A Walla Walla-based community bank is starting a new chapter as its longtime leader hands the reins to his successor.

Baker Boyer Bank announced that Mark Kajita has stepped down from the bank’s board of directors and is retiring as president and CEO. He has served the bank for more than 20 years and will continue as an advisor.

The board has selected Clifford “Kip” Kontos as the bank’s next president and CEO following a four-year succession planning process.

“Baker Boyer’s strength has always come from its people, its values and its deep relationships with the communities it serves,” said Megan Clubb, board chair of Baker Boyer and a former president and CEO of the bank herself, in a statement. “We are confident Kip’s appointment positions Baker Boyer for continued success while preserving the continuity, local commitment and client focus that have defined the bank for generations.”

Kontos works as Baker Boyer’s vice president and director of regional offices. He also has been on the bank’s board since 2017, currently serving as secretary.

Kontos is also a sixth-generation member of the Baker family. Baker Boyer was founded in 1869 by his great-great-great-grandfather, Dorsey Syng Baker.

The bank board said in its release its selection of Kontos was based on his leadership qualifications, readiness, experience and the needs of the Bank’s future.

Kontos served as an airline pilot for 25 years, which shaped his approach to leadership, risk assessment and decision-making. During his years on the bank’s board, he managed to consider significant amounts of complex and technical information, ask crucial questions, assess risks and identify path forwards to benefit the Baker Boyer’s shareholders.

“Baker Boyer has an extraordinary history, but what makes this bank special is its people; our employees, clients, shareholders, and community partners. I look forward to listening, learning, and working together as we continue building on the bank’s strong foundation,” Kontos said in a statement.

Kajita joined Baker Boyer in 2003 and held many positions throughout his career, including senior portfolio manager, executive vice president of the Wealth Management Division, and member of the Executive Committee. He was promoted to president in January 2014 and became chief executive officer in January 2016. Over his entire tenure at Baker Boyer, he helped guide the bank through periods such as the financial crisis of 2008, the Covid-19 pandemic and continued expansion in regional markets. He will be staying on as an advisor and resource for a year to support the transition.

Baker Boyer has a branch in Kennewick.