Community West Bank is celebrating the 46-year tenure of Daniel N. Cunningham on the board of directors. Cunningham's final term ends May 20. Images via Community West Bank

The board of directors of Community West Bancshares, the parent company of Fresno-based Community West Bank, announced the retirement of founding board member Daniel N. Cunningham after 46 years of service.

His final term ends May 20. 

The board unanimously appointed Cunningham as director emeritus upon his retirement, making him the fourth to receive the honor since the company’s founding in 1979. In the role, he will continue to offer input to the institution known as Central Valley Community Bank before a recent merger.

Cunningham has been a key member of the board, helping guide the company’s growth while keeping the needs of its employees, clients and communities at the forefront, according to a Community West news release.

He served as chairman of the board from 1998 to 2015. Following the retirement of founding chair Wanda Rogers, he served as lead independent director from 2015 to 2019, and vice chairman from 2019 to 2024. Throughout his tenure Cunnigham served on every committee, contributed to major milestones and played a central role in helping the company and the bank navigate industry change. He also mentored fellow board members, executives and team members, maintaining long-standing professional relationships beyond their retirements, according to the release.

“Dan’s retirement marks the culmination of a legacy that has shaped Community West Bancshares and Bank since its inception,” said Daniel J. Doyle, chairman of the board. “As a founding Board member, his leadership has been instrumental in building the secure foundation we stand on today. His thoughtful approach, deep financial expertise, humility, and unwavering commitment have guided our Company’s strong relationship-based culture through decades of growth, change, and opportunity.”

Cunningham worked in public accounting and as chief financial officer of the Quinn Company, a prominent Central and Southern California Caterpillar dealer. His expertise in leadership, finance, accounting, agribusiness and large-company operations brought significant depth to the board, according to the release.

“Dan’s distinguished service and direct impact on our Company, the Bank, and our team is immeasurable, spanning every chapter of our history,” said James J. Kim, Community West CEO. “He has guided all four Presidents and CEOs since our founding, providing steady, insightful leadership through every economic cycle, industry change, and time of challenge. Dan’s contributions are immeasurable; he redefines what it means to be a leader.”