Five Star Bank has secured the #1 ranking in the San Francisco Business Times' Best Places to Work list for the San Francisco Bay Area in the category of businesses with 25–49 employees. The award recognizes employers who have created an outstanding workplace culture, with results determined by employee votes measuring team dynamics, trust in leadership, and communication. This achievement underscores the bank's focus on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for its staff.

The bank's workplace culture is centered on teamwork and the leadership team's investment in staff success. DJ Kurtze, Executive Vice President and San Francisco Bay Area President, attributed the recognition to a culture where employees feel valued and supported. He emphasized the bank's intentional efforts in leadership development programs and community volunteer opportunities to help employees grow and make an impact.

Five Star Bank's leadership structure facilitates direct access to the C-suite, including the President and Chief Executive Officer, promoting open communication and collaboration. Beyond internal operations, the leadership team actively participates in community service by serving on non-profit boards, setting an example for employees to engage with the communities they serve.

This latest accolade adds to Five Star Bank's growing list of honors received in 2025. The bank was recognized as a Top 3 Best-Performing Community Bank in the Nation by S&P Global Market Intelligence for banks with assets between $3 billion and $10 billion. Additional recognitions include inclusion in the Sacramento Business Journal's Fastest Growing Companies and Power 100 List, as well as the Sacramentan of the Year award from the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

James Beckwith, President and CEO of Five Star, highlighted that the culture is fundamental to the bank's operations and client service. He noted that the Best Place to Work award is particularly meaningful because it reflects the voices of employees. The bank remains committed to maintaining an environment where every team member feels heard, valued, and respected.

Five Star Bancorp operates as a bank holding company headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Five Star Bank. The bank serves the region with nine branches in Northern California.

Five Star Bancorp has promoted Cliff Cooper to the role of Executive Vice President and President of the Food, Agribusiness & Diversified Industries vertical. The decision underscores the bank's strategic focus on expanding its presence across key sectors of the food supply chain. Cooper brings over 35 years of banking expertise in food and agribusiness to the position.

Since 2025, Cooper has led Five Star Bank's Food, Agribusiness & Diversified Industries vertical. This division provides support to clients in production agriculture, wholesale distribution and retail, manufacturing, food processing, and food distribution services. In his new capacity, Cooper will continue to define and lead the strategic direction of the bank's agribusiness efforts, deepening relationships with clients throughout California and beyond.

James Beckwith, President and CEO of Five Star, highlighted the significance of Cooper's leadership. "Cliff's leadership has been fundamental to the growth of our Food, Agribusiness & Diversified Industries vertical," said Beckwith. "His deep industry knowledge combined with his strong client relationships have positioned Five Star Bank for long-term success."

Cooper emphasized the critical role of the sector. "Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses operate in a world of complexity, where timing, market conditions, and seasonality shape every decision," said Cooper. "There is no greater purpose than supporting the businesses that feed and sustain our communities."

About Five Star Bancorp

Five Star Bancorp is a bank holding company headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California. It operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank, which has nine branches in Northern California.