Ben Rutledge leads Gesa Credit Union’s Commercial Banking division, overseeing business accounts, commercial lending, treasury management, SBA, and commercial credit administration that services businesses across Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. Since joining Gesa and establishing the program in 2009, he has built Commercial Banking into a core pillar of company’s strategy to serve members throughout their financial lives—from personal banking to business growth.
In addition to overseeing Commercial Banking, Ben leads Gesa’s Government Affairs and credit union advocacy efforts to help protect credit union interests with state and federal legislators. His current priorities include the continued growth of our Commercial Banking and maintaining the safety and soundness of our commercial lending portfolios, and advancing Gesa’s newly acquired trust department into a long-term revenue source.
Ben has 36 years of commercial banking experience spanning large national banks and community institutions. Before joining Gesa, he served as Market Manager at Columbia Trust Bank and Middle Market Relationship Manager at Key Bank, gaining expertise across retail and commercial banking operations. He began his career as a bank teller, a foundation that taught him the value of building relationships and providing the highest level of member service.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Economics from Eastern Washington University and a Master’s Degree in Finance from the University of Phoenix. He is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School and is currently pursuing his CTFA from the Cannon Financial Institute.
Ben serves on the Board of the Gesa Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Gesa Credit Union, which manages Gesa’s charitable activities reflecting his passion for our communities and “people helping people” mission.