Oak Valley Plants Flag in Lodi with New VP Hire and Upcoming Branch Launch

Oak Valley Community Bank is stepping up its presence in California’s Central Valley with the appointment of Matthew Brown as Vice President, Commercial Banking Officer. The hire coincides with the bank’s upcoming Lodi branch launch—set to open this fall at 31 South School Street—and signals a strategic move to deepen roots in one of the region’s key agricultural and business corridors.

Brown brings more than 15 years of banking experience to the table, including the past six years as a business banking officer at a local financial institution. In his new role, he’ll lead commercial lending and business development efforts in the Lodi area, delivering custom-tailored financial solutions to support small and mid-sized enterprises.

“Matt brings a solid track record in business banking and agricultural lending along with a deep understanding of the local community,” said Gary Stephens, EVP of Oak Valley’s Commercial Banking Group. “His ability to connect with business owners and provide thoughtful financial guidance will be a strong asset as we expand our presence in Lodi.”

Why Lodi, Why Now?

Lodi may be known for its Zinfandel vineyards, but it’s also a growing economic hub where agriculture, small business, and community institutions intersect. Oak Valley’s move to open a 19th branch here reflects a broader regional strategy—meeting local businesses where they are, and where they’re growing.

Brown, a Lodi resident, is already well-integrated into the community. He’s active in the Rotary Club, First Baptist Church, and youth sports leadership programs. He’s also a graduate of both the Delta Leadership and Leadership Lodi initiatives—credentials that show a commitment not just to banking, but to civic growth.

A Banker with Boots on the Ground (and in the Air)

Brown’s resume checks all the expected boxes—business management economics degree from UC Santa Cruz, honors graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado, deep lending experience—but what sets him apart may be his community-first approach and a few personal quirks: he’s a licensed private pilot, an amateur winemaker, and an avid outdoorsman.

That kind of profile fits with Oak Valley’s model: relationship-based community banking that pairs financial expertise with local insight.

Oak Valley’s Growing Footprint

Oak Valley Bancorp (NASDAQ: OVLY), the parent company of Oak Valley Community Bank and Eastern Sierra Community Bank, now operates 18 branches across California. The Lodi branch will be the 19th, joining locations in Oakdale, Modesto, Sonora, Sacramento, and the Eastern Sierra, among others.

In a time when many regional banks are scaling back or consolidating, Oak Valley is quietly expanding—focusing on physical presence, personalized service, and strategic hires like Brown to fuel growth in underserved markets.