West Valley National Bank is the West Valley's first locally owned and operated community bank. Founded by local business leaders, the Bank fills a much needed niche. For too long, the West Valley was served only by large institutions led by out of state ownership and management. We want to help local businesses control their own destiny by providing exceptional financial services delivered by local residents. Read More


Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Steven BalesSteven Bales Jr.

Steven Bales Jr., a fifth-generation Arizonan, is President of Bales Hay Sales in Buckeye. Bales farms alfalfa hay, cotton and small grains on approximately 2,500 acres in the area of Buckeye and Rainbow Valley, including his original family homestead on Beloat Road, named for his great-great-grandfather. A graduate of the University of Arizona (Agricultural Economics), Steven is the current President of the Maricopa County Farm Bureau. He is also Vice-President of the Arizona Cotton Growers Association and serves on the board of the Arizona Farm Bureau Federation.

Mr. Bales has been extensively involved in organizations relating to agriculture. He has served as a community director of Farm Services Agency Board and on the Board of the Arizona Cotton Growers Association. Mr. Bales was recently elected to the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Jamie C. CavalierDr. Jamie C. Cavalier

Jamie Cavalier has worked in higher education and public service for over 30 years. She holds a Ph.D. in Learning Psychology and Instructional Technology from Arizona State University, an MA in Management and Organizational Behavior from the University of Phoenix, and a BA in Vocal Music Performance from Regis University. She is currently a consultant in organizational, team, and human development with an emphasis in communication and strategic planning. Previously, Dr. Cavalier was the National Director of Strategic Services for SunGuard Higher Education working with colleges and universities nation-wide.

Locally, Dr. Cavalier worked at Mesa Community College and the Maricopa Community College District Office. At MCC, held various positions including business faculty and Executive Assistant to the President. At the district level, she coordinated the technology and organizational behavior training function for the District Office and colleges. She served as Chair of her husband’s campaign committee in his successful bid for re-election as a Goodyear City Councilman in 2005. She has served on campaign committees for other elected officials and citizens' committees for the City of Goodyear. In addition, Jamie is a working artist and professional singer.

Dr. Robert GuyetteDr. Robert Guyette: Chairman - West Valley Bancorp

Robert Guyette MD, DMD is a physician and dentist specializing in Facial Cosmetic and Oral surgery. His practice has served both the East and West Valley since 1989. He is also the founder and owner of GuyCor Development which develops medical, dental and mixed use projects. Dr. Guyette has served on the Arizona Board of Medical Examiners (BOMEX) as well as local, state and national medical and dental organizations. From 1998 to 2000 he was one of six physician directors of the Arizona BOMEX. He is a cofounder of the Phoenix Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and a former president of the state organization.

In 1996, along with his wife and staff, Dr. Guyette founded a free Facial Surgery Clinic in Guaymas, Mexico helping children with cleft lip and palate and other facial deformities.

George LeeGeorge Lee: Chairman - West Valley National Bank

George Lee is President of Kabuto Arizona Properties, which owns the Arizona Biltmore and Wigwam resorts. His responsibilities include risk management, human resource administration, financial performance and facilities maintenance and acquisitions. His experience with regulated entities includes OSHA, EEOC, local health departments and risk management processes. Raised in Southern California, George is a graduate of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth with a degree in Business Administration. He lived and worked in Hawaii for 10 years in real estate development before moving to the Sacramento area where he worked in residential and golf course development.

George is a member of the board of directors of the Maricopa County Sports Commission and Sun Health, La Loma. He has also served on the boards of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce and West Valley Fine Arts.

Dr. Mark LonquistDr. Mark Lonquist

Dr. Lonquist has been practicing medicine in Goodyear since 1995. He completed his undergrad degree in Biochemistry at the University of Victoria and then his medical training at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

Dr. Lonquist is very active in the medical community. He is Chairman of the Department of Medicine and is a member of the Medical Executive Committee of West Valley Hospital .He participated on various committees and served on the Board for Primecare Network. Dr Lonquist is also involved in the development of medical buildings in Goodyear and Avondale. He was part of a team that just completed a merger with 40 physicians to form Integrated Medical Services, a multi-specialty medical group.

Candace D. WiestCandace D. Wiest: President/CEO West Valley National Bank

Ms. Wiest was the President of Inland Empire National Bank from 1993 to 2006. She was the seventh President in the Bank’s nine year history when she accepted the post. When she became President, the bank had classified loans (problem loans) equal to 300% of its capital, and had posted a $2.7 million dollar operating loss. Today, Inland Empire National Bank is a financially successful and well respected community bank that ranks favorably within its peer group. Ms. Wiest was the first woman ever elected as a Class A Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco for a three year term beginning in 2003. She was re-elected for a second term in 2006. She has served on the FRBSF Audit Committee from 2003 to 2006. Currently Ms. Wiest serves on the Fed's Bank Performance Committee and is Chair of the Public Information Committee. Ms. Wiest has received numerous awards and community recognition.

Shelby CarlShelby Carl, Director Emeritus

Mr. Carl received his BS in Horticulture with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Arizona in 1952 after serving in the Navy. He earned his Masters degree in Entomology in 1953, with a minor in plant pathology. Mr. Carl is President and founder of FC & Associate Consulting, marketing & technical consultants to chemical industry.

Mr. Carl has served as the Founding President of the Agri-Business Council, as President and director of the Arizona Ag Association, as a director for the Western AgChemical Assn and on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Boys Ranch.