Michelle Connor Joins Liberty Bank Board

Poulsbo, WA (Oct. 21, 2020): Liberty Bank, which recently changed its name from Liberty Bay Bank and expanded from Poulsbo to open a new office in Bellevue, has named Forterra President and Chief Executive Michelle Connor to its board of directors.

Connor has served Forterra, a real estate non-profit dedicated to securing and preserving land in the Pacific Northwest, for 25-years, participating in more than 400 transactions worth $500 million and providing executive leadership in all phases of public policy, community engagement, negotiations, fundraising, and innovative finance. She has a track record of community engagement, including participating in the International Women’s Forum, Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission, USDA National Urban and Community Forest Advisory Council, and the Urban Land Institute.

“I’m enthusiastic to support a community bank that is focused on stewarding the financial needs of local businesses and entrepreneurs who are the heart of our communities,” said Connor, a third-generation Washingtonian who grew up on Budd Inlet in South Puget Sound and now lives in Seattle.

“Michelle brings a vision of collaboration and environmental stewardship, with a distinct community focus. She is intelligent, has a wealth of experience, and a leadership style that is truly admirable,” said Liberty Bank Chief Executive Officer Rick Darrow. “We are honored to have her join our Board of Directors.”

Connor earned her M.S. from the University of Washington’s College of Forest Resources and B.A. from the Evergreen State College.