Pinnacle Bank Names Cliff Dennett CEO as Assets Near $1 Billion

Pinnacle Bank has named Chief Credit Officer Cliff Dennett its next president and CEO in a planned succession as the California lender approaches $1 billion in assets.

The board appointed Dennett as a director, with the changes scheduled to take effect Feb. 1, 2027. Jeffrey D. Payne, who has led the bank since 2017, will become board chair. Current chair Susan K. Black will become vice chair, while Ed Rossi will continue advising the board and bank.

Black called the transition the culmination of the board’s long-term succession planning. Dennett has nearly 30 years of banking experience, including roles in relationship management, commercial lending and credit administration before becoming chief credit officer.

Pinnacle had $993.60 million in total assets as of Sept. 30, 2026, up 10% from $905.7 million a year earlier. Payne said Dennett should “pilot Pinnacle Bank past the $1 billion milestone.” The leadership changes are set for Feb. 1, 2027.