August 2026
Washington, MO – Bank of Washington is pleased to announce that Robert M. “Pete” Tobben has been unanimously elected Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective August 19, 2026.
A respected community leader, Certified Public Accountant, and trusted leader within Bank of Washington, Tobben brings more than four decades of board leadership and service to the role. He joined the Bank of Washington Board of Directors in 1984 and is currently the organization's longest-serving director. He has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2013 and will continue in that role while assuming board leadership responsibilities.
"Pete's election as Chairman reflects the deep trust and confidence our Board has in his leadership, wisdom, and commitment to our mission," said Buzz Eckelkamp, President and Director of Bank of Washington. "For more than 40 years, Pete has helped guide this organization through periods of growth and change while never losing sight of what matters most: serving our customers, supporting our employees, and strengthening our communities."
Tobben has been employed by Bank of Washington for more than 34 years, joining in 1992. In addition to serving as CFO of Bank of Washington, he has served as Secretary and Treasurer of Diamond Bancorp, Inc., the bank's parent company. He has also served in leadership roles and on the boards of other affiliated banking organizations, including United Bank of Union and CNB St. Louis Bank.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Accounting, Tobben began his career with Price Waterhouse in St. Louis and was employed there until 1981 when he decided to join his father-in-law, Louis B. Eckelkamp, Sr. and his two brothers-in-law, L. B. Eckelkamp, Jr. and William W. (Bill) Eckelkamp in their family business operations in Washington. He continues to work in the Eckelkamp family business enterprises to this day. He earned his Certified Public Accountant designation in 1981 and has remained actively engaged in both banking and community leadership throughout his career.
"This bank has always been about people and relationships," said Tobben. "Having been part of the Bank of Washington for many years, I have seen firsthand the impact a community bank can have on its customers and communities. I am honored to serve as Chairman and look forward to working with our Board, leadership team, and employees as we continue building on the strong foundation that has made this bank successful for nearly 150 years.”
Beyond his banking and professional career, Tobben has dedicated decades of service to civic and charitable organizations throughout Franklin County and the greater St. Louis region. He is President and Board Member of the Washington, MO Industrial Development Authority and President and Director of the Washington, MO Redevelopment Corporation. He is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Washington, MO and a member and Past President of the Washington, MO Chamber of Commerce, and represented the Washington Deanery on the Board of the Annual Catholic Appeal. He is a Past Chairman of the Osage District of the Greater St. Louis Area Council, Scouting America. Tobben was a founding Board member and served as Chairman of the St. John's Mercy Hospital Foundation now Mercy Health Foundation, Washington. He has served in positions of leadership in many capital campaigns benefiting Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish, St. Francis Borgia High School and the Mercy Health Foundation. He has also served on the Missouri and St. Louis Boards of the March of Dimes and was active in fundraising for the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Missouri Chapter for many years.
"Anyone who knows Pete knows he only wants what is best for our bank, our employees, and the communities we serve," Eckelkamp said. "His integrity, financial expertise, and servant leadership have made a lasting impact on this organization. I cannot think of anyone better suited to lead our Board forward."
Tobben is married to Judy Eckelkamp Tobben, and they have four adult children and thirteen grandchildren.
Founded in 1877, Bank of Washington is a community bank dedicated to doing good for employees, customers, and the communities it serves. With local leadership, local decision-making, and a relationship-based approach, the Bank combines hometown values with modern financial solutions. Its commitment to investing in local businesses and communities has made Bank of Washington one of the largest commercial lenders in the St. Louis region. The Bank has been recognized by Forbes & Fortune as Missouri's "Best in Banking," named a Best Place to Work by St. Louis Business Journal, and consistently voted by the community top bank and mortgage lender by The Missourian, and one of the Best Banks and Best in Customer Service by St. Louis Small Business Monthly.