# Melanie J. Dressel

> Melanie Jan LaPlant Dressel (1952-2017) was a Columbia Bank founding team member and banking executive based professionally in Tacoma, Washington. She became the bank’s president and CEO in 2000 and CEO of Columbia Banking System in 2003, helping expand the institution across Washington, Oregon and Idaho while maintaining annual branch visits and extensive civic commitments. UW Tacoma’s Dressel Scholars Program and Melanie’s Park on the Foss Waterway carry her name.

- **Role:** Former president and CEO of Columbia Bank and Columbia Banking System (died 2017)
- **Organizations:** Columbia Bank, Columbia Banking System, Inc., Bank of California, Puget Sound National Bank, Puget Sound Energy, Executive Council for a Greater Tacoma, Washington Bankers Association, Washington Roundtable, American Bankers Association, Bellarmine Preparatory School, Tacoma/Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, Washington State Historical Society, Tacoma Art Museum, United Way of Pierce County
- **From:** Colville, United States
- **Education:** Degree in Political Science, University of Washington, Colville High School
- **Known for:** Part of Columbia Bank’s founding team in 1993., Led Columbia Bank from 2000 and its parent company from 2003., American Banker Community Banker of the Year honoree in 2011.

## Career timeline

- **1952** — Born September 2 in Colville, Washington.
- **1974** — Graduates from the University of Washington in political science; begins at Bank of California in Tacoma.
- **1988** — After fourteen years at Bank of California, moves to Puget Sound National Bank, where she directs private banking.
- **1993** — Joins Columbia Bank’s founding team as senior vice president and private banking manager.
- **1997** — Becomes executive vice president of retail banking.
- **2000** — Becomes president and CEO of Columbia Bank; president and COO of Columbia Banking System.
- **2003** — Becomes CEO of Columbia Banking System in February.
- **2011** — Named one of American Banker’s Community Bankers of the Year.
- **2013** — Recognized as CEO of the Year by Seattle Business.
- **2016** — Receives UW Tacoma Milgard School of Business Lifetime Achievement Award.
- **2017** — Dies on February 19; career and community commitments are commemorated.
- **2024** — Melanie Jan LaPlant Dressel Park opens April 12.
- **2026** — Columbia Bank adopts Melanie’s Park through Parks Tacoma’s new program.

## Achievements

- Part of Columbia Bank’s founding team in 1993.
- Led Columbia Bank from 2000 and its parent company from 2003.
- American Banker Community Banker of the Year honoree in 2011.
- Named seven times among American Banker’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking.
- Seattle Business CEO of the Year, 2013.
- UW Tacoma Milgard School of Business Lifetime Achievement Award, 2016.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — Parks Tacoma announced Columbia Bank as the first Adopt-a-Park sponsor, choosing Melanie’s Park; employees held their first work party in July.
- **2026-04** — Columbia Bank reported 769 associates contributing 4,278 volunteer hours for 431 local charities during Melanie Dressel Community Commitment Month.
- **2024-04** — Melanie Jan LaPlant Dressel Park opened to the public on April 12.

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/melanie-dressel
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23