James Ortmann, VP/Deposit & Loan Operations Manager

James Ortmann has been promoted to Vice President/Deposit & Loan Operations Manager where he leads a team that keeps the bank operating efficiently and effectively, while supporting the account management needs of our customers. Ortmann has been with OlyFed for more than 15 years and served as Customer Service Representative (CSR), Operations Assistant and Operations Assistant Manager. Recognized by his peers for several corporate awards, Ortmann has been honored as Employee of the Quarter and he has received accolades for his exceptional service and commitment to the bank’s corporate values.

Aron Dowell, AVP/Business Relationship Banker

Aron Dowell has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/Business Relationship Banker. Hired in September of 2018, Aron began his career with OlyFed as Assistant Branch Manager in Lacey and was promoted to Business Relationship Banker in 2021. Dowell is an expert on business processes and systems and has helped many local organizations improve their cash flow and money management practices, saving them time and resources that have helped advance their mission.

Kayla Ferguson, AVP/Loan Underwriter

Kayla Ferguson has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/Loan Underwriter where she helps with the bank’s lending decisions and processes. Ferguson, who celebrated her 10-year anniversary with OlyFed later this year, has served as a Customer Service Representative, Savings Counselor, Loan Processor/Closer, Assistant Branch Manager and Branch Manager prior to her current role. With a strong understanding of bank operations and risk management, Ferguson brings great insight and skills to her position.

Erika Fitzhugh-Frazier, AVP/Hawks Prairie Branch Manager

Erika Fitzhugh-Frazier has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/Hawks Prairie Branch Manager for her staff leadership efforts, excellence in customer service and branch production growth. Fitzhugh-Frazier, who is bilingual, has been instrumental in serving Spanish-speaking customers and with the bank’s community outreach efforts. A member of the bank’s Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Committee, Fitzhugh-Frazier is also a member of the board of directors with Together!, a Thurston County youth-serving nonprofit.

Ashley Knauf, AVP/Controller

Ashley Knauf has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/Controller with the bank’s accounting department. Knauf, who recently completed the Washington Bankers Association’s Executive Development program started at OlyFed in 2021 as an Accounting Assistant. Earlier this year Knauf was promoted to Controller after taking on an increased scope of responsibilities.

Raina Nitz, AVP/West Olympia Branch Manager

Raina Nitz has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/West Olympia Branch Manager. Nitz started her career at OlyFed in 2017 as a Customer Service Representative and has also served as a Universal Banker and Assistant Branch Manager. A recent graduate of the Washington Bankers Association Executive Development Program, Nitz was honored this past year with the Lori G. Drummond Leadership Award for her contributions to the bank’s customers and her colleagues and community. In her free time, Nitz serves on the board of directors with GRuB, an Olympia-based nonprofit offering youth development programs through agricultural-based experiences.

“We are so fortunate to have such a talented, caring and skilled team here at OlyFed,” Josh Deck, President & CEO said. “It is so exciting and rewarding to provide our team members with these growth opportunities and the chance to be a part of the bank’s team of officers. Each of these individuals have and will continue to make a marked improvement in the quality of life for our local region.”