Thursday, September 10, 2026
For Immediate Release

North Valley Bancshares and North Valley Bank are pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Olney to President, effective September 1, 2026.

Chris joined North Valley Bank in 2017 and most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit and Risk Officer. During his tenure, he has been an integral member of the leadership team and has played a significant role in the growth, performance, and strategic direction of our organization.

A lifelong resident of Muskingum County, Chris currently lives in Nashport with his wife, Lisa. They have two adult children, Emily and Connor. Chris is actively involved in the community and currently serves on the boards of the Muskingum County Community Foundation, the Muskingum County Library System, and St. John Lutheran Church.

His appointment reflects the strength and experience of our leadership team and the Board of Directors’ commitment to thoughtful succession planning and long-term organizational success.

As part of this planned leadership transition, Jim Nicholson has stepped down as President and will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer through April 2027, working closely with Chris throughout the transition period. Following the transition, Jim is expected to continue serving on the Board of Directors, providing continuity and serving as a resource to Chris, the management team, and the organization.

“This is a planned and thoughtful transition that reflects the depth of leadership within North Valley Bank,” said Nicholson. “Chris has been a trusted member of our executive team for many years and is well prepared to lead the organization into its next chapter.”

While leadership responsibilities will evolve over time, North Valley Bank’s mission, values, and commitment to its clients and communities remain unchanged. Our focus on Building Better Communities, providing personalized relationship banking, making local decisions, and supporting the individuals, families, businesses, and organizations we serve will continue to guide everything we do.

This transition positions the organization for continued growth and success while ensuring the continuity of leadership, culture, and client relationships that have been central to North Valley Bank’s success. Please join us in congratulating Chris on this well-deserved opportunity.

Contact: Michelle Newman, Vice President & Director of Marketing, North Valley Bank
(740) 617-8562 mnewman@nvboh.bank