Monitor Daily reports that William S. Smittcamp and Tom L. Dobyns, members of the board of directors of Community West Bancshares and its subsidiary Community West Bank, will retire effective March 31, 2026, marking the conclusion of two impactful tenures during periods of growth and transformation for the company.
Smittcamp, one of the board’s longest-serving members, joined during the bank’s early years and has worked alongside most of its original founders and all four of its CEOs. Over nearly four decades, he provided continuity, institutional knowledge, and a strong commitment to the community banking principles that have shaped the organization. His contributions extended across multiple board committees, including compensation, nominating and governance, and retirement, and he played a key role in board development and governance evolution.
Beyond the bank, Smittcamp serves as president, CEO, and owner of Wawona Frozen Foods, a global supplier of frozen fruit products founded by his family. His background in agriculture and family enterprise brought a practical, relationship-driven perspective to the board, particularly in understanding the needs of local industries and communities.
Dobyns joined the board on April 1, 2024, following the company’s transformative merger, after previously serving as a director of the acquired institution since 2017. With more than four decades of executive and banking leadership experience, he contributed a disciplined, risk-aware approach to governance. During his tenure, he served on the audit, risk oversight, and retirement committees, chairing the latter, and provided strategic insight during a key period of transition for the company.
Dobyns’ prior leadership roles include serving as CEO of Mission Community Bank and president and CEO of American Security Bank. He is also the founder of Enthusiology, a consulting firm focused on strategic planning, executive coaching, and sales leadership within financial institutions and nonprofit organizations.
Leadership at Community West Bancshares emphasized the lasting impact of both directors, highlighting their commitment to strong governance, community banking values, and long-term strategic thinking. Their combined experience helped guide the organization through periods of expansion and change while maintaining a focus on serving local businesses and communities.
As the company prepares for this leadership transition, it remains focused on building upon the foundation established by Smittcamp and Dobyns. The board will continue to prioritize thoughtful governance, community engagement, and long-term growth as it evolves to meet the needs of its markets.