COMMUNITY FIRST BANK - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Client Service Consultant
Job Titles:
- Manager
- Private Banking Relationship Manager
A former branch bank manager, Andrew joined the HFG team in 2020 with over 7 years of experience in the client service industry. Today, he acts as the liaison between our organization's business lines to ensure our Private Banking clients receive the products and services that will best meet their needs. As a subject matter expert, he is passionate about sharing his industry knowledge and educating new clients on the value of customized financial solutions. The son of a union employee, Andrew spent his formative years moving between Oregon, California, Tennessee, and Michigan before settling in the Tri-Cities. Now a busy dad of two, Andrew has traded his free time working on cars for quality time with his young daughters.
Anthony worked in the financial industry in New York City and Seattle for 16 years before coming back home to the Tri-Cities. He joined the HFG Trust and Community First Bank family in 2019 as a Financial Advisor and Bond Portfolio Manager. His academic accomplishments include a business degree from the University of Washington, the CFA charter, and the CFP® mark. Anthony stays involved in the community by coaching youth sports and teaching for Junior Achievement at local high schools.
A veteran marketing professional with over 30 years' experience, Antoinette's expertise spans from project management and business development to advertising and strategic planning. Having held executive-level positions in both the banking and healthcare industries, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her position as our organization's Product Manager. Today, Antoinette plays a key role in supporting our clients as they navigate our suite of products and services.
Antoinette spent her formative years in New England before eventually settling in Washington state. In her spare time, she enjoys riding horses, camping, and exercising her creative mind via art and sewing.
Ben was the first advisor to join our founder, Ty Haberling. Ben came to HFG as a new graduate of Eastern Washington University where he majored in finance and minored in economics. He joined HFG in 1997 and has helped clients navigate the two largest market declines since the great depression.
Through HFG's early years Ben wore many hats including Financial Advisor, Marketing Director, IT Director, and Vice President. As a senior advisor of over 20 years, Ben enjoys working with clients across a broad spectrum of professions and lifestyles.
Outside of the office, Ben served as a Boy Scouts of America volunteer for over a decade and served two terms as a director on the Kennewick School Board. In his spare time he has competed as a member of the Washington State rifle team, and in the 2019 National Matches achieved the distinction of President's Hundred Rifleman-the honorary rifle team of the President of the United States. Ben's greatest loves are his bride of over 25 years and their three children. He also enjoys science, the outdoors, exploring, and building things.
Bob Lagonegro joined the HFG Trust family in 2005 as a Financial Advisor, after dedicating 14 years to his role as an Operations Supervisor in the insurance industry. A native Californian, Bob spent his formative years in the Bellevue/Seattle area and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Business Administration - Finance, later going on to earn his Certified Financial Planner™ designation in 2009, alongside his designation as an Certified Trust Financial Advisor. As an active member in his community, Bob has enjoyed working with kids through DECA, as well as supporting Junior Achievement, and teaching business concepts to high school students.
Bringing a wealth of financial planning knowledge, Bob helps his clients in all matters of financial well-being. From beginning an initial portfolio of investments, to tax-saving strategies and planning for retirement, Bob truly is one of our most versatile advisors.
Bob and his wife, Tina, have been married for 21 years and are dedicated parents to their four young children. They are members of Bethel Church and Bob serves on Bethel's Finance Commission. He is an avid reader and especially enjoys reading commentaries on macroeconomics, both from the current and historical perspective. Bob plays tennis and jogs, with the hope of running in local 5k events.
Brenda brings nearly 16 years of experience in the banking industry to her role as Pasco Branch Manager. As a Tri-Cities native, Brenda is passionate about giving back to the community she calls home and is committed to providing each client with customized financial solutions.
When Brenda isn't working she enjoys spending time with her husband of 20 years, her two children, shopping and traveling.
Brent Schafer joined HFG in October 2018 after graduating from the University of Washington, where he balanced the life of a student athlete while attaining a degree in Biology. Brent grew up in Kennewick and graduated from Southridge High School as valedictorian of his class.
He began his career as a Wealth Planner, assisting advisors with financial plan preparation and portfolio analysis. In 2021 Brent attained his Certified Financial Planning™ designation, the standard of excellence in the financial planning industry. Brent is now taking on clients as a financial planner. Today he serves as our Wealth Planning Manager, leading the firm's team of young financial professionals to better serve our clients.
Brent finds himself driving back and forth to Spokane often because his wife, Joslyn, is currently enrolled in Physician Assistant school at MedEx Spokane. When there is time, they love to golf in the summer and snowboard in the winter.
Job Titles:
- Board Member, Apollo Mechanical, Inc
In 1981, with a decade of experience and expertise in sheet metal, mechanical design and business management, Bruce had the vision to start a local sheet metal business. 10 years later, Apollo Inc was founded and operations began. Over 37 years later his legacy continues and his company now consists of over 1800 employees and has expanded its markets across the US and internationally.
As founder and entrepreneur of a local business, Bruce brings vision, expertise and business acumen to the Board of Directors. Bruce has served on the Board since the bank was founded in 1997.
Job Titles:
- Business Banking Team Lead
As our Lending Team Leader, Cameron oversees the day-to-day operations of our commercial lending department, bringing with him nearly 20 years' experience in the finance industry. Initially beginning his career in retail banking, he later transitioned to commercial lending in 2014 before going on to join Community First Bank in 2020.
Today, his focus is on building a strong team while ensuring our lenders and clients are set up for success. Originally from St. George, UT, Cameron -who now calls the Tri-Cities "home" -is an alumnus of Dixie State University and holds an MBA from Southern Utah University. Outside of the office, he can be found rooting on his favorite football team alongside his family, or on the field where he shares his love for the sport as a coach for local high school athletes.
Job Titles:
- CFP
- CFP® Financial Advisor
With more than 12 years of experience in banking, Danielle King is passionate about serving her clients and community in her role as Director of Branch Banking. Danielle began her career in banking while in high school as a Teller and later Branch Manager in her school's sponsored branch. Since then she has held Senior Personal Banker and Relationship Banker positions at Community First Bank. Her expertise and focus is in bank operations, personal lending, and is a Certified Health Savings Professional (CHSP). She truly believes that leading a team that provides exceptional client service is the most rewarding part of her career. In her spare time outside of work she enjoys snowboarding and spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Board Member, Basin Disposal, Inc
- President and Owner of Basin Disposal Inc
As president and owner of Basin Disposal Inc, Darrick understands the importance of operating a strong, local, multigenerational business. Basin Disposal was founded in 1941 and spans 3 generations. With a philosophy to serve and partner with the communities they serve, Darrick's company philosophy aligns with Community First Banks' values. Darrick has served on the Board of Directors since 2012 and brings a unique and valuable perspective to the board.
Job Titles:
- Mortgage Consultant
- Mortgage Loan Officer
Derek is a seasoned Mortgage Loan Officer, native to the Tri-Cities area, who specializes in a full range of home lending services, including purchase, refinance, and construction loans in all 50 states. He is knowledgeable in numerous loan programs, including, but not limited to, Federal Housing Authority (FHA), United State Department of Agricultural (USDA), First-Time Home Buyers, Downpayment Assistance Program (DAP), and conventional financing terms. Derek is committed to providing a personalized service throughout the lending process, establishing a partnership with clients to create a positive homebuying experience.
Derek and his wife of over 25 years have two grown children. They spend a lot of time outdoors hiking, white water rafting, fishing, or finding a beach to put their toes in the sand. Contact Derek today with any home financing questions or to start your journey towards homeownership.
After graduating college, Eric was not committed to any particular career path. Eric's father had retired six months earlier when the community bank he had worked at for 33 years sold to a large commercial bank. Still having a number of contacts at that bank, Eric took a job there and began following a career in banking. After progressing through the ranks, Eric began to realize the difference between a large corporate enterprise and a local community bank. As he was passionate about building relationships and supporting small businesses, organizations and his community. Accordingly, he decided to make the move to Community First Bank as part of a succession plan to become its President and CEO. Over 25 years after starting his journey, Eric remains committed to the client and the community banking experience. He is involved in a variety of local organizations and is on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club, TriDec, Trios Trustee Board and the Washington Banker's Association.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Director
A former business owner and vested partner at one of the Tri-Cities' leading office equipment, software, and IT services suppliers, Forrest joined the HFG Trust team as our Business Development Director in 2019.
As a graduate of Washington State University and Tri-Cities local, he brings two decades of experience working with local businesses in our community, including: business development, client relations, and strategic planning. More recently, he passed the Series 7 and 66 exams, giving him a broad understanding of financial planning, investment risk, taxation, equity, debt instruments, retirement plans, suitability and interactions with clients.
Whether he is advocating for kids living with Type 1 Diabetes, working with local business leaders, or spending time with his blended family of 6, building and fostering community remains a priority for Forrest, both professionally and personally. When he is not in the office, he can be found perfecting his swing on the golf course, sipping on wine, or planning a trip to his next travel destination.
With over 19 years of home lending experience, Heather's attention to detail and focus on customer service sets her apart in her field. Whether they are a first-time homebuyer or looking to invest in multiple properties, she is committed to help individuals achieve their home ownership goals. Her approach of listening to your needs and educating you on the home buying process ensure that you have a smooth, stress-free experience. Her clients appreciate her dedication to their success and her ability to guide them through the process, from start to finish, seamlessly.
As a Navy Veteran, she has a unique perspective and understanding of the needs of active-duty military members and veterans when it comes to purchasing a home while utilizing the benefit of their VA Home Loan, that they earned, while selflessly serving our country.
Outside of the office, Heather is devoted to the Tri-City community. She is a board member of Leadership Tri-Cities, is committed to the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, and volunteers her time to 2 nd Harvest, among others.
Job Titles:
- Mortgage Department Manager
With over 20 years of experience in the Mortgage industry, Jamin brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the Community First Bank team. Jamin is a Tri Cities native and Washington State University graduate. He is passionate about working for a locally-owned bank and serving the surrounding communities with their home loan needs.
Jamin and his wife have three children who are active in a variety of sports. He enjoys coaching youth sports and golf.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Consultant
Job Titles:
- Personal Banker, Kennewick
A graduate of Washington State University, Jim Arneson earned his bachelor's degree in finance and accounting before beginning his longstanding career in the financial services industry. Jim joined Community First Bank's leadership team in 2017. He began his career as a CPA, providing audit, tax, and advisory services to Pacific Northwest banks, and has served Washington banks in senior executive roles, including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Executive Officer, and President for over twenty years. Today, Jim brings nearly three decades of professional experience to his position as the company's Chief Operating Officer.
Paul Hansen is a long-time resident of the Tri-Cities and a graduate of the University of Washington, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Paul has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1990 and he has over 30 years of accounting and tax experience.
Prior to joining HFG, he was the Controller for the Environmental and Nuclear segment of one of the largest publicly traded Engineering and Construction companies.
In addition to working with his clients on planning and tax savings strategies, Paul utilizes his experience and knowledge in ways that benefit local not-for-profit organizations in our community, such as serving as the Treasurer for his church, and previously as Treasurer for the Tri-Cities Steel Band Association (TCSBA).
Job Titles:
- Personal Banker, Kennewick
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board, Adams Enterprises
Job Titles:
- Personal Banker, Kennewick
Job Titles:
- Client Services Consultant
Job Titles:
- Trust Operations Specialist
Job Titles:
- Director of Credit Administration
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor
- Experts
Job Titles:
- Board Member, Berg Farms, LLC
Job Titles:
- Client Services Representative
Job Titles:
- Relationship Banker, Kennewick
Job Titles:
- Construction & Consumer Banker
Job Titles:
- Personal Banker, Richland
Job Titles:
- Board Member, Apollo Mechanical, Inc
Job Titles:
- Client Service Consultant
Job Titles:
- Client Services Consultant
Job Titles:
- Mortgage Department Manager
Job Titles:
- Branch Manager, Kennewick