Jay Gill has been appointed vice chairman of the United Security Bank board. Photo illustration by Cecilia Lopez

United Security Bancshares, the parent company of Fresno-based United Security Bank, announced the appointment of auto dealer Jay Gill as vice chairman of the bank and company board. 

Gill is a prominent Central Valley business leader and president and CEO of Gill Automotive Group, which operates 12 auto dealerships in California and Hawaii. 

According to the Gill Automotive Group website, Gill has local dealerships in Madera and Kerman.

According to the company, Gill will help shape long-term strategy, pursue new business opportunities and support continued organic growth across United Security Bank’s markets. He will also collaborate with the executive team and board to enhance the bank’s competitive position and explore strategic initiatives focused on long-term value creation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jay into this key leadership role,” said Dennis R. Woods, President and CEO of United Security Bancshares. “Jay’s vision, energy, and commitment to community banking align perfectly with our mission. His focus on future opportunities will be vital as we continue to expand and evolve.”

Gill has Central Valley ties as a Fresno State graduate with an engineering degree. He also serves on the boards of Mid-Valley Water in Sacramento, Cen-Cal SBA and minority dealer associations for Chrysler and Ford. He is active with several Silicon Valley technology ventures and advisory boards.

“It’s an honor to step into the vice chairman role at a time of such momentum and promise,” Gill said in a statement. “I look forward to collaborating with our talented leadership team to explore new avenues for growth while remaining true to the core values that have made United Security Bank a trusted name in banking.”

United Security Bank was founded in 1987 and operates 13 branches across Central California.