Meet Colleen O'Hara, a banker who helps businesses navigate complexity with confidence

For Colleen O'Hara, commercial banking is ultimately about helping people solve problems.

As a Vice President and Senior Commercial Relationship Manager for Banner in Portland, Oregon, she knows that the strongest client relationships are forged through listening. She works with her clients to understand what challenges they're facing and what success looks like. Colleen believes her role is to help business owners think through their options and identify the best path forward, even when it differs from their original plan.

“I’m just a puzzle piece for their business,” she says. “I help them take the next right step. I’m on their bench doing everything I can to help them succeed.”

That mindset is something Colleen’s manager, Cyrus Vafi, Senior Vice President and CBC Manager, sees her demonstrate every day to her clients and colleagues.

"She brings tenacity, patience and sound judgment to every client relationship,” he says. “Her ability to navigate complex situations and work across teams to deliver thoughtful solutions makes her a tremendous asset to our clients and our organization." 

Colleen's career began nearly a decade ago with a commercial banking internship that evolved into a full-time opportunity after college. Early roles that emphasized financial analysis and credit underwriting gave her a strong foundation in understanding how businesses operate, assess risk and plan for growth. 

Over time, she found herself drawn to the strategic side of commercial banking and eventually transitioned into relationship management, where she could pair her knowledge with direct client engagement.

That combination of experience and soft skills proved valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she found herself helping business owners navigate unprecedented uncertainty.

"There was no playbook," she says. "Business owners were facing challenges they'd never encountered before. It reinforced that one of the most important things you can do is listen, be transparent about what you know and don't know and follow through on your commitments."

Years later, that time still defines her professional approach.

"I learned that transparency builds trust," she says. "And trust is critical when people's livelihoods are on the line. People appreciate it when you admit what you don’t know, as long as you're committed to following up and finding solutions."

Today, Colleen is known in Portland's business community for the rapport she builds and the measured, thoughtful approach she brings to the table. 

"When I'm meeting a prospective client, I want to understand why they're considering a new bank," she says. "I try to talk less and listen more. Understanding their goals helps determine whether we're the best bank to help them achieve what they're trying to accomplish."

She views success as a team effort, and her approach attracts colleagues who often come to her for guidance.

"We all win when people around us succeed," she says. "I learn from my colleagues just as much as they learn from me. Everyone brings different experiences and perspectives to the table, and that's how we find the best answers."

Colleen is a vital member of the Bank’s team in the Portland-Vancouver market, and together they’re supporting the businesses that drive the local economy.

“Our clients are makers and doers in our markets, but also employers who put food on tables and provide financial stability for their employees,” she says. “Helping supply those businesses with the credit they need is our role in supporting our local economy and I love that.” 

Outside of work, rugby is a big part of Colleen's life. She plays often, serves on the board of the Portland Rugby Club and even met her husband through the sport. She's passionate about helping grow the game and creating opportunities for underserved youth to participate. She's also involved with CREW Portland, an organization focused on advancing women in commercial real estate.

When she's not volunteering, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband and keeping up with their dog, Lola.

Looking back on her career so far, Colleen appreciates the growth opportunities she's had and says Banner's investment in her growth has played an important role in that journey.

"I enjoy my career and I feel immensely supported by Banner," she says. "I've never felt limited in what I can accomplish here."