PASO ROBLES — As it continues to grow its presence in the Central Coast, American Riviera Bank welcomes Steven Harding to its leadership team as EVP/Regional President for San Luis Obispo County. With over thirty years of executive experience in banking, his lending background, management skills, and Central Coast market knowledge are deep. Harding began his duties at American Riviera Bank on Jan. 13.

“We are happy to welcome Steve as he joins our team to fill this crucial role,” said American Riviera Bank President and CEO Jeff DeVine. “I was witness to his hard work and dedication firsthand when we worked together at Mid-State Bank & Trust and then Rabobank in the early 2000s. Steve is very well known by the community, and I could not think of a better person to lead our expansion in San Luis Obispo County.”

A long-term resident of San Luis Obispo, Harding graduated with honors from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo with a degree in Agricultural Business Management. Post-graduation, he went on to become VP/Branch Manager of the San Luis Obispo Production Credit Association, working in agricultural lending. Harding then served as an executive for 27 years with Mid-State Bank & Trust/Rabobank, based in Arroyo Grande. His most recent position was EVP/Chairman of Community Leadership Groups at Rabobank which consisted of 17 groups statewide with 96 employee participants that administered local budgets for sponsorships and donations as well as community outreach and volunteerism. Prior to that, Harding served as EVP/Regional President for San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara Counties for both banks, overseeing 24 branches and 4 commercial banking centers from Paso Robles through Santa Maria. 

“I’ve spent my life here in San Luis Obispo getting to know and work with the people of this county. My position at American Riviera Bank is the perfect continuation of this journey. I will continue to serve the local community helping people, families, and businesses reach their goals,” said Harding. “I am very excited to be part of the team.”

Harding is a board member and treasurer of the Economic Vitality Corporation of San Luis Obispo County, a board member and treasurer of the Central Coast Economic Forecast Project, and serves on the Cal Poly Corporation Board of Directors. He is also a member and past president of the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. In his free time, Steven enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife Syndi and two adult children.