Baker Boyer Continues Commitment to Driving Innovation with Creation of Chief Innovation Officer Role

Brian Bruggeman

As the pace of change continues to accelerate, Baker Boyer is committed to innovating with technology and improving our client experience. It expands on that commitment with the newly created role of Chief Innovation Officer.

“Baker Boyer prides itself on being a progressive transformational company,” said Mark Kajita, Baker Boyer President and CEO. “This is the next step in the implementation of our long-term strategy so we can continue to fulfill on our promise to our community’s and shareholders’ shared prosperity.”

Brian Bruggeman has been promoted, to the role of EVP, Chief Innovation Officer. “Bruggeman’s unique experience and expertise equip him to excel in analyzing and proposing innovative strategies for Baker Boyer. That, combined with his initiative to continue learning, researching, and understanding complex concepts and technology, make him an ideal fit for this dynamic role,” Kajita said. Bruggeman will take on his duties as the Bank’s first Chief Innovation officer and become a member of the Bank’s Executive Committee starting on January 1, 2022.

Bruggeman joined Baker Boyer in 2009 and has held many positions with increasing levels of responsibility including roles as Investment Advisor and Director of Financial Planning. "Brian has proven that he has the drive, energy, and talent to be the Bank’s very first Chief Innovation Officer,” Kajita adds.

This recent addition of a Chief Innovation Officer is just one example of many innovations at Baker Boyer over the last 152 years. Most recently this includes:

• In 2020, the new Yakima Financial Center was constructed and opened for business. This Center is so much more than a traditional bank setting with its Community Room, cutting-edge technology to facilitate conversations with clients, and unique and comfortable meeting rooms focused on enhancing client engagement.
• Recently, the Baker Boyer IT Solutions team was recognized with a 2021 FIS Impact Award after creating a streamlined digital account opening process.

With the promotion of Brian Bruggeman to Chief Innovation Officer, Baker Boyer will continue to evolve and innovate. This commitment prioritizes the needs of the community and its clients to secure its future for at least another 100 years.

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