President & Chief Executive, CVB Financial Corp. and Citizens Business Bank

Elevated to chief executive of Citizens Business Bank in 2020, Brager’s been busy helming the bank’s strategic expansion plans throughout California. In January, he led the completion of the bank’s merger with Sacramento-based Suncrest Bank. The multibillion dollar deal significantly extended CBB’s reach in Northern California. A 33-year veteran of the banking industry, Brager’s background is in management, commercial lending, business planning, sales and operations. He initially joined Citizens Business Bank as manager of the Fresno Business Financial Center in 2003, and prior to becoming president and CEO, he served as executive vice president of the bank’s sales division.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 3