Oak Valley Community Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oak Valley Bancorp, hired Joel Burns as vice president, commercial banking officer. Based at the bank’s Lodi Branch, Burns will serve commercial and agricultural clients throughout the Lodi market.
Burns brings 25 years of commercial banking experience, with extensive expertise in relationship management and business lending. Most recently, he served as a commercial banker at another local financial institution. In his new role, he will focus on commercial and agricultural lending, working closely with business owners to understand their goals and deliver customized financial solutions that support their long-term success.
“Joel brings a strong background in commercial banking, with a focus on building lasting client relationships and delivering thoughtful credit solutions for agricultural businesses,” Gary Stephens, executive vice president, commercial banking group at Oak Valley, said. “His collaborative approach and commitment to understanding each client’s unique needs help foster the trusted partnerships that are at the heart of our relationship-based banking philosophy.”
Burns earned a bachelor of science in agribusiness from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and is a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. He is actively involved with the Lodi District Grape Growers Association. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends.

