WHO’s WHO IN BANKING: Joseph Otting

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Joseph Otting


Vice Chairman of Commercial Banking/

Senior Executive for Western United States

U.S. Bank, L.A. office

Appointed March 2008 (senior executive position)

Age: 51

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Northern Iowa; Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management, Dartmouth College

Previous Position: Responsible for eastern U.S. commercial banking, U.S. Bank

Primary Current Duties: Oversees all West Coast operations and national commercial banking

Goal: California is very important to U.S. Bank, which is why I am here to deepen the company’s community involvement and our dedication to the spirit that we can make this state a better place.

Challenges: I don’t really see it as challenges, but tremendous opportunities. U.S. Bank has made three major acquisitions in California in the last seven months, making us the fourth largest bank by locations. With that comes the opportunity to be the best bank in America serving the communities and individuals of the state.

What’s Wrong With Banking Now: These are unprecedented times in banking as a result of some who veered away from the core elements of relationship banking and adopted policies outside of conventional risk management practices.

What’s Right: We get to help people with their dreams every day: owning their house, purchasing a car, building their business or financing their education.

I Decided to Be a Banker Because: I don’t think anybody dreams of being a banker when they are young growing up. Often, you get a chance to join the industry and then the combination of finance, marketing and sales, leadership and management gets in your system and you realize all the skills you can develop and the positive impact you can have on so many people, clients and the community.

What Surprised Me About Banking: How diverse the industry was and all the lines of business that are in a bank. I often say to our employees, “No matter what you want to do you can do it at the bank be an accountant, a salesperson, a financial analyst, a manager it is all right here at U.S. Bank.”

Best Career Decision: I was fortunate to meet my wife, Bonnie, at work, which tops the list.

If I Were Not a Banker I Would Be: An athletic coach.

Best Advice: The end is not important, it is the journey along the way that will be most rewarding.

What I Do for Fun: Hanging out with family and having an occasional golf match or basketball game to keep the competitor in me alive.

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