Sam Jeppson

With Bruce Bochy, Dave Roberts & Co. leaving San Diego for what San Franciscans modestly call “the City,” Sam Jeppson says it’s worth noting that he went the opposite way. “I grew up in the Bay Area and have converted from being a San Francisco Giants fan when I was a kid, going to Candlestick Park,” says the chief credit officer for San Diego National Bank. “But now I enjoy supporting the Padres.”

For Jeppson, it’s all part of the perks of being recruited. He is capping a 30-plus- year career in banking in the executive suite of $2.4 billion SDNB. “Six years ago, the bank I was working with in Salt Lake City was being acquired by Wells,” Jeppson recalls. “I was approached by a head hunter, and recruited here. I think it’s one of the finest places one could be recruited to. No complaints.”

Nor does Jeppson have any complaints about the credit climate, which he says sees delinquencies of 30 days plus at “virtually zero” at SDNB. “What we’re reading in the media about increasing delinquencies doesn’t affect us as we’re not heavy into residential,” he says.

Jeppson has sign-off authority on all but the largest loans, in which case he consults with SDNB’s holding company, $13.6 billion FBOP, located in Oak Park, Ill. Asked what makes for a good client, he says, “One that has experience…and liquidity. We do a lot of asset-based lending, which frequently involves accounts receivable and occasionally inventory financing.”

Jeppson says one of SDNB’s priorities going forward is growing its regional network. In 2007, as SDNB embarks on its second quarter-century, the bank is expected to open branches in Poway, Santee, Mission Hills and Temecula. “These are strategic infill locations to add to our current 21 branches,” he adds.

Asked if he aspires to a CEO role someday, he says, “I’m satisfied with what I’m doing.”

In addition to managing SDNB’s credit portfolio, what he’s doing includes skiing at a home in Utah, and traveling in Europe.

And what does he think about the numerous defections of Padres to the Bay Area? “I think the Padres will still have a good team,” he says.