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Banking on community
Mark Lund

Mark Lund

Mark A. Lund (‘71, Business Administration) is such a believer in community banking that he came out of retirement last year to start his own company.

Lund is the founding president and CEO of Roseville-based Community 1st Bank. With a second branch in Auburn, the bank employs 20 people.

“Building a community bank—from the ground up—is something I’ve always wanted to do,” says Lund, who over the years has seen many community banks eventually acquired by bigger banks.

Unlike nationally centered institutions, community banks offer borrowers loans from local lenders and community members who are familiar with the area’s economy.

“The thing I like about being involved with community banking is you have an opportunity to help so many people realize their dreams,” says Lund.

Lund also sits on the bank’s board of directors along with several other Placer County investors. “Out of approximately 350 shareholders nearly all are residents here in Placer County,” Lund says. “If someone comes in for a loan, we not only know him, but we probably also know his numbers.”

Before “retiring” with his wife Debbie (‘71, Education) in 2004, Lund was the CEO, president and a board director for Rocklin-based Five Star Bank. Prior to that he worked for several banking institutions, most notably for the Bank of Commerce in Auburn for 13 years and Placer Sierra Bank.

Lund is also involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Auburn, Auburn Host Lions Club, Nevada City Masonic Lodge and Shriners.

While his banking career has been a success, he admits that banking was the furthest thing on his mind while he was at Sac State. A chance opportunity as a management trainee for a community bank in Marin County showed him the influence banking can have on people’s lives.

“It makes me feel great,” he says. “I’m helping people achieve their goals. At the same time I’m helping the community to grow and prosper.”