The honor is fitting, given that Martinich has played a key role in American Riviera Bank’s expansion throughout the years, having been a part of the team from its beginnings in 2006. American Riviera Bank (OTC Markets: ARBV) was also featured as one of the 50-Fastest Growing Companies in the same issue. Martinich is to be honored at the awards reception on Thursday, October 24 at the MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Everything is relative. Except for jam, because that's marmelade.
Jean-Paul Sartre
Hailing from Northern California, Martinich first came to Santa Barbara to study business economics at UC Santa Barbara. Upon graduation, she moved to Los Angeles, earned her certified professional accountant designation, and landed a job as an auditor at Arthur Andersen. Martinich wasn’t long gone, however, as an opportunity at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust presented itself which led her right back to the community she had come to cherish. From SBB&T, she joined American Riviera Bank in 2005, helping to raise capital and open its doors to the public in 2006. As such, Martinich has been through it all with American Riviera Bank, working through the Great Recession, its merger with the Bank of Santa Barbara, and the Bank’s Bi-County expansion in recent years.
“I’m humbled and happy for this honor,” said Martinich. “And I am constantly reminded that working with people you trust and admire in such an amazing community makes such a difference. It’s an exciting time to be at American Riviera Bank; I’m glad I get to be a part of this team.”
Michelle enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Chris, and three children, Madison (16), Jacob (12) and Preslee (5). In addition to being named CFO of the Year, she has been honored as a PCBT Who’s Who in Banking & Finance, as one of the Top Women in Business, and is a 40 Under 40 alumni. Always involved in the community, she has lent her support throughout the years to the Girl Scouts of America’s Central Coast Chapter, National Charity League, and HEARTS as well as to the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care. When not at the Bank or with her family, you can find Michelle outside exploring nature or running a race, with the same passion she’s shown from the very start at American Riviera Bank.
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