(Ashley Mears, 2018 award recipient)
What advice would you give to your former self at the time you were featured as an Accomplished Under 40 Award recipient?
I would tell myself to slow down a bit and trust the process. At that stage, I was very focused on what was next; what the next role looked like, how to grow, how to prove myself. While that drive served me well, I would remind myself to be more present and recognize that careers are built over time, not overnight.
Relationships, reputation, and consistency matter more than any single milestone.
What has changed the most in Central Oregon since then?
The growth has been incredible. Central Oregon has evolved from a smaller, more relationship-driven market into a much more dynamic and competitive environment. There’s more capital, more businesses, and more opportunities, but also more complexity. What hasn’t changed, though, is the importance of community. Even with all the growth, relationships still drive business here.
How has your career and community involvement changed since you were selected?
My career has continued to evolve, but the biggest shift has been moving from execution to a more strategic, relationship-focused role. I’ve had the opportunity to work more closely with business owners, particularly in helping them navigate growth, challenges, and long-term planning.
On the community side, my involvement has become more intentional. Earlier in my career, I said yes to everything. Now, I focus on opportunities where I can make a meaningful impact and align with causes I care deeply about, especially those supporting local businesses and families.
What did it mean to you to receive the award?
It was incredibly meaningful. At the time, it felt like validation that the hard work was paying off. Looking back, it also connected me to a network of driven, community-minded individuals who continue to do great things. It’s something I’ve always been proud of.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments that make you who you are today?
Professionally, I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built and the trust I’ve earned with clients. In banking, that trust is everything. Being able to support businesses, especially through both good times and challenging ones, is something I don’t take lightly.
Personally, I’m proud of learning how to balance career ambition with being present for family and community. That balance isn’t perfect, but it’s something I’ve become much more intentional about over time.
What advice would you give to this year’s — and future — recipients of the Accomplished Under 40 Award?
Don’t view this as a finish line- it’s just a moment in a much longer journey. Stay curious, stay humble, and continue investing in relationships. The people you meet and the way you show up over time will matter far more than any single recognition.
What question would you ask yourself for this interview?
I would ask: Are you still doing the work that challenges and motivates you?
And the answer is yes; but it looks different than it did back then. It’s less about proving something and more about creating value – for clients, for my organization, and for the community I’m a part of.
Additional Comments
Looking back on being named an Accomplished Under 40 recipient in 2018, it feels like both a different chapter and the foundation for everything that’s followed.
