Exchange Bank is excited to welcome Karen Serpa as the new Assistant Vice President, Marketing Communications Manager. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications, Karen brings a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and heart to her new role.
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Karen’s career journey spans both the financial services and MedTech industries. Most recently, she played a key role in rebranding a local financial institution, helping it grow from nine branches in Sonoma County to 37 locations across California. During her time there, she built a marketing department from the ground up, leading initiatives that connected deeply with customers and fueled remarkable growth.
Before that, Karen worked in the MedTech space, where she partnered with both Fortune 50 companies and Silicon Valley startups. Whether working with global brands or innovative newcomers, her passion has always been the same — telling human-centered stories that make people feel seen, understood, and inspired.
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“Karen’s extensive experience and creative vision are a perfect fit for Exchange Bank,” said Suzanne Knowlton, Vice President, Director of Marketing and Community Relations. “Her ability to create authentic, meaningful connections through storytelling will help us strengthen our brand and build even deeper relationships with our community.”
Karen holds a master’s degree in English Literature from San Francisco State University, where her thesis explored the transference of trauma memory in South African and Holocaust literature — a reflection of her deep empathy and understanding of the human experience.
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Outside of work, Karen lives in Santa Rosa with her husband, their energetic four-year-old twins, and their golden retriever. She enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, and discovering new live music. A passionate community advocate, she co-founded the Santa Rosa Parks Foundation and serves on the board of the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, helping to create spaces where families can learn and thrive together.
With her creativity, leadership, and strong community values, Karen is set to play a key role in shaping Exchange Bank’s marketing communications and reinforcing its commitment to people-first banking.
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