Baker Boyer names Kontos president and CEO

WALLA WALLA — Baker Boyer has named Clifford “Kip” Kontos its 12th president and CEO as longtime executive Mark Kajita retires from the positions and steps down from the bank’s board of directors.

The Baker Boyer Board of Directors elected Kontos following a four-year succession planning process, according to the bank. Kontos currently serves as vice president and director of regional offices and has served on the board since 2017.

Kontos is a sixth-generation member of the Baker family. The bank was founded in 1869 by his great-great-great-grandfather, Dorsey Syng Baker.

Kajita joined Baker Boyer in 2003, became president in 2014 and CEO in 2016. He will remain with the bank as an adviser for one year to assist with the transition.

Baker Boyer, headquartered in Walla Walla, has six branches and offices in Yakima and the Tri-Cities, with a Wenatchee location planned. The bank has about 180 employees and more than $680 million in average assets.