Steve was born and raised in Fresno, California. After graduating from Bullard High Steve spent six years building homes, roads and Marinas in the Central Valley, Sierra Nevada’s and Gulf Islands of British Columbia. After Steve graduated from Malaspina University in British Columbia and The University of Portland with his Bachelor of Finance and Bachelor of Business Administration respectively Steve became a Certified Public Accountant working for a Regional Accounting Firm in Portland Oregon. Steve began a career in financial services as an auditor working for PacifiCorp Financial Services. He then moved into Bank Acquisitions and Financial Reporting with First Interstate Bank and Wells Fargo Bank in both Portland, Oregon and Phoenix, Arizona. Afterward, Steve joined Bank One, working in Phoenix, Denver and Columbus, Ohio. Immediately prior to moving home to Fresno, Steve held the position of President of The Grange Bank in Columbus, Ohio.

Before becoming President and CEO of Murphy Bank in Fresno, Steve held the position of CEO of Suncrest Bank in Visalia. It was at Suncrest Bank where he worked since the 2016 merger with Security First Bank in Fresno. During his time at Security First Bank, he was the President and CEO while he helped them organize in 2005 and open in 2007. Steve has been married to his best friend Pat since 1981 and they have three grown children who continue living and working in the Fresno area. Steve and Pat reside in the Old Fig Garden neighborhood. Steve puts his building skills to work on a regular basis and he is active in his Christian Walk at both his church and the mission field. His love of Jesus and his building skills intersect to create his passion for Habitat for Humanity. Steve believes in the dignity of having a proper roof overhead. Bringing this dignity to our families through service in the name of Jesus Christ is a great testimony for followers of Christ.

Jim was born and raised in the Central Valley where he learned to love the location and its nearness to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. He spends much of his time outdoors. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics from UC Davis, but his planned entry into the ag business was interrupted by the military draft. Jim spent several years as a pilot in the United States Air Force. He moved back to California at the end of his service and settled in Fresno. It was upon his return that he eventually started his own general contracting firm where he completed a multitude of residential and commercial projects. Many of those projects involved the restoration of homes, apartments, and businesses damaged by fires or other causes. He learned the devastating impact the loss of a home has on a family. That experience was a part of what developed his passion to help people attain homeownership—Jim began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno Area! Jim has spent many years serving at his church, working with non-profits, and traveling to other countries to help people in need.

Jim is married with seven children and nineteen grandchildren. He loves his family and spends as much time with them as possible!

Feleena Sutton is the external affairs representative for Aera Energy in Fresno County and the Coalinga asset.

Prior to Aera, Feleena was self-employed for 17 years as the sole-proprietor of Roman Candle Communication where she built a career as a consultant for both small and large companies. At Roman Candle Communication, she guided clients on legislative matters, media outreach, and public relations. At the same time, she spent six years as a radio host at KJWL 99.3 and had a cooking show titled “Valley Delicious” on Nexstar that aired segments on Channels 24 and 47.

Feleena served two members of California state government in the ’90s: State Senator Jim Costa and Assemblymember Sarah Reyes.

Feleena chose to volunteer with the Habitat board as a way to honor her late mother who worked as a realtor for 30 years.

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

Coming soon!