PCBS STAFF

Gretchen Claflin is the President and Chief Executive Officer for Pacific Coast Banking School. Gretchen began her career working as a CPA for Ernst and Young. Subsequent to that time she has worked in both the public and private sectors, specializing in small business financial management and financial transitions for privately held companies. She has an impressive track record of helping companies improve and streamline their management systems and business processes. Gretchen attended Duke University for 2 years before transferring to the University of Washington where she majored in Accounting and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Business Administration.

Joan Reukauf is the President and incoming Chief Executive Officer for Pacific Coast Banking School. With over 30 years of experience in the banking sector, including serving as CEO of an Oregon based community bank, Joan has held executive positions with responsibilities in areas of IT, bank and branch operations, human resources, treasury management, and marketing. Prior to joining PCBS, Joan was emersed in education, teaching leadership courses for the American Bankers Association and the capstone course of the MBA for Professionals program at Willamette University. In 2019, Joan joined PCBS as a LeaderSim instructor. She holds a BA in Marketing from Boise State University and an MBA from Willamette University. Joan is also a 2006 PCBS graduate

Kathryn Thompson is the Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Pacific Coast Banking School and is responsible for student recruitment, business development and communication with special groups and bank organizations. Kathryn is a seasoned marketing and sales Director with wide experience and boundless energy. Kathryn has over 30 years of business development and marketing experience. Prior to PCBS, Kathryn worked for over 16 years for Argosy Cruises as Director of Sales and Marketing. Her primary client focus has been in the financial services and banking industry and she has relationships with many within our industry. She attended Oregon State University graduating with a BA in Business.

Jenene Szuch is the Chief Operating Officer for the Pacific Coast Banking School, communicating with PCBS faculty members and the various University of Washington groups to coordinate PCBS session logistics. Jenene has over 20 years of experience working in the non-profit arena with 9 years spent in education. Prior to joining PCBS, Jenene worked as a special projects manager for Shoreline Community College and as the executive director of Edmonds Community College. A past CEO of the South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce, Jenene has experience in business and workforce development, event planning, and fiscal management and has served on several non-profit boards. She holds a BA in Speech Communication from Western Washington University and is currently working towards a Master’s degree in Leadership at City University.

Barbara Nowak is the Student Management and Registrar for Pacific Coast Banking School, communicating and facilitating with both students and faculty members throughout their time with PCBS. She has over 9 years of experience in education as well as numerous years in event planning for local charities and non-profit organizations. As a board member and project manager for both youth and senior groups, she is well-versed in community building, business development, and meeting the overall needs of those she serves. She holds a B.A. in Communication from the Edward R. Murrow School of Communications with a minor in Political Science and is currently earning her master’s degree in Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology with an emphasis on adult learning.

Jessica Anderson is Pacific Coast Banking School’s Director of Program Development and coordinates PCBS session logistics. She is a creative, multi-faceted marketing and project coordination professional with demonstrated expertise in planning and executing events, business operations, and vendor management. Before joining PCBS, Jessica owned a successful e-commerce B2B/B2C business for 12 years and led the organization’s sales, marketing, website development, and customer service functions. Jessica has a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification and graduated cum laude from the University of Washington. In her spare time, Jessica is a Master Gardener and enjoys time in her garden.

Jake Uttich is the Technical and Program Support Coordinator for Pacific Coast Banking School. In this role, he supports the delivery of the school’s programs by helping coordinate logistics, overseeing technical systems, and providing essential assistance to students and faculty. Jake brings a well-rounded background in program coordination, operational support, and technology integration to ensure a seamless educational experience.  Prior to joining PCBS, Jake gained experience managing community programs and facilitating outreach initiatives, focusing on creating innovative solutions to meet organizational needs. Jake earned a Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida, complementing his dedication to enhancing efficiency and fostering leadership development.