Gary Hickel

Following a thirty-eight (38) year banking career, Gary retired from active banking in December, 2012, after serving as an SVP with Johnson Private Bank. Prior to Johnson Bank, Gary was President of West Valley National Bank’s East Valley banking presence, overseeing all aspects of the Company’s lending and depository business in the East Valley. A veteran banker, who started his banking career with First Federal Savings bank in 1974, he has more than 38 years of experience in the Arizona banking industry, Gary served as President and CEO of Paradise Valley National Bank, in organization, from 2008 until joining WVNB in September of 2010. Prior to this, he was President and CEO of Bank USA from 2005 to 2008. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice-President, Western Regional Manager, for Harris Private Bank. Gary was President and one of the founding members of Valley First Community Bank in Scottsdale, which opened in 1997. Prior to these positions Gary had senior level responsibilities with First Interstate Bank and First Federal/MeraBank, where he started his banking career. Gary has a Bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and a Master’s degree from Arizona State University. In addition, he graduated with honors from the Pacific Coast Banking School in Seattle. Gary received the National Volunteerism Award from President Bush in 2007 and was named a 2008 Center of Influence by the Arizona Bankers Association. A Phoenix resident, Gary is a member and past Council member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds, the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley YMCA, and is a past member of the YMCA’s Metro Board. Furthermore, he is a member of the CEO Forum Group and St. Mary’s Hospital Centurions, as well as a graduate and alumni member of the Valley Leadership Program in Phoenix. Gary has been an active member of the Arizona Country Club since 1985, currently serving as Chairman of the Membership Committee.

Gary and his wife Mary have been married since 1974, and currently have three (3) grandchildren.