Community 1st Bank appoints Luke Parnell to manage Auburn branch

Auburn, Calif.- Luke Parnell has been appointed as Manager of the Auburn branch of Community 1st Bank (now First Foundation Bank). He will manage the Bank’s main office in downtown Auburn and will continue his duties as Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer. 

An Auburn resident, Parnell has been a member of the Community 1st Bank team since August 2007. He previously served as Manager of the Auburn North office prior to its consolidation into the downtown branch. Community 1st Bank also has a Roseville branch at 2250 Douglas Boulevard. 

Parnell will continue to focus on his responsibilities as a loan officer, but will also be active in business development and relationship management.

“As manager, I’m not only in touch with the customers who regularly frequent our branch, but out in the Auburn community representing Community 1st Bank,” Parnell said. “It’s a privilege to be a part of our experienced team and be involved in this wonderful community where I grew up.”

Parnell spent his youth living and working on his family’s ranch, which is located just outside of Auburn. He graduated from Bear River High School and later earned a BS degree in Agriculture Business, Finance, at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. While at Cal Poly, Parnell was elected Chairman of the Associated Students, Inc., Board of Directors.

“Luke has done a terrific job as a Loan Officer, and demonstrates a high level of knowledge in commercial, real estate and SBA lending,” said Mark A. Lund, Community 1st Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “He has constantly provided excellent service to our customers, consistent with the mission of Community 1st Bank. Luke has an outstanding relationship with the Auburn business community and we’re very pleased to elevate his status at the Bank and make him even more of an integral part of our team.”

Parnell has worked in the banking industry for seven years. His career began with Comerica Bank, working in the commercial banking division in Palo Alto, and later the real estate division in Fresno. In 2007, Parnell returned to Auburn and joined Community 1st Bank.

“There are many interesting, diverse businesses in the Auburn region that make my job intriguing on a daily basis,” Parnell said. “As a community banker, I enjoy learning about my client’s companies in order to develop a banking relationship that helps them achieve their business and financial goals.” 

Parnell is active in the Auburn community. He was appointed by then Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to the Board of Directors of the 20th District Agricultural Association/Gold Country Fair in 2007. He was elected President of the Fair Board this year. Parnell is also a member of the Auburn Navy League and the Bear River High School FFA Advisory Committee.