First Northwest Bancorp traded at $12.20, up 3.48%, after announcing a major board leadership achievement. The company said Board Chair Cindy Hill Finnie received the 2026 Director of the Year award from the Puget Sound Business Journal. The recognition highlights her governance leadership and continued oversight during the bank’s strategic transformation, a reminder that board leadership can be closely watched alongside operating results in community banking.

Cindy Hill Finnie Receives Governance Recognition

The award recognises outstanding corporate and nonprofit board leadership across Washington. Finnie was one of 12 directors honoured during the publication’s 10th annual Directors of the Year programme. The recognition reflects her contributions to governance, strategy and community stewardship.

Finnie joined the First Northwest Bancorp board in 2012. She became board chair in 2022, making history as the organisation’s first female chair. Since then, she has helped guide leadership succession and strategic expansion across the Puget Sound region.

She has also strengthened governance practices while supporting long-term organisational planning. In addition, she leads an independent board responsible for executive succession and risk oversight. She also serves on several board committees covering governance, compensation, executive matters and auditing.

Leadership Supports Long-Term Strategy

During her tenure, Finnie helped oversee several important leadership transitions. She guided the national executive search that resulted in Curt Queyrouze becoming president and chief executive officer in 2025. The board maintained continuity while adapting to changing conditions across the community banking industry.

Queyrouze said Finnie consistently provided thoughtful leadership and long-term strategic guidance. He added that her governance approach strengthened the organisation during a period of significant change. He noted that her experience supported management across key strategic decisions.

Finnie said the recognition reflects the board’s collective work. She said the leadership team remains focused on governance, responsible decision-making and community service. The award, she said, represents the broader efforts of both directors and executives.

Community Commitment Remains Central

Beyond her board responsibilities, Finnie serves as a director of the First Fed Foundation. The foundation has awarded more than $7 million to nonprofit, tribal and government organisations since 2015. Those grants support housing, economic opportunity, community development and other regional priorities.

Her public service also extends beyond the financial sector. She currently serves as vice president of the Fort Worden Foundation and participates in Port Townsend’s Lodging Tax Advisory Council. Previously, she chaired several state and community organisations while serving on additional nonprofit boards.

Before joining First Northwest Bancorp, Finnie spent 38 years at Allstate Insurance Company. She held leadership roles across underwriting, financial management, agency development and business development. Later, she co-founded Rainshadow Properties, an award-winning hospitality and property management company in Port Townsend.

Recognition Adds to First Northwest Bancorp’s Profile

First Northwest Bancorp operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Fed Bank. The institution has served communities across Washington since 1923 and currently operates 15 locations, including 11 full-service branches. Its business strategy focuses on sustainable earnings through banking services for individuals, businesses and nonprofit organisations.

The company also maintains investments in financial technology partnerships and a boutique investment banking accelerator. Those initiatives support innovation while expanding financial services capabilities. As a result, First Northwest continues balancing traditional banking operations with modern financial solutions.

The latest announcement recognises board leadership rather than financial performance. A previous executive leadership announcement generated a 5.52% market reaction in April, offering a historical comparison for governance-related developments. For investors and customers alike, the award puts attention on the people shaping oversight and continuity as the bank executes its longer-term plans.