SACRAMENTO – The California Bankers Association (CBA) today announced that James Beckwith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Five Star Bank, was honored as the CBA’s Distinguished Banker of the Year. Beckwith was recognized during the CBA’s Annual Conference & Directors Forum on May 13, 2026.
“The California Bankers Association is honored to have presented this award to James,” said Kevin Gould, President and CEO of CBA. “He has brought strategic clarity and genuine passion to the association. In addition to serving as Chair of our board of directors, James has dedicated countless hours to numerous committees and has been a vocal and effective advocate for our industry.”
“James’ profound impact on community banking extends far beyond his exceptional leadership and accomplishments,” said Krista Snelling, President and CEO of West Coast Community Bank. “I count myself fortunate to be among those who have learned from his wisdom, integrity, and unwavering commitment to serving communities well. James represents the very best of our industry, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.“
The award honors a banker who personifies what it is to be a distinguished California banker – a banker who is dedicated to the industry, a role model for future leaders, engaged in their community, and also serves as a leader within the association. Beckwith was elected as the CBA chairman of the Board of Directors in 2021.
He has served as President and CEO of Five Star Bank for nearly 25 years. A strong advocate for the banking industry, Beckwith is deeply connected to the community Five Star Bank serves. His leadership and community engagement have earned him numerous prestigious honors, including being honored as the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s 2025 Sacramentan of the Year, among the Sacramento Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs, and recognition on Sacramento Business Journal’s Power 100 List in 2024 and 2025.
Under Beckwith’s leadership, Five Star Bank has achieved significant growth and national recognition as one of the country’s top-performing community banks. He successfully guided the bank through its 2021 initial public offering and has overseen a period marked by strong financial performance, workplace excellence, and repeated industry accolades. These achievements reflect Beckwith’s transformational leadership and Five Star Bank’s continued impact on its clients, employees, shareholders, and the communities it proudly serves.
“On behalf of Five Star Bank, I extend my sincere gratitude to CBA for this incredible honor,” said James Beckwith, President and CEO of Five Star Bank. “This award is the culmination of many years of working with our board of directors, and our employees, who share my commitment to elevating the banking profession by ensuring we remain strong client advocates and steadfast community champions. I thank CBA for demonstrating that banking, at its best, creates opportunity and makes a lasting impact on the lives of others.”
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