Columbia Banking System adds Simone Lagomarsino to board

Columbia Banking System announced that Simone Lagomarsino will join its Board of Directors on Sept 1 2026, taking seats on the Audit Committee and the Enterprise Risk Management Committee, a move aimed at bolstering the regional lender’s risk oversight and governance framework【1】.

Board composition and experience

Lagomarsino brings more than four decades of leadership in finance, governance, and risk management. She most recently served as President and Chief Risk Officer of First Foundation Inc. and First Foundation Bank until that institution’s sale【1】. Earlier in her career she led Luther Burbank Corporation and Luther Burbank Savings as President and CEO, repositioning the firm for stronger performance and expanding its digital marketing capabilities before its sale【1】. Her résumé also includes CEO roles at the California Bankers Association and Heritage Oaks Bancorp, as well as board seats at the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Pacific Premier Bancorp, and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco【1】.

Market implications

Columbia’s chairman, CEO, and President Clint Stein highlighted Lagomarsino’s “deep banking experience, proven executive leadership and a strong understanding of risk, governance and value creation,” suggesting the appointment is intended to reinforce the bank’s disciplined growth strategy and risk management posture【1】. While the announcement does not immediately alter share price or bond yields, analysts have noted that enhanced board expertise can improve investor confidence, especially as the bank continues to expand its footprint across the western United States.

What to watch

• Q3 earnings release – Columbia’s next earnings report, due later this year, will show whether the board’s new risk oversight translates into improved financial performance.
• Regulatory filings – Any updates to the bank’s risk management disclosures in upcoming SEC filings could signal how Lagomarsino’s expertise is being integrated.
• Regional banking trends – Monitoring loan growth and credit quality metrics for western‑U.S. banks will help gauge the broader impact of strengthened governance at Columbia.

Lagomarsino’s appointment underscores Columbia Banking System’s focus on seasoned risk leadership as it pursues long‑term value creation for shareholders, customers, and communities. The effectiveness of this governance boost will become clearer as the bank reports its next set of financial results.