Forest Hayes named chief financial officer at Crews Bank & Trust

Crews Bank & Trust announced that Forest Hayes, a seasoned financial services executive with nearly 30 years of industry experience, has joined the bank as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Hayes brings a strong background in executive leadership, strategy, and risk management to his new role. Relocating from Bellevue, Washington, to the Sarasota area, he is excited to bring his expertise to the Florida market.

Hayes has spent the past two decades in senior executive roles at financial institutions managing up to $2 billion in assets. His leadership spans finance, credit, operations, compliance, audit, risk, and IT. Most recently, he was the CFO of a $1.9 billion institution leading the Finance, Risk Management, and Business Intelligence functions, providing strategic guidance and reporting to the Board of Directors.

His career also includes experience with consulting firms, where he worked on both domestic and international initiatives. Hayes earned an MBA from the University of Hartford, with a concentration in Finance and International Business, and studied abroad in Paris, France.

“I really enjoy delivering financial services to the community,” said Hayes. “My passion for what I do is constantly renewed through the fostering of team development and those ‘light bulb’ moments when everything comes together.”

In addition to his professional achievements, Hayes is active in the community. He has served on the University of Washington Foster School of Business Advisory Board, mentored Rainier Athletes, supported organizations such as Business Impact Northwest, YoungLife of Bellevue, and Interlake High School Boosters.