Shirley Nelson, Executive Chairman at Summit Bank, is a trailblazer whose impact reaches far beyond the boardroom. Named one of The 10 Most Admired Women Leaders in Business, 2025, she exemplifies strength, perseverance, and strategic brilliance. With a career built on breaking barriers and championing innovation, Shirley continues to redefine what leadership looks like in modern banking.
From Teller to Trailblazer: A Career Built from the Ground Up
Shirley’s journey in the banking industry is nothing short of extraordinary. With only a 12th-grade education, she began her career as a teller and steadily climbed the ranks, eventually becoming the branch manager of a regional bank. Her hard work and results earned her a promotion to manage a much larger branch. However, the trailblazer leader was stunned to learn that despite the increase in responsibility, there would be no corresponding increase in pay. That same role, Shirley later discovered, was handed to a man, along with a substantial salary.
This moment of inequity became a turning point. Confident in the strength of her client relationships and business knowledge, Shirley made the bold decision to start her own bank. It took two and a half years of relentless effort to secure regulatory approval and organize the institution. That unwavering determination gave birth to Summit Bank, a place that would redefine community banking.
Summit Bank’s Unique Philosophy
When Summit Bank opened its doors, it offered the full suite of standard banking services. But what set the bank apart was its people. Every team member committed themselves to delivering the highest quality service to clients. Loan officers were trained to go beyond traditional metrics like the “five C’s of credit” and instead lean into intuition and empathy when evaluating loans.
This unique philosophy led to extraordinary results. Unlike other institutions that might have turned away a young doctor just starting a practice, Summit Bank believed in their projected income and lent accordingly without requiring a secondary source of repayment. The result? High returns and an exceptional lending record. The bank experienced its first and only loan losses in 2010 during the real estate downturn. To this day, those real estate loans remain the only exception in an otherwise impeccable history.
Leading from the Top, By Stepping Aside
As Executive Chairman, Shirley’s role today is notably different from her time as CEO. While she no longer oversees day-to-day operations, she remains deeply invested in the bank’s success by offering guidance to the CEO when needed. What makes this even more meaningful is that the CEO is her son, Steve Nelson.
Watching Steve step into the role and lead with confidence and competence has been one of Shirley’s most rewarding experiences. His leadership has allowed her to focus on strategic guidance while trusting that the bank’s values and direction remain intact under his capable management.
Navigating Loyalty and Loss
No career is without challenges, and for Shirley, the most difficult aspect has been the turnover of key personnel who reported directly to her. Experiencing disloyalty and betrayal from trusted colleagues has been an emotional and professional burden.
Yet, the difficult moments are tempered by the joy and loyalty of others. Summit Bank has fostered a true sense of family over the decades, with many employees spending 25 years or more with the institution before retiring. These enduring relationships and the shared sense of purpose have been among the most rewarding aspects of her career.
Setting the Standard
At Summit Bank, culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. Employees themselves developed a set of service standards that guide daily interactions with clients and colleagues. These values include maintaining a “Can Do” attitude, always returning messages promptly, taking accountability, and delivering on client needs even if it means coming in early or staying late.
The bank is deeply committed to nurturing talent from within. Employees are encouraged to pursue roles that interest them, and comprehensive training is provided to support their growth. For those seeking advanced knowledge, Summit Bank sponsors attendance at the prestigious Pacific Coast Banking School in Seattle. This three-year commitment is done entirely on the employee’s own time, with classroom attendance required just two weeks each year. It’s a testament to Summit’s investment in the professional development of its people.
Leading by Example
When asked about her leadership style, Shirley is modest. “I suppose I lead by example,” she says. But that simple statement reflects a powerful truth. Her team understands that clients always come first. They are encouraged to ask questions and engage fully.
Equally important is the bank’s deep commitment to giving back. Employees regularly volunteer for Summit Bank Foundation events, reinforcing the idea that community service is not just encouraged—it’s part of the organization’s DNA.
Pursuing Excellence Over Size
Summit Bank’s mission has never been to become the largest bank in the region. Instead, it has always aimed to be the best and most profitable. That focus has served the bank and its clients extremely well.
“We’re very pleased with our results,” Shirley says, reflecting on Summit Bank’s 43-year history. “And I expect we will continue to do what we do.” That consistency, paired with an unshakable commitment to quality, has helped the bank stand out in a crowded industry.
Looking Ahead
As the financial world continues to evolve, Shirley is keeping a close eye on emerging threats especially in the area of cybersecurity. The ongoing battle against fraud and the high costs associated with advanced technology represent one of the most serious concerns for the future of banking.
Summit Bank remains proactive in addressing these challenges, recognizing that trust and security are foundational to client relationships. Staying ahead of the curve in this space is not just a goal—it’s a necessity.
Growth Without Advertising: The Power of Referrals
Since its founding, Summit Bank has taken a unique approach to growth: it has never advertised. Instead, the bank relies entirely on client referrals. This strategy is rooted in the belief that happy clients will refer like-minded individuals people who share their values and expectations.
This approach has proven to be both effective and sustainable. Summit Bank continues to grow through the strength of personal relationships and trust, not marketing campaigns or flashy promotions.
A Culture of Curiosity
Above all else, Shirley believes in the power of curiosity. “It’s absolutely essential to lean into curiosity and ask questions,” she says. “No one has all the answers.”
That mindset: openness, humility, and a constant drive to learn, has guided the trailblazer leader through decades of success. And it continues to shape the culture at Summit Bank, where curiosity is not just encouraged, but expected.
A Lasting Legacy
Shirley’s story is one of resilience, integrity, and visionary leadership. From humble beginnings as a teller to the founder of a successful community bank, she has left an indelible mark on the banking industry and the Bay Area community.
As Summit Bank celebrates 43 years of excellence, it’s clear that its success is rooted in values: trust, service, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. Under Shirley’s leadership and now with her son at the helm, the future looks bright for this extraordinary institution.