Ventura-Based Bank Names Vice President

Ventura-based American Commercial Bank has hired Jeff Paul, a former vice president of Bank of A. Levy, as a senior vice president and chief operating officer.

American Commercial has three offices, all in Ventura. The bank has actively courted Bank of A. Levy customers since last year, when Los Angeles-based First Interstate Bank made a deal to acquire Bank of A. Levy.

Paul said he is moving to American Commercial because he wanted to remain in Ventura County and preferred to work in community banking. “With many career options available to me, I chose ACB,” he said.

Jim Beeninga, American Commercial’s chief executive, said Paul will be filling a newly created position and assume some of Beeninga’s responsibilities. Paul will try to promote a “sales culture” at the bank, Beeninga added.

In a statement, Paul commented: “There will always be a place for a community bank where business owners develop long-term relationships.”

Paul joined Bank of A. Levy, also based in Ventura, in 1979 as a management trainee. He praised his former employer’s “old ties to the community,” but said the bank had expanded and centralized its management until it was similar to larger institutions.

American Commercial, founded in 1972, has assets of $111.5 million.