Kristen Desmond

Kristen brings her background in business, operations, and hospitality to bear as Executive Administrator at American Riviera Bank. Upon graduation from UCSB, Kristen moved to Washington, DC and pursued her MBA. In 2008, Kristen turned in her top-secret clearance and management consulting job to indulge her passion for healthy cooking. After receiving professional chef training in New York City, she returned to Santa Barbara where she owned and operated a small food business from 2012-2018. She joined the Bank in 2022 after working in international food relief for World Central Kitchen.

At the Bank, Kristen manages our Board committees and meetings, supports bank operations, and handles special projects and client facing events for our Executive team. Fun facts about her: she’s an eight-time marathon finisher, she still loves to bake, and she’s an avid community gardener.