancorp Appoints New Executives to Enhance Community Engagement
- Executive Promotions: Oak Valley Bancorp has promoted Bill Nunes to Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, reflecting his significant contributions to brand strategy and community initiatives, which are expected to enhance the bank's market influence.
- CRA Officer Role: Jose Sabala has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Community Reinvestment Act Officer, tasked with strengthening the CRA program to drive economic development and improve credit access for low-income families, enhancing the bank's social responsibility.
- Brand Strategy Impact: During his tenure, Nunes successfully elevated the bank's brand image through advertising, public relations, and strategic partnerships, which is anticipated to lead to increased customer loyalty and market share.
- Community Engagement: Sabala's active involvement in local organizations has strengthened the bank's community relationships, ensuring that CRA initiatives meet regulatory expectations and deliver tangible benefits to the service areas, further solidifying the bank's community foundation.
See More
