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Western Alliance Bancorporation

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Employees 1001-5000
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FY2017 Annual Report · Western Alliance Bancorporation
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Annual Report 2017

DEDICATED 
PEOPLE.
TAILORED 
PRODUCTS.
ROBUST 
CAPABILITIES.

Western Alliance Bank

DEDICATED PEOPLE.
People who create value-added relationships are   

what Western Alliance is all about. Extraordinary   

service and hands-on leadership make us different.

TAILORED PRODUCTS.
A sophisticated array of deposit and lending   

products helps our customers meet their business   

goals. Flexible and smart, our innovative,   

custom-tailored solutions are designed to fit.     

ROBUST CAPABILITIES.
Backed by deep expertise across geographical   

and industry segments, Western Alliance   

has the reach and resources our business clients   

need to grow. 

04 

06 

12 

14 

16 

VIEWS FROM OUR  
CHAIRMAN AND CEO 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 
Charting Another Year  
of Strong Performance 

EXECUTIVE DISCUSSION  
In Conversation with Bank Leadership

FUEL FOR GROWTH 
Revolutionizing Nutrition  
for Kids and Communities  

VALUED COUNSEL 
Opening More Doors with a 
Fast-growing Mortgage Company 

18 

20 

28 

32 

INNOVATIVE FINANCING 
Driving Shorter Commutes  
in Silicon Valley

INDUSTRY ACUMEN 
A Key Point of Difference

COMMUNITY IMPACT 
Meaningful Involvement 

TALKING TECH 
Technology Advancements for  
the Evolving Business Landscape

34

SMART BANKING SOLUTIONS 
A Real Commitment 

 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
36

37

38

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SENIOR OPERATING COMMITTEE

WHERE TO FIND US

Views From Our  
Chairman and CEO

In 2017, our exceptional company created value for our 
clients, shareholders, employees, and the communities 
we serve. Western Alliance continued to attract new 
clients and expand existing relationships. Our client-
centric approach and customer satisfaction drove all our 
business segments to gain market share during the year. 
Total assets for the company grew by 18% to end 2017 
at $20.3 billion. Total loans grew by $1.89 billion which 
was a 14% increase over 2016, to $15.1 billion, as WAL 
continues to be a trusted partner and funding source for 
businesses. Total deposits increased by $2.42 billion,  
17%, to end the year at $17.0 billion. 

Net income of $325 million and earnings per share of 
$3.10 for 2017 compared favorably to $260 million and 
$2.50, respectively. Return on average assets and return 
on tangible common equity of 1.72% and 18.32% placed 
Western Alliance among industry leaders. Augmenting 
strong balance sheet and earnings growth were  
an increase in our regulatory capital of $350 million to  
$2.5 billion and another stellar year of asset quality 
numbers including net loan losses of 0.01% and total  
non-performing assets at December 31, 2017, of  
0.36% of total assets. 

Our stock price is a measure of the growth and success of 
our business and a result of the investment in our people, 
products and technology over the long term in both good 
and not-so-good times. Recognizing our strong overall 
performance, the market rewarded our shareholders with 
a 16.3% return for the year and a five-year return of 437%, 
which was more than double that of our peer index and 
the S&P 500. Forbes magazine ranked WAL #2 on its 
2018 “Best Banks in America” list. 

We value being excellent corporate citizens, not just in 
how we treat our employees and clients, but in how we 
positively impact the communities we live in. We now 
provide credit to help over 7,500 businesses grow. This 
report features two clients from our innovation banking 
group that are making a meaningful contribution  

to society. One has a mission to revolutionize children’s 
meals, starting in schools. The other to make life with 
diabetes easier and safer. Another featured example 
comes from our municipal finance group where we 
provided a customized loan solution to aid in easing 
traffic congestion in the busy Silicon Valley. During the 
year, our dedicated employees provided over 10,000 
hours of community service. We provided $84 million of 
direct community investments and grants. Our various 
real estate lending groups originated $230 million in 
community development loans, and our affordable 
housing lending unit increased its committed capital to  
over $600 million. These loans are used to build/remodel 
housing units for over 100,000 residents across 42 states.

Looking to 2018, our goal is to continue to deliver 
exceptional results for our shareholders, clients, and 
employees, while at the same time operating with 
discipline and managing risk appropriately. We will 
continue to selectively add new bankers, offices, and 
relevant products to meet our customers’ needs. We will  
invest in new technology to help our clients grow and 
operate more efficiently as well as protect their data.

We will continue to grow our balance sheet, which 
supports the credit and liquidity needs of our clients.  
We reinvest all of our earnings back into our business  
to maintain a strong capital position needed to augment 
our growth.

Our people, including our Board of Directors, are our  
most important asset. We are thankful for their passion, 
hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to 
Western Alliance.

Robert G. Sarver  
Executive Chairman of the Board 
Western Alliance Bank

Kenneth A. Vecchione
Chief Executive Officer
Western Alliance Bank

04 VIEWS FROM OUR CHAIRMAN AND CEO

A Special Thank You

Also in 2017, we took important steps to make sure Western Alliance 
has a robust set of talented leaders to guide the company’s continued 
growth and strong performance for years to come. Our roles are 
shifting in positive ways as Ken Vecchione, who returned to the 
company as President in July, steps into the CEO position this spring.  
I will continue to provide strategic leadership as Executive Chairman of 
the Board. Dale Gibbons, our company’s longstanding Chief Financial 
Officer, remains in this key role and adds the title Vice Chairman. Jim 
Haught, who joined Western Alliance in April as Chief Operating Officer 
and oversees operations and technology, now also becomes President.

This new leadership structure adds more depth and resources to 
our executive team and underscores the strategies that have always 
differentiated Western Alliance. 

Robert G. Sarver 

Our board continually focuses on succession planning, not just at  
the CEO level, but throughout our entire senior management team.  
This plan has been well thought out and in process for over a year.  
The timing is right. Our company is in a very strong position.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, customers, 
shareholders and my co-workers, for your loyalty and support during 
my 15 years as CEO. I am proud of what Western Alliance has 
accomplished, but even more excited for its future.

Robert G. Sarver  
Executive Chairman of the Board 
Western Alliance Bank

Kenneth A. Vecchione

Our stock price is a measure of the 
growth and success of our business 
and a result of the investment in our 
people, products and technology 
over the long term.”

VIEWS FROM OUR CHAIRMAN AND CEO 05

FINANCIAL 
HIGHLIGHTS.

Charting Another Year  
of Strong Performance

Our business customers 
are looking to grow. And 
Western Alliance is right 
there with them with 
increased capital and 
increased capacity.” 

Dale Gibbons 
Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer

06 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Western Alliance Bancorporation

Total Loans: $15.1 Billion
2017 Year End

Total Assets: $20.3 Billion
2017 Year End

Total Regulatory Capital: $2.5 Billion
2017 Year End

08 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Total Deposits: $17.0 Billion
2017 Year End

2017 Shareholder Performance

18.31% Return on Tangible Common Equity

1.72% Return on Average Assets

1.72%

$10,000 Investment Comparison
2017 Year End

WAL

1 Year

 $11,624

3 Years

$20,367

5 Years

$53,770

KBW Regional Banking Index 

$10,175 

$14,982

$22,534

S&P 500

$12,183

$13,829

$20,814

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 09

 
ACCOLADES AND 
ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

“WAL  
remains one  
of our  
favorite  
names”

SANDLER O’NEILL + PARTNERS:  
2018 Top Pick & Investment Idea

“Western Alliance 
Bancorp  
moves up two  
spots this year”

“Annual ranking  
of the hottest 
companies by business 
performance and 
market performance”

FORBES:  
#2 Best Banks in America 2018

FORTUNE MAGAZINE:  
100 Fastest-Growing Companies List

“Setting new levels  
of performance  
to which others in  
the field will aspire”

“Awarded 
for corporate 
leadership and 
investor relations 
expertise”

INTERNATIONAL BANKER:  
Robert Sarver  
Best Banking CEO of 2017

INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR:  
2018 All-America Executive Team, 
#3 Best CEO, #1 Best CFO

10 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

$6B 

market cap

14% 

loan growth in 2017

7,500 

47 

lending relationships

offices nationally

$20B 

in assets

rated investment grade

1,700+  

employees to serve  
our clients

80,000  

commercial bank  
accounts

21%  

tangible book value  
per share increase from  
2016 to 2017

24%  

earnings per  
share growth from  
2016 to 2017

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 11

EXECUTIVE  
DISCUSSION.

In Conversation with Bank Leadership

Clockwise From Top Left
Robert Sarver, Executive 
Chairman of the Board;   
Dale Gibbons, Vice Chairman 
and Chief Financial Officer; 
Kenneth Vecchione,  
Chief Executive Officer;  
Jim Haught, President and 
Chief Operating Officer

Watch the discussion at 
WALAnnualReport.com

12 EXECUTIVE DISCUSSION 

DALE GIBBONS
Making a difference in our 
communities is a real value for 
employees. One area where  
we’ve had significant impact  
is affordable housing. Our bank 
has helped finance developments 
in over 40 states, and some 
hundred thousand people are  
now living in homes that we 
helped facilitate. 

KENNETH VECCHIONE 
Ultimately, people also want  
to work with an organization that 
values transparency, credibility, 
and honesty. Our leadership  
team is always honest with each 
other, we’re transparent in what 
we do and that helps us build a  
better company.

The way we structure 
our credits is a point 
of pride in how we do 
business. It’s part of 
why our customers see 
us as dependable and 
mutually supportive.”

Kenneth Vecchione

ROBERT SARVER
Let’s begin by saying 2017 
was another really good 
year for the bank. And one 
of the things I felt most 
proud about was our ability 
to keep growing and keep 
providing our customers 
with the resources they need 
to continue to grow their 
businesses. 

KENNETH VECCHIONE
We take care of our people 
first, our people take care of our 
customers. Those two things 
together help deliver superior 
performance. Lastly, we give back 
to the communities where we  
live and work.

DALE GIBBONS
I think it starts with ownership  
of the client experience by  
the people who work for this 
company. What makes us  
stand out is our entrepreneurial 
spirit. We’re almost unique in  
our ability to grow without 
creating siloes. 

JIM HAUGHT
It’s also the lifecycle approach  
we take with our customers. 
From the time they are prospects, 
through the lending process, to 
onboarding and then the care 
we put into ongoing customer 
relationships. And, right from 
the start, we are stewards of 
our customers’ information. So 
a priority for us is investing in 
information security.

ROBERT SARVER
You know we’ve always felt 
reinvesting our money into our 
company is the best thing for  
us to do. In turn we can reinvest 
that money into our customers 
and grow with our customers. 

KENNETH VECCHIONE
I agree with you. Our capital 
growth supports our customer 
growth. And being there for  
our customers when they need 
credit supports our growth.  
That’s been our model since we 
started the company. I also think 
we come into this year with a  
lot of wind at our back – the  
economy is growing and the 
recent tax reform legislation 
should help the economy to 
expand even further.

DALE GIBBONS
It’s going to add a lot of liquidity 
to the economy, both in terms of 
lower tax rates and what’s been 
passed on through. We’ve passed 
part of this on to our team, giving 
raises, increasing our 401(k) and 
returning the benefits.

ROBERT SARVER
When it comes to attracting  
and retaining the best people, I 
think people also want to know, 
“can I take care of my customers?” 
We offer them the best of both 
worlds, the best of what a smaller 
bank can offer in terms of level 
of service, family environment, 
responsiveness, and the best of 
what a larger bank can offer. This 
means resources, capital, larger 
loan limits and a larger array of 
products, so bankers can make 
their customers happy. 

JIM HAUGHT 
When we’re out recruiting young 
people, one of the things that gets 
them very excited about working 
here is that entrepreneurial concept. 
Every day you’re coming in and 
there are new things being crafted, 
new ideas being tried out, we’re 
always pushing that innovation 
sphere every single day. And for 
banking that’s pretty unusual. 

EXECUTIVE DISCUSSION 13

FUEL FOR  
GROWTH.

Revolutionizing Nutrition  
for Kids and Communities  

Here’s some (good) food for thought: Starting from scratch in  
2006, Revolution Foods has grown to now serve two million healthy 
meals per week in 1,000+ schools nationwide, with revenues 
exceeding $150 million in 2017.

“We began with a very strong vision to transform access to healthy, 
delicious, kid-inspired, chef-crafted meals,” says Chairman and  
CEO Kristin Groos Richmond, one of the Oakland-based company’s 
two “founding moms,” along with Chief Impact Officer Kirsten Saenz 
Tobey. Their food philosophy is that nurturing bright minds starts 
with fueling active bodies.

Now the proof is in the pudding. New research from Nutrition  
Policy Institute and UC Berkeley concludes students at California 
public schools with a healthy lunch vendor score higher on 
achievement tests.

Helping to power this growing, venture capital-backed enterprise –  
now also expanding in grocery aisles – is Western Alliance’s Bridge 
Bank. Says Revolution Foods CFO Kendall Baker: “The bank is  
an active participant in our growth. They helped make sure we had 
funding that worked on our way to expanding our revenues more 
than 20 percent this year.”

14 FUEL FOR GROWTH

Revolution Foods  
is a perfect example  
of a client that came 
to us early in the 
company’s life cycle, 
and we have continued 
to grow together.”

Mike Lederman 
SVP, Western Region Director, 
Technology Banking

We have consistently 
found this is the most 
innovative, technically 
aware lender in their 
space. This bank is so 
creative and responsive, 
they are an important 
part of our success  
and impact.”

Kristin Groos Richmond (left) 
Chairman and CEO,  
Revolution Foods

Kirsten Saenz Tobey (right) 
Chief Impact Officer,  
Revolution Foods

FUEL FOR GROWTH 15

I think Western Alliance 
is one of the reasons 
we’ve succeeded and 
continue to succeed.”

Bill Rogers 
CEO, Homeowners  
Financial Group

16 VALUED COUNSEL

VALUED 
COUNSEL.

Opening More Doors with a  
Fast-growing Mortgage Company  

Sometimes it’s who you know – and what they know. At least 
according to Bill Rogers, CEO of award-winning mortgage company 
Homeowners Financial Group (HFG). 

In 2011, when HFG first became a client of Western Alliance’s 
Mortgage Warehouse Lending, the Scottsdale-based company 
already had a handful of successful offices in Arizona and California. 
Today HFG, which funded an impressive $1.7 billion in mortgage 
loans in 2016, is licensed in 24 states and operates more than 40 
brick-and-mortar locations.

Throughout this period of strategic expansion, Rogers has relied 
on his bankers as a resource for valuable counsel. “I really feel like 
there has been a lot of mentoring from Western Alliance as I’ve 
grown my business. They have worked with other growing mortgage 
companies and they see things across the business landscape that 
deepen our understanding.”

He adds, “It’s more than just a banking relationship, I trust their 
opinions about the business environment. As we’re growing, they 
help us make sure our growth is sustainable.”  

Our team brings 
significant depth of 
experience in the 
mortgage industry to 
each of our clients, and 
this is a competitive 
advantage.”

Steve Curley 
EVP, Mortgage Warehouse Lending

VALUED COUNSEL 17

INNOVATIVE 
FINANCING.

Driving Shorter Commutes  
in Silicon Valley

For millions of Silicon Valley drivers, spending a few dollars to shave 
seven minutes off their commutes is an appealing bargain. That’s 
all part of the plan for Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority 
(VTA), a public agency charged with easing traffic congestion in this 
booming economic region.

Western Alliance Public and Nonprofit Finance stepped in to provide 
streamlined financing to fund Phase 2 of a system offering solo 
drivers congestion pricing to use HOV lanes on the busy SR-237.
This is a unique example of toll financing, where repayment relies 
exclusively on toll revenues with no taxpayer funds.

“The fact that we could custom-tailor the financing really helped us,” 
said Raj Srinath, CFO, VTA. “Being able to work with one responsive 
bank, a commercial bank vs. an investment bank, was more flexible, 
more convenient and ultimately more cost-effective.” 

By merging solutions-focused banking with the goals of a forward-
thinking public agency, Western Alliance was able to greenlight this 
high-impact, high-tech project.

We’re committed to 
developing financing 
solutions specifically 
tailored to meet our 
customers’ objectives.”

Monika Suarez 
SVP, Municipal Finance Director

18 INNOVATIVE FINANCING

Western Alliance took 
time to learn the issues, 
they visited and toured, 
and we were impressed 
with their hands-on 
approach.”

Raj Srinath 
CFO, Santa Clara Valley  
Transportation Authority  

INNOVATIVE FINANCING 19

INDUSTRY  
ACUMEN.

A Key Point of Difference

Western Alliance Bank excels for business in  
great part because we constantly add to the 
true expertise our clients count on. We combine 
this sound experience with a customer-focused 
approach and entrepreneurial thinking to help 
clients in all types of industries, professions and 
business accomplish more. 

It’s well beyond accounts and credit lines – clients seek out Western 
Alliance for dedicated, knowledgeable bankers who understand the 
particular dynamics of their business sector and marketplace, as well 
as the macro forces shaping the overall economy. At our bank, industry 
acumen that adds value is a key point of difference. 

20 INDUSTRY ACUMEN

Expert Banking for

Commercial and  
Residential Construction 

Nonprofits

Data  
Warehousing 

Education

Healthcare

Manufacturing  
and Logistics 

Professional  
Services

Real Estate  
Development

Small  
Businesses

Technology

Municipal and  
Local Governments

Wholesale  
and Distribution

INDUSTRY ACUMEN 21

Q&  A

Across our organization, 
we have the expertise and 
professionalism to help our 
business clients succeed. 
Then we dig deeper to 
understand their aspirations, 
so they can get there.”

Sarah Guindy 
EVP, Corporate Banking Manager
Bank of Nevada 

22 INDUSTRY ACUMEN

Q&  A

A Discussion With  
Three Industry Experts 

HEALTHCARE

LEGAL

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Tom Woolway  
SVP, Regional Manager 
Torrey Pines Bank 

Sarah Guindy 
EVP, Corporate Banking Manager
Bank of Nevada 

John Eldean 
SVP, Real Estate Loan Officer 
Alliance Bank of Arizona

Q: How does the bank help 
healthcare companies take 
advantage of their opportunities?  

Q: What makes the bank a 
particularly strong resource for 
law firms?  

Q: In what ways does the bank 
add value to commercial real 
estate clients?  

A: One example is our expanding 
program involving the purchase 
of hospital accounts receivable –  
called HARP. Hospitals and 
patients around the country 
benefit from this program on a 
number of levels. Patients are 
provided with long-term, interest-
free loans to repay their hospital 
obligations. Hospitals are relieved 
of the task of managing patient 
payments and receive immediate 
liquidity. No other bank does 
exactly what we do.

A: We have a dedicated, 
experienced juris team and 
we work very hard to meet the 
unique financial needs of the 
legal community. We take time 
to understand how each law 
firm sees success and we work 
to help them reach their goals. 
We customize our services and 
products to handle their individual 
cash flow requirements. Each firm 
is different; it’s just not cookie-
cutter. Our bank understands this.  

A: Clients tell me they value our 
bank’s track record of doing 
exactly what we say we’ll do. 
They also need certainty of 
execution – an essential in 
commercial real estate – and we 
deliver on this. Our clients say  
we understand what they do and 
why they do it, and that we add 
value to the process because of 
our deep industry knowledge.

INDUSTRY ACUMEN 23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNDERSTANDING  
IS EVERYTHING.

Deep Knowledge Delivers  
Wide Benefits for Clients

As a go-to business bank for clients around the 
country, Western Alliance has honed a variety of 
industry-specific deposit and financing capabilities. 
The rationale is simple: Companies benefit 
dramatically from working with highly experienced 
bankers who understand their industries and  
sectors from the inside out. 

Our specialized banking groups provide products and services for a  
select set of business segments including technology, life sciences, venture 
capitalists and private equity, renewable resources, municipalities and 
nonprofits, hotel developers, mortgage companies, timeshare developers 
and homeowner associations. Matched with our proven commitment  
to outstanding service, these in-depth, specialized offerings help customers 
achieve their goals.

24 INDUSTRY ACUMEN

UNDERSTANDING  

IS EVERYTHING.

Alliance   
Association Bank 
Catering to the growing HOA industry 
nationwide, our bankers offer clients 
innovative solutions to reduce costs 
and increase revenues. Providing 
deposit and lockbox services, remote 
deposit and a broad selection of 
specialized loan products, Alliance 
Association Bank is a targeted 
resource for this industry.

Corporate   
Finance

Our team of leading professionals
participates in larger secured loans,
serving a diverse set of corporate
clients in sectors including software,
healthcare, consumer products,
chemicals, cable/data, business
services, transportation/automotive,
industrial and more.

Equity Fund   
Resources

This financing nexus serves as a  
key contact point for Venture Capital 
and Private Equity funds, offering 
sophisticated banking services and 
solutions, including capital call lines 
and management company flexibility 
lines, along with other innovative 
financing for general partners.

Hotel 
Franchise Finance

Our group of nationally recognized 
experts provides tailored real estate 
lending solutions to owners and 
operators of franchised hotels 
throughout the United States. Catering 
to the needs of the industry, the 
division specializes in acquisitions, 
refinancing, renovation and construction.

Life Sciences   
Group

The highly specialized team provides
term and revolving credit facilities
to life sciences companies –
biotechnology, medical device and
diagnostics/tools – including growth
capital, working capital, refinancing,
restructuring, recapitalization, as well
as mergers and acquisitions.

Mortgage   
Warehouse Lending 

Serving mortgage bankers with 
dedicated products and market  
expertise, our team of professionals 
provides warehouse facilities, MSR 
financing, custodial deposit services, 
treasury management and other 
industry-tailored solutions. 

Public and 
Nonprofit Finance 

Geared to the unique needs of 
governmental and nonprofit 
organizations, our knowledgeable  
and experienced public finance  
team specializes in tax-exempt and 
taxable financing solutions.

Renewable   
Resource Group
This team offers a full complement  
of debt financing and banking 
services to developers of commercial 
and small utility-scale renewable 
energy generation facilities across  
the country.

Resort   
Finance

Dedicated to the complex financing
needs of U.S.-based timeshare
developers, this resourceful and
experienced group specializes in
financing for land and inventory
acquisition, construction, HOA and
receivable hypothecation. 

Technology   
Finance

Providing flexible financial solutions
to emerging, mid- and late- 
stage technology and innovation 
companies throughout the U.S., our 
well-connected group works with  
venture- and non-venture-backed 
companies from inception through 
IPO and beyond.

INDUSTRY ACUMEN 25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXPERT  
BANKING FOR  
BUSINESSES.

MANUFACTURING & DISTRIBUTION

Banking Outside the Box  
for Berkley International 

At Berkley International, “Think Global, Act Local” applies to more than 
the company’s burgeoning manufacturing business. It also applies 
to its bank – Western Alliance’s Torrey Pines Bank, around the corner 
from CEO Jeff Berkley’s home in Beverly Hills.   

Based in Southern California near the country’s two busiest ports, 
Berkley International makes environmentally friendly, molded fiber 
packaging that protects everything from wine to electronics. This 
dynamic business ranked #1 manufacturer in America on the Inc. 5000 
list in 2016, the same year it was named fastest-growing L.A. company 
by the Los Angeles Business Journal. Berkley International also has 
operations in Napa Valley, Bentonville, and Suzhou near Shanghai. 

Early on, the bank stepped up with a line of credit and funded the 
company’s first piece of equipment. Now the relationship centers on 
servicing complex business and personal accounts. Says Berkley: “This 
bank understands manufacturers. They also understand things change 
quickly in a manufacturing environment. And they’re highly supportive 
in helping us grow.” 

What’s unique is we’re  
a commercial bank  
with significant industry 
knowledge, but the 
above-and-beyond 
customer service we 
strive to deliver is more 
like the experience of 
private banking.”

Kathleen Chapman 
SVP, Beverly Hills 
Regional Manager

26 INDUSTRY ACUMEN

 
 
EXPERT  

BANKING FOR  

BUSINESSES.

INNOVATION BANKING – LIFE SCIENCES

On a Mission With  
Bigfoot Biomedical 

For almost everyone at Bigfoot Biomedical, diabetes is personal.  
“Our solution is something my family desperately needs,” says CEO 
Jeffrey Brewer about the company’s all-out efforts to bring to market a 
disruptive, new technology to make life with diabetes easier and safer.

Western Alliance’s Bridge Bank saw this purpose as an intangible  
asset for this emerging medical device company. “This bank is a true 
partner. We had a number of proposals, but Bridge Bank went the 
extra mile to give us comfort that this would be a relationship vs. a 
transaction, and that is exactly how it’s been,” adds Brewer.

Today, dosing insulin is complicated and cumbersome, requiring 
multiple prescriptions and devices, and can be prone to error.  
Now Bigfoot is making big strides, heading toward pivotal trials for 
its breakthrough solutions – each part of an overarching ecosystem 
designed to deliver insulin in a safer, more user-friendly way for a 
broader range of people living with insulin-requiring diabetes.

We know our clients 
and this market, and 
what’s motivating this 
management team to 
innovate and persevere 
just adds to Bigfoot’s 
immense opportunity.” 

Rob Lake 
SVP, Head of Life Sciences

Jeffrey Brewer, CEO, Bigfoot Biomedical

INDUSTRY ACUMEN 27

 
 
COMMUNITY  
IMPACT.

Meaningful Involvement

Lifting up our communities is important to  
the people of Western Alliance. We live this 
value in many ways, starting with financial 
support for affordable housing projects, 
community developments and grants to many 
nonprofit organizations. In addition, we take 
leadership and supporting roles in community 
organizations providing thousands of hours  
of volunteer time. 

IN 2017

$231 Million

in community  
development loans

10,830 

employee community  
service hours

$84 Million 

in new community  
investments and donations

28 COMMUNITY IMPACT

IN 2017

25,000+ 

apartment units

100,000+ 

residents

42 

states

“Heartbreak Hotel” no more. A historic hotel in downtown Spokane, WA –  
where Elvis actually stayed – is finding new purpose as a redeveloped 13-story 
residential property, with more than 80 percent of apartments set aside for 
affordable housing. Opening in 2018, the revitalized building relied on bond 
funding from Western Alliance.

Since 2012, Western Alliance has invested more than $600 million in committed 
capital and debt to help build, renovate and restore 200+ low-income,  
multi-family housing properties across the country. In all, this equates to more 
than 25,000 apartment units that provide housing for over 100,000 residents  
in 42 states. 

Financial support for affordable housing is one facet of the bank’s deeply  
rooted commitment to enhancing quality of life and creating stronger, more 
resilient communities.

There are more than 11 million U.S. households 
spending at least half their incomes on what  
is often sub-standard housing. Every investment 
we make to improve affordable housing  
and make it more available chips away at this 
significant social issue.”

Jennifer Holyoak 
SVP, Commercial Real Estate Finance 
Western Alliance Bank

COMMUNITY IMPACT 29

Our Investment in Affordable HousingA CATALYST  
FOR IMPROVING  
EDUCATION.

Engaging Business Leaders

 At Bank of Nevada, playing an active role in improving local K-12 education is 
nearly as central to the bank’s mission as taking deposits and making loans. 

John Guedry 
CEO, Bank  
of Nevada

“As a bank that serves the business community, we believe the education 
system is the one thing that can hold our clients back from reaching their full 
potential,” says John Guedry, CEO, Bank of Nevada.

That’s why Bank of Nevada has taken a leadership role in coalescing  
Las Vegas’ business community in a singularly effective program called  
(BE) Engaged – Business + Education Engaged. Now heading into its  
third year of working to improve Clark County’s challenged public school 
district, the fifth largest in the nation that serves 75 percent of all students  
in Nevada, (BE) Engaged counts a growing list of successes. 

Already, 135 C-level executives and business owners have committed to 
hands-on mentoring to the school district, and the renowned STEM Academy 
has provided curriculum for all of the district’s middle schools. And that’s  
just the beginning. With (BE) Engaged, look for improved performance – and a 
better report card – for this vitally important school district.

Helping to graduate  
more students who  
will be able meet the 
current and future  
job requirements of  
our growing economy  
is essential.”

30 COMMUNITY IMPACT

Bank of Nevada gets an 
A+ for being engaged in 
K-12 education efforts 
here in Clark County. 
John and his team have 
passion, leadership and 
depth of knowledge on 
the issues. We’re glad 
they’re here.” 

Bill Noonan 
Immediate Past Chairman of the  
Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce

COMMUNITY IMPACT 31

TALKING  
TECH.

Technology Advancements for  
the Evolving Business Landscape

The customer experience is always central to the value 
Western Alliance delivers for clients. Now, investments 
in fast-moving digitalization are powering even more 
synergies, cost-savings and convenience for our business 
clients – all core to a great banking relationship. 

“Our focus is on continual technology advancements 
designed to simplify life for our customers,” says  
John Peckham, EVP and Chief Information Officer, 
Western Alliance Bank. 

From fast and flexible mobile banking solutions and 
automated tools to fight fraud to systems that optimize 
payments and receivables, the bank’s enhanced digital 
resources help clients succeed. 

No matter which banking channels clients choose, 
Western Alliance differentiates the experience with 
comprehensive, hands-on training and advisory support.

Western Alliance works 
hard to understand  
our customers’ 
businesses. This is a 
strength that helps us 
solve client problems 
and tailor smart, 
effective solutions, so 
they can increase their 
level of efficiency.”

Elaine Szeto 
Chief Product Officer 
Western Alliance Bank

32 TALKING TECH

TALKING  

TECH.

IMC’s commitment 
to excellence – 
backed by the strong 
productivity supported 
by our technology – 
has helped transform 
this market-leading 
company.”

Stacy Dyer 
SVP, Alliance Association Bank

High-tech Advantage for  
Lowcountry HOA Leader

It turns out that technology is essential, even in a 
natural paradise like Hilton Head in South Carolina’s 
famed Lowcountry. For IMC Resort Services, one key 
to ensuring the experience is nearly as perfect as the 
scenery for more than 10,000 condo owners is the 
seamless interface with Alliance Association Bank. 

“We wouldn’t be where we are without our bank,”  
says Ron Fenstermaker, CEO, IMC Resort Services. 
“They bring us advanced systems that give us internal 
efficiencies, so we can focus on taking care of our 
properties and our customers.”

IMC chose the bank because of its tech-forward 
solutions for community management companies. 
The bank’s ConnectLive platform integrates with 
the industry-specific Village Management Software 
to automate the business’ complex administrative 
infrastructure that handles billing, accounting and 
banking for each of its client communities.

Grounded in operational efficiency, IMC has been able  
to grow by emphasizing customer service, adding  
nearly 40 new communities for a total of 80+, since  
beginning its relationship with Western Alliance’s 
Alliance Association Bank in 2010.

TALKING TECH 33

SMART BANKING 
SOLUTIONS.

A Real Commitment 

We understand that no two businesses are exactly 
alike. That’s why Western Alliance bankers tap 
a sophisticated suite of customizable banking 
products and services designed to help companies 
meet their unique goals. Part of delivering 
outstanding customer service is always listening 
and asking questions so we can tailor smart 
banking solutions that are just right for our clients 
and their evolving enterprises.

34 SMART BANKING SOLUTIONS

SMART BANKING 

SOLUTIONS.

Deposit Solutions
Analysis, Business &  
Specialty Checking Accounts 
Treasury Management Services:
  • ACH Origination
  • Wire Transfers
  • Remote Deposit
  • Merchant Services
  • Positive Pay
  • Sweep Services & more
Certificates of Deposit
Money Market Accounts
International Banking Services

Credit Solutions
Asset-based Lending
Commercial and Industrial Loans
Commercial Credit Cards
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Equipment Finance/Leases
Equity Fund Finance
Homeowner Association Lending
Hotel Franchise Finance
Letters of Credit
Life Sciences Finance
Medical/Professional Loans
Mortgage Warehouse Lending
Municipal Finance
Nonprofit Lending
Participations and Syndications
Revolving Lines of Credit
SBA Financing
Solar Project Finance
Technology Finance
Timeshare Finance
Trade Corridor Finance

SMART BANKING SOLUTIONS 35

Robert Sarver
Executive Chairman of the Board 
Western Alliance Bank

Robert Latta
Partner
Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati

Kenneth Vecchione
Chief Executive Officer 
Western Alliance Bank

Cary Mack
Co-Managing Partner
Southwest Value Partners

Bruce Beach
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
BeachFleischman PC

Todd Marshall
Chairman of the Board
Marshall Retail Group

William Boyd
Executive Chairman of the Board
Boyd Gaming Corporation

James Nave, DVM
Owner
Tropicana Animal Hospital

Howard Gould
Managing Partner
Carpenter Community Bancfund

Michael Patriarca
Retired Managing Director 
Promontory Financial Group

Steven Hilton 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Meritage Homes Corporation

Donald Snyder
Community Leader and  
Retired Business Executive

Marianne Boyd Johnson
Executive Vice President and  
Vice Chairman of the Board
Boyd Gaming Corporation

Sung Won Sohn, PhD
M.V. Smith Professor of Business  
and Economics
California State University CI 

36 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Western Alliance Bank’s Senior Operating 
Committee is committed to consistently 
performing at the highest level for our 
clients, resulting in high performance for 
our banking organization.

Alliance Bank of Arizona’s  
new Gilbert office, which opened  
in September 2017, is designed  
to meet the needs of one of Arizona’s 
fastest-growing communities.  

At the New Gilbert Office, Front Row Left to Right:
Steve Curley, Rachelle Crupi, Dale Gibbons, Robyn Young, 
Tim Boothe, Tom Sa, John Peckham, Jim Haught

Back Row Left to Right: Don Garner, John Guedry,  
Patricia Taylor, Kenneth Vecchione, Randall Theisen,  
Gary Cady, Dan Myers, Robert McAuslan

SENIOR OPERATING COMMITTEE 37

NATIONAL 
PRESENCE.

With a Regional Footprint

Western Alliance Bank delivers its distinctive brand 
of high-touch, solutions-oriented banking to business 
customers across the United States.

38 WHERE TO FIND US

NATIONAL 

PRESENCE.

Western Alliance Clients Can Reach Us at the Following

Western Alliance Bank
1 E. Washington St., Ste. 1400 
Phoenix, AZ 85004 
(602) 389-3500 

Grand Central Parkway
100 City Pkwy., Ste. 120 
Las Vegas, NV 89106 
(702) 696-6700

Alliance Bank of Arizona
CityScape
1 E. Washington St., Ste. 100
Phoenix, AZ 85004 
(602) 629-1776

Biltmore
2701 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 110 
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 952-5400 

Chandler
3033 W. Ray Rd. 
Chandler, AZ 85226
(480) 384-3800

Flagstaff
501 E. Butler 
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 214-3400

Gilbert
1907 E. Pecos Road 
Gilbert, AZ 85295 
(480) 867-4800

Mesa
1110 E. Baseline Rd. 
Mesa, AZ 85204 
(480) 609-2900

Green Valley
2890 N. Green Valley Pkwy. 
Henderson, NV 89014 
(702) 451-0624

Hualapai
1115 S. Hualapai Way 
Las Vegas, NV 89117 
(702) 856-7100

Lake Mead
7251 W. Lake Mead, Ste. 108 
Las Vegas, NV 89128 
(702) 240-1734

Mesquite
11 Pioneer Blvd.
Mesquite, NV 89027 
(702) 346-6600

Siena Heights
10199 S. Eastern Ave. 
Henderson, NV 89052 
(702) 940-8500

Bridge Bank
San Jose
55 Almaden Blvd., Ste. 100
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 423-8500 

Phoenix Plaza
2901 N. Central Ave., Ste. 100 
Phoenix, AZ 85012 
(602) 629-1700

Atlanta
6 Concourse Pkwy., Ste. 2130
Atlanta, GA 30328
(470) 639-1656

Scottsdale/Paradise Valley
6263 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 100 
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
(480) 998-6500

Boston
28 State St., Ste. 2301
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 995-1310

San Francisco
201 Spear St., Ste. 1700
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 230-4834

San Francisco 
201 Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94104
(628) 221-6630

Southern California,  
Costa Mesa
3200 Park Center Dr., Ste. 350
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(949) 438-4000

First Independent Bank
Kietzke
5335 Kietzke Ln. 
Reno, NV 89511 
(775) 828-2000 

Carson City
1818 E. College Pkwy.
Carson City, NV 89706 
(775) 682-4747

Fallon
2061 W. Williams Ave. 
Fallon, NV 89406 
(775) 423-9586

Robb Drive
6290 Sharlands Ave. 
Reno, NV 89523 
(775) 746-3000

Sparks Industrial
980 S. McCarran Blvd. 
Sparks, NV 89431 
(775) 358-1300

Sparks Marina
725 Sparks Blvd. 
Sparks, NV 89434 
(775) 358-8400

Tucson Swan
4703 E. Camp Lowell Dr. 
Tucson, AZ 85712 
(520) 784-6000

Tucson Williams Centre
200 S. Craycroft Rd. 
Tucson, AZ 85711 
(520) 322-7700

Bank of Nevada
Sahara
2700 W. Sahara Ave. 
Las Vegas, NV 89102 
(702) 248-4200 

Aliante
6915 Aliante Pkwy.
North Las Vegas, NV 89084 
(702) 856-7140

Centennial Hills
8505 W. Centennial Pkwy. 
Las Vegas, NV 89149 
(702) 856-7160

Durango
3985 S. Durango Dr. 
Las Vegas, NV 89147 
(702) 363-5140

Durham
105 S. Mangum St., Ste. 200
Durham, NC 27701
(984) 260-3964

Menlo Park 
2735 Sand Hill Rd., Ste. 210  
Menlo Park, CA 94025 
(650) 276-7670

New York 
420 Lexington Ave., Ste. 300 
New York, NY 10170
(212) 931-8945

Oakland
1951 Webster St.
Oakland, CA 94612 
(510) 899-7500

Pleasanton 
5820 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Ste. 100
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 249-4900

Reston
12011 Sunset Hills Rd., Ste. 425
Reston, VA 20190
(703) 481-1705

Torrey Pines Bank
Carmel Valley
12220 El Camino Real, Ste. 110 
San Diego, CA 92130 
(858) 523-4630

Beverly Hills
9355 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 102
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 
(310) 623-8900

Carlsbad
2760 Gateway Rd. 
Carlsbad, CA 92009 
(760) 444-8400

Downtown Los Angeles
601 W. 5th St., Ste. 100 
Los Angeles, CA 90071 
(213) 362-5200

Downtown San Diego
550 W. C St., Ste. 100 
San Diego, CA 92101 
(619) 233-2500

Golden Triangle
4350 Executive Dr., Ste. 130 
San Diego, CA 92121 
(858) 523-4688

Kearny Mesa
9280 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92123 
(858) 259-5300

La Mesa
8379 Center Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91942 
(619) 233-2555

Symphony Towers
750 B St., Ste. 100 
San Diego, CA 92101 
(619) 233-2200

Specialized Financing

Alliance Association Bank
3033 W. Ray Rd., Ste. 200
Chandler, AZ 85226
(888) 734-4567

Corporate Finance
4640 Admiralty Way, Ste. 500 
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
(213) 362-5213

Equity Fund Resources
2735 Sand Hill Rd., Ste. 210
Menlo Park, CA  94025
(650) 276-7670

Hotel Franchise Finance
1 E. Washington St., Ste. 1400
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 346-7494

Life Sciences Group
12220 El Camino Real, Ste. 120
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 523-4686

Mortgage Warehouse Lending
3033 W. Ray Rd., 1st Floor
Chandler, AZ 85226
(480) 384-3990

Public and Nonprofit Finance
1 E. Washington St., Ste. 1400 
Phoenix, AZ 85004 
(602) 389-3500

Renewable Resource Group
55 Almaden Blvd., Ste. 100
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 606-4846

Resort Finance
1 E. Washington St., Ste. 1400
Phoenix, AZ 85004 
(602) 386-2315

Technology Finance
San Jose
55 Almaden Blvd., Ste. 100
San Jose, CA 95113
(650) 462-8502

WHERE TO FIND US 39

 
FOCUSED. 
COMMITTED. 
THOUGHTFUL.  
ENTHUSIASTIC. 
RESPONSIVE.

We succeed as our 
customers succeed. 
We have a joint interest 
in helping our clients 
realize both their 
business goals and their 
community aspirations.”

Kenneth Vecchione 
Chief Executive Officer

View Full Report 
and Videos Online 
WALAnnualReport.com

One East Washington Street, Suite 1400, Phoenix, Arizona 85004

(602) 389-3500  |  WesternAllianceBank.com

Alliance Association Bank, Alliance Bank of Arizona, Bank of Nevada, Bridge Bank, First Independent Bank and Torrey Pines Bank are divisions of Western Alliance Bank. 
Member FDIC. Western Alliance Bank is the primary subsidiary of Western Alliance Bancorporation. ©2018 Western Alliance Bancorporation