Catherine Ngo is the Executive Vice Chair of Central Pacific Bank since January 1, 2022. Prior to her role as Executive Vice Chair, she was President of Central Pacific Bank since 2015. Prior to joining CPB, Ngo was a founding general partner of Startup Capital Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm established in 2005, with investments in Silicon Valley and Hawaii, as well as in China.
A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Ngo started her career in private law practice, focused on banking and securities law. After seven years in private law practice, in 1993 she joined Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) as General Counsel, and during her tenure there until 2005, oversaw many support-side divisions of the company and served on the company’s Managing Committee. She also served as Chief Operating Officer of Alliant Partners, the investment banking subsidiary of SVB, focused on sell-side Mergers & Acquisitions activities for technology companies.
Ngo is venture partner of Startup Capital Ventures, L.P., serves on the Board of Trustees of the Queen’s Health Systems, Advisory Board of Catholic Charities of Hawaii, Advisory Board for Trust for Public Lands, Board of Directors of Hawaii Gas, Board of Governors of Hawaii Community Foundation, and serves as President of the Hawaii Bankers Association.
Catherine commenced the session with a valuable childhood experience of her first mentor, her eight-grade teacher and reminisced on her experience, concluding that sometimes it takes someone to believe in you and see the greatness within you, even when you do not see it in yourself. Catherine’s experience has inspired her on her journey and as she stressed the importance of mentoring others and helping them see their greatest potential, this is something that she is dedicated to. Catherine discussed that her path to becoming a CEO was not the typical path for a bank CEO, her journey is an inspiration of how dedication and passion can lead you to where you may unexpectedly belong.
During the session, Catherine shared many of the innovations and efforts that Central Pacific Bank (CPB) has been making, several of the initiatives include:
Re-vamped the digital space with a new mobile app that is easy to use and convenient for managing accounts. To further add convenience and expediency, one can open a checking or savings account, as well as apply for a personal loan entirely online.
Established major changes in branding, using fresh, brighter colors, which are more fun. CPB is aiming to attract more millennials.
Incorporated “Kai nu’u o Kanaloa”, a work of art that is designed to bring the waves of Hawaii to the digital space.
The Flagship Main Branch, which provides a glimpse into the future of CPB and houses “Tidepools@CPB”, a modern co-working space. The main branch is an inviting, modern, welcoming space, houses Aloha Beer Company and the first Starbucks Pickup in Hawaii.
In addition to the initiatives recently made, Catherine highlighted CPB’s support of small businesses, especially during the pandemic and shared that while she was dining at one of the small business establishments, the business owner personally thanked Catherine for the support made by CPB to small businesses and without that support, their business would not have made it. CPB has been instrumental in saving many small businesses.
A few other notable facts highlighted:
CPB was named by Newsweek as one of “American’s Best Banks in Each State” in 2022
The SBA recognized CPB as “Lender of the Year” for 12 of the last 14 years, with over $7 million in loans given in FY21 and 122, 7(a) loans originated, this is more than all major banks of Hawaii combined.
CPB is one of the first banks in Hawaii to accept Cryptocurrency.
Lastly Catherine discussed CPB’s shared commitment to empowering women, in addition to the fact that CPB employees 66% females, CPB has established a “Women’s Leadership Program” focusing on empowering women. The connections made in the program have been impactful and meaningful. Catherine believes that supporting women starts early, such as supporting the Girls Scouts, inspiring young girls to pursue the STEM field. Ultimately, Catherine believes it is important to support other women to purse their dreams and attributes the core values of CPB and employees with fierce determination and spirit is what makes the company so successful.
Write up by Dr. Summer Van Pelt - Thank you Summer!