Our Team
Michael R. Peters, President & CEO
Mr. Peters is a 31-year career banker, having spent his entire career in the North San Diego County area. His most recent position was Executive Vice President for Temecula Valley Bank where he managed the bank's Escondido and North San Diego County markets. Prior to joining Temecula Valley Bank, Mr. Peters worked for Scripps Bank in Escondido for 6 years, for Rancho Santa Fe National Bank in Escondido for 5 years, and he is the former President and CEO of Hidden Valley National Bank in Escondido.
Mr. Peters is an active member of the Escondido Rotary Club, Escondido Chamber of Commerce, and has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Escondido Boys and Girls Club for over 20 years. He is currently a Director of First Night-Escondido, an alcohol-free New Years Eve Celebration in downtown Escondido. He has previously been involved in several local high school charity events taking on leadership roles in fund-raising efforts. He is a past-chairman of the Kash-for Kids charity golf tournament. He has been actively involved with Emmanuel Faith Community Church, serving on several committees.
Mr. Peters earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from San Diego State University in 1972. He also graduated from Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington in 1986.
Linda Blakley, SVP, Operations Manager
Linda Blakley is Sr. Vice President, Operations Manager for Bank of Escondido. Her previous experience covers 31 years in the banking industry of North San Diego County, including all aspects of operations and human resource management. Previous positions included Vice President of Operations Administration at Rancho Santa Fe National Bank and Vice President/Human Resource Administration at First Community Bancorp. Linda also held branch operations positions at California First Bank (now Union Bank of California), and Hidden Valley National Bank.
Linda completed the California Banking School intermediate banking course through the American Bankers Association, and earned a Management Certificate in Human Resources Management through University of California at San Diego.
Chris Burt, EVP, Commercial Lending Officer
Chris Burt is Executive Vice President, Commercial Lending Officer for Bank of Escondido. His previous experience covers over 16 years in the banking industry. Prior to joining the bank, Chris served as Vice President, Branch Manager for Temecula Valley Bank's Escondido and Fallbrook offices. He was with Temecula Valley Bank for 3 years. He also served as credit officer during his 4 years with Scripps Bank. His other prior experience includes over 8 years with Rancho Santa Fe National Bank and Security Pacific Bank in Escondido.
Mike Churchwell, EVP Chief Credit Officer
Mike Churchwell is Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer for the Bank of Escondido. He has 20 years of banking experience and over twelve years in Commercial Lending, all in the San Diego area. Prior to joining the Bank, Mike worked at First National Bank for eight years in a variety of capacities, most recently as Vice President, Regional Lending Officer in the Community Banking Group. His experience at First National Bank includes working in the Corporate Banking Group, the Business Banking Group, and Credit Administration, primarily as a Relationship Manager. Mike started his banking career in operations having completed the Management Training Program at Bank of America in 1987. Mike graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. While there he qualified for the Golden Key National Honor Society.
