Beneficial State Bank Board Member Surjit Chana Named Among '100 Exceptional Private Company Board Members' by BoardProspects

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 15, 2026 – Beneficial State Bank is pleased to announce that its Board Director Surjit Chana has been named one of the "100 Exceptional Private Company Board Members" by BoardProspects. This recognition highlights board members selected for their proven ability to add value across the full spectrum of private company governance and their demonstrated impact in boardrooms where governance excellence directly determines business outcomes.

“We’ve long known that Surjit is an exceptional board member, and this recognition only underscores that,” said Randell Leach, CEO of Beneficial State Bank. “His dedication to good governance, strategic guidance, values-based leadership, and deep expertise in digital & technology transformation has been instrumental in advancing our mission of creating a banking system that works for everyone. I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Surjit, and my thanks for his invaluable service on our board."

Kat Taylor, Co-founder and Board Chair at Beneficial State Bank and Bancorp, added, "Surjit brings remarkable depth to our board through his expertise in technology transformation and human-centered design. His strategic insights have been invaluable as we work to advance financial inclusion, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment. We're thrilled to see him receive this well-deserved recognition, and we're fortunate to benefit from his leadership and vision."

Chana is a technology and digital transformation executive, board director, and Harvard Fellow. He has developed deep expertise in technology, strategy, general management, marketing, and governance over a 35-year global career. This includes roles as a senior executive and leader in the banking and nonprofit sectors, and currently as CEO and President of Tech4Good Consulting. 

His prior leadership roles include Chief Operating Officer of IBM Digital, Chief Marketing, Communications, and CSR Officer for IBM Europe, and Vice President of Solutions, Strategy, and CMO for IBM's Systems Business.

Since joining Beneficial State Bank and Bancorp's boards in 2022, Chana has provided strategic leadership across technology innovation, digital strategy, and governance frameworks. As chair of the bank's Technology Committee, a member of the Asset-Liability Committee (ALCO), and Board lead for strategy, he plays a key role in strategic direction, overseeing emerging technologies, digital risk, and balance-sheet governance. 

Beyond Beneficial State, Chana serves as Chair of the Board of Directors at Care for the Homeless, Director on the University of Surrey US Foundation, and a member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) Technology Committee.  He has previously held board positions with IBM's Mid-Market Advisory Board, Fintech4Good, and the Global Digital Economy Leadership Council.

“I'm honored to be recognized alongside other distinguished board members. This recognition reflects the collective work of boards that see governance not as compliance, but as a strategic driver of long-term impact," said Chana. "I'm grateful to BoardProspects for elevating this perspective, and to Beneficial State Bank and Bancorp for demonstrating how values-based governance can strengthen both communities and institutions."