Debra Arai, AAP
AVP/Online Services Manager
Debra (Debbie) heads up our electronic & online services department. She brings 20+ years of entrepreneurial and consulting experience to work for our clients. Her background in accounting, auditing, project management, Accreditation as an ACH professional and knowledge of Intuit products helps her identify and deliver solutions that meet the objectives and goals of our business clients.

No client is the same for Debbie, each one is unique. She has a passion for tailoring; implementing and delivering unique solutions for our business clients that not merely meet their business objectives but enable them to increase efficiencies through effective use of software, electronic solutions, and e-payment channels. Apart from her passion for hands-on client interaction is her passion for gardening.

Breda Cruz
AVP/Commercial Loans and Processing Manager
Breda has worked in community banking for over 20 years. Specializing in the lending field, she initially set up Thurston First Bank’s commercial loan production center and now manages the department.

Thomas L. Dhamers
SVP/Chief Financial Officer
Long ago a transplant from the Midwest, Tom calls Washington his home and is raising three children as native Washingtonians. With seven years of experience in community banking as VP/Controller/Treasurer, Tom Joined Thurston First bank in the 3rd quarter of 2007. His educational background includes a BS in Accounting from Illinois State University and an MBA from St. Martin’s University. Along with recent public service, including administering a portfolio of over $55 billion for the Department of Retirement Services as the Trust Accounting Manager, his experience also encompasses healthcare and manufacturing.

James H. Haley
President & CEO
Jim was Vice President and Senior Credit Approval Officer for U.S. Bank in Seattle from 1998 to 2004. Over his banking career, he has been a loan officer for a total of 25 years. Jim received his credit training from Bank of America, and held various lending positions in Orange County, California from 1973 through 1980. From 1980 to 1992, he held positions of Vice President and Loan Officer, Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer from Seafirst/Bank of America in Seattle and Tacoma. From 1992 through 1998, Jim was Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager at U.S. Bank in Tacoma. His community involvement includes St. Joseph Hospital Trustee Associate, Tacoma Art Museum, Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, Corporate  Council for the Arts and Tapps Island Association President.  Jim was employed by the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Committee during the Winter Olympic Games. He graduated from the University of Redlands, California and is also a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.

Cathie Jensen
VP/Operations
Cathie Jensen offers her clients over thirty years of experience in various aspects of the banking industry. Throughout each phase of her career development, Cathie has nurtured her relationship skills and feels her true talents lie in her ability to communicate effectively.
Her client-centered focus brings an unparalleled level of trust to building and maintaining long term relationships. In an industry that demands flexibility, Cathie will efficiently coordinate your banking needs on any level. Cathie is committed to seeing her clients achieve their financial goals with an attitude of excellence and a smile.

In addition to her extensive banking experience, Cathie has an AA in Leadership from Wisdom for Life Leadership College, Certificate in Lending & Operations from American Institute of Banking and has completed her certification as a Financial Planner.

Cathie is an active volunteer at her church and within the community and enjoys traveling, sport events, spending time with her family. She participates in numerous fundraising activities including the MS Walk and Relay for Life.

Sokha Meas
Business Banking Manager
A native of Olympia, Sokha joined Thurston First bank in October 2004 before it officially opened its doors to the public. Equipped with over ten years of banking experience and her passion for working with clients, she is dedicated to building and maintaining client relationships, offering customized solutions to improve their banking experience.

Tom Nelson
VP/Commercial Loan Officer
Tom has 11 years’ experience in commercial lending.  Tom most recently came from Zions Bank in the Salt Lake City, Utah market, where he began his banking career.  His experience includes working capital lines of credit, equipment financing and participation lending with a variety of national banks.  Tom previously served as President of the Young Credit Professionals Group in the Mountain States Chapter of The Risk Management Association, a national association of lenders.  In addition, Tom volunteers many hours each tax season to prepare tax returns for low-income persons and seniors through the AARP Tax-Aide program.  Tom grew up in Lacey and graduated from North Thurston High School.

Ken Pekola
SVP/Chief Credit Officer
Ken Pekola joined Thurston First Bank in October 2007 as Senior Vice President Chief Credit Officer.  Ken brings with him over 23 years of community banking experience.  Over that time he has been involved in branch operations, retail and commercial lending and credit administration.  He is a graduate of the University of Washington with a major in Economics, and in 2006, graduated with honors from the Pacific Coast Banking School.  Originally from the Grays Harbor area, Ken resides in Rochester with his wife and daughter, where they train and show Paint Horses. 

Sandi Wilson
VP/Commercial Loan Officer
Sandi’s 30+ year’s banking career in Thurston County has evolved many times, with her most recent 14 years experience as a Commercial Lender. Joining the Thurston First Bank team has afforded her the opportunity to, once again, get back to basics: dedicated, personal, hometown banking that sincerely values their clients.

Sandi has been an active Thurston County volunteer throughout her banking career to include: Current President of Behavioral Health Resources Foundation Board and Past President Tumwater Chamber, as well as service on many board of directors to include Olympia Downtown Association, New Market Skill Center Financial Academy, POSSCA, Rotary, and a member of the Lakefair Royalty Judging Team and Thurston Chamber.

When not pampering her clients, Sandi spends her time traveling anywhere where there is sun, sand and surf.