A steady, forward-thinking leader, Don Savino has spent more than two decades immersed in enterprise risk, compliance and regulatory strategy—helping banks build strong foundations and grow with intention. His career includes senior roles at First Foundation, Pacific Western Bank, Square 1 Bank and American Community Bank, where he led enterprise-wide risk programs, developed sustainable risk governance frameworks, due-diligence efforts and regulatory oversight with a blend of discipline and practicality.
A committed lifelong learner, Don holds a Master of Science degree in banking from Mercy University, graduated from the Pacific Coast Banking School with honors and is a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager. Known for his analytical approach and collaborative style, he brings a clear-eyed, people-first mindset to his work. Now part of the Primis executive team, Don is energized by a culture that values ambition, smart growth and doing things the right way—never the easy way.