Washington, MO – Bank of Washington Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer L. B. Eckelkamp, Jr. has announced the promotion of Kristen Spaunhorst to Director of Product Development at Bank of Washington.

“Kristen continues to do an outstanding job at the Bank,” stated President Louis B. “Buzz” Eckelkamp, III. “She plays a key role in helping formulate and execute our product and technology strategy. She’s not only focused on building project teams and implementing new technology but has been key in establishing entirely new processes and procedures within the Bank, ensuring the integration, compliance, risk and vendor diligence of each piece is properly assessed and completed effectively.”

Spaunhorst joined the bank in 2002 as a Teller/Customer Service Representative, was promoted to a Branch Manager Position in 2008, and was promoted in 2011 to the newly created position of Product Development Coordinator. She is a Pacific High School alumni and a graduate of the Missouri School of Bank Management. She has also completed Project Management Professional training through Washington University in St. Louis. Additionally, Spaunhorst is the chairperson of the Bank’s Technology Development Committee, and has taken leadership roles within regional bank technology user groups. She was recognized as an Outstanding Young Professional by the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce in 2016.

“Over the past 17 years, I have personally experienced how committed Bank of Washington is to the community and its employees,” stated Spaunhorst. “As we continue to navigate through technology advancements in the financial industry, our executives are always open to new thoughts and ideas, dedicating resources to ensure that we remain relevant for years to come. I’m truly blessed to be a part of the Bank of Washington family and excited to see what the future brings.”

Spaunhorst and her husband Pete reside at a farm in Krakow with their son Maximus, and are members of St. Gertrude Parish. Additionally, she leads the Bank of Washington’s Relay for Life Committee, volunteers for St. Francis Borgia Grade School’s Shop and Earn program and delivers meals for one of our local Meals on Wheels organizations.

The Bank of Washington is the oldest and largest community bank in Franklin County, serving the community for more than 140 years. The bank has six branch locations and, since COVID, has extended hours at its Fifth Street branch and Fourteenth Street branch to be open on weeknights until 7 p.m., and extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays as well. For full hours and updates, visit www.bankofwashington.com. The Bank of Washington has also been consistently voted the No. 1 bank and mortgage lender in the Washington Missourian Readers’ Choice Awards.