The Board of Directors of Sound Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Sound Community Bank, announced that, effective Oct. 1, 2025, it has unanimously approved the appointment of Wesley (Wes) Ochs as President of the Company and the Bank. He will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer of both entities, a position he has held since 2021. Laura Lee (Laurie) Stewart will continue as CEO of the Company and the Bank.

This transition reflects the Board’s ongoing succession planning and ensures continuity in advancing the Bank’s mission and strategic objectives, while recognizing the leadership strengths of both executives.

Ochs brings more than 23 years of banking experience spanning retail banking, mortgage banking, commercial lending, credit administration and management. He holds degrees in Economics and Accounting and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School. 

Since 2021, Ochs has served as Chief Financial Officer, a role in which he combined technical expertise with collaborative leadership to drive operational efficiencies across departments and business lines. He has led initiatives to enhance lending operations, financial reporting, policy governance and client experience, with a consistent focus on transparency and team development. More recently, his work has concentrated on asset/liability management, credit loss modeling and enterprise budgeting, areas critical to strengthening the Bank’s financial resilience and aligning strategic priorities.

Stewart, who is marking her 35th anniversary with the organization, has guided its evolution from a credit union with less than $50 million in assets to a mutual savings bank and, ultimately, to a state-chartered, FDIC-insured commercial bank. As CEO, she will continue to lead the organization’s long-term strategy and ensure a smooth transition of the President’s duties.