Joanne Funari

Ms. Funari, a founding member of Business First Bank, has more than 27 years of experience in all facets of banking, including lending, marketing, sales administration and management. As President, Ms Funari is responsible for the Lending, Credit Administration, Operations, Business Development and Marketing divisions of the bank.

Prior to joining Business First Bank, Ms. Funari was Senior Vice President of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust. Before working at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, she was Vice President-Corporate Lending Officer with City Commerce Bank in Santa Barbara and Vice President and Manager of Credit Administration at the Bank of New York. Ms. Funari's education includes a Graduate Degree with honors and exceptional performance in Asset Liability Management and Finance from the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington; University of California, Los Angeles; and Central City College in Syracuse New York.

Ms. Funari is avidly involved in the Santa Barbara community as board member, co-chair of the Fundraising and Event Committee, and past President of the American Lung Association of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties; executive board member of the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce; board member of the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce; board member of the Santa Barbara Downtown Association and member of the Santa Barbara County Finance Corporation; Executive board member of the Old Spanish Days; and chairperson of the Fiesta Party/Activity Planning Committee; and a committee member of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Black & Blue Ball. She is an active supporter of United Way Programs; Fun in the Sun, Day of Caring and the Annual Campaign.