The board of directors of Oklahoma City-based Valliance Bank has elected Alicia Wade president and chief operating officer, effective January 1, 2021. She joined Valliance Bank in 2007 and has more than 23 years of banking experience. Wade has overseen bank and branch operations, compliance, cybersecurity, physical security, marketing and information technology. Brad Swickey will continue in his role as chief executive officer. He has served as the bank’s president and CEO since Valliance Bank was founded in 2004.

“We believe that installing a separate president and CEO creates a powerful business model,” Swickey says. “Separation of the roles allows two executives of equal stature to generate a collective impact—both inside the company and across the market—that is far greater than one individual could affect. The promotion of Alicia Wade is part of the company’s long-term development and succession planning process, and we have every confidence in her.”

“My goal is to continue to lead with a servant’s heart, all while making a positive impact on our team and clients,” Wade says. “As the second president in the bank’s history and first female president, I am honored to continue the mission set forth by our board and founding members. I know with Brad’s continued support and guidance, Valliance Bank will continue to flourish and provide exceptional service to our clients and communities.”

Wade is a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. She is active in the community and serves on the Oklahoma Bankers Association board of directors, as well as on the boards of the organization’s operations school and government relations counsel. She is a past chair of the Oklahoma Bankers Association compliance school and is an accredited ACH professional.

Established in 2004, Valliance Bank has assets totaling more than $540 million, with five locations in Oklahoma City and Norman, Oklahoma, as well as Fort Worth, Texas.