File photo | Bill Smittcamp (left) and former Central Valley Community Bank (now known as Community West Bank) CEO James Ford, accepting the 2020 Family Owned Business Award on behalf of Wawona Frozen Foods.

The Community West Bancshares board of directors announced the retirement of longtime Director William (Bill) S. Smittcamp on Feb. 20. The retirement is effective on March 31 and will conclude 39 years of service to the company and its subsidiary Community West Bank.

Smittcamp joined the board during the bank’s early days and worked with most of its original founders and all four CEO’s. Over his 39 years, he provided continuity and institutional knowledge while supporting the company’s community banking mission, according to the news release.

“Bill’s service spans an extraordinary period in the Bank’s history,” said Daniel J. Doyle, chairman of the board. “From the Bank’s formative years through periods of growth and transformation, Bill has provided thoughtful counsel, steady leadership rooted in strong values, and a genuine appreciation for the role community banking plays in supporting local businesses and families. On behalf of the entire Board, we are sincerely grateful for his leadership and friendship.”

Smittcamp currently serves as president, CEO and owner of Wawona Frozen Foods Inc., a family business that was founded in 1963 and has become a global supplier of frozen fruit products. Under his leadership, the company has shipped over 100 million pounds yearly worldwide to retail and foodservice customers.

James J. Kim, the CEO of Community West Bancshares, said Smittcamp brought a realistic business view and a strong community connection.

“Bill brought a practical business perspective grounded in deep community roots and generational leadership experience to our Board. His long-standing involvement in agriculture and family enterprise contributed to the Board’s understanding of the needs of local industries and the importance of relationship-driven banking,” Kim said.