McDermott + Bull has successfully placed Ryan Strong as President and Chief Executive Officer at Denali State Bank. In this role, Ryan will lead strategic planning, operations, and growth while preserving the bank’s community-first culture and local decision-making. He will work closely with the Board of Directors to shape the bank’s future, strengthen its employee culture, deepen regulatory and client relationships, and expand both in-market and out-of-market partnerships to drive sustained profitability.
Ryan brings more than 25 years of executive experience in commercial, mortgage, and retail banking across Alaska. Most recently, he served as Chief Banking Officer at First National Bank Alaska, where he led a $2 billion deposit division comprising over 200 employees across branch operations, treasury services, mortgage lending, escrow, and compliance. He also served as Acting Chief Risk Officer, establishing and overseeing the bank’s enterprise risk management program. Previously, Ryan served as President and CEO at Alyeska Title Guaranty and earlier managed the Fairbanks branch of First National Bank Alaska. He holds an MBA from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame.
Denali State Bank is a full-service, locally operated community bank with more than $500 million in assets and five branches serving Fairbanks and Tok. Founded in 1986, the Bank is known for its deep local roots, relationship-based approach, and strategic growth through specialized lending partnerships.
To learn more, read the official press release published by Denali State Bank at denalistatebank.com/about-us/community-relations.html.
This executive search was completed by McDermott + Bull President Brandon Biegenzahn, Partner Courtney Dorrel, and Executive Recruiter Adrian Rufo.