Don J. Kurtze serves as Executive Vice President and San Francisco Bay Area President at Five Star Bancorp, where he leads the bank's operations and growth strategy across the dynamic Bay Area market. With over 30 years of experience in commercial banking, Kurtze brings a wealth of expertise in serving high-growth industries such as technology, healthcare, and real estate. He joined Five Star in 2022, drawn by the company's commitment to relationship-driven banking and community focus, and has since spearheaded initiatives to expand the bank's presence in Silicon Valley and surrounding regions. Prior to Five Star, Kurtze held senior leadership roles at major financial institutions, including Wells Fargo, where he was Senior Vice President and Regional Banking Executive for Silicon Valley, overseeing a portfolio exceeding $2 billion in deposits and loans. His earlier career included positions at Bank of the West and Union Bank, where he excelled in commercial lending and client relationship management, consistently driving revenue growth and client retention. Kurtze's achievements include receiving multiple industry awards for banking excellence and his instrumental role in navigating institutions through economic challenges like the financial crisis. In his current role, Kurtze fosters strategic partnerships with Bay Area businesses, emphasizing personalized service and innovative financing solutions tailored to the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Under his leadership, Five Star has seen significant deposit and loan portfolio expansion in the area, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner for local enterprises. A dedicated community leader, Kurtze actively supports economic development initiatives and serves on several regional boards, reflecting his passion for sustainable growth in the Bay Area.