2025 Risk Horror Stories & Lessons Learned

While the world of finance might seem like a realm of numbers and spreadsheets, it's not immune to its own brand of horror. Please join us for an interactive panel discussion to hear some chilling tales from special credits officers, bank lawyers and a court-appointed receiver on problem loans and how to avoid these nightmares.

Industry Topics include: Credit Structure, Collateral & Lien Priority, Early Warning Signs and the proper enforcement of Loan Documents, Covenants & Guarantees

A light breakfast will be provide.

Costumes welcome!

Dale Gilbert, VP Special Assets Officer - Columbia Bank

Dale Gilbert is a Vice President Special Asset Officer for Columbia Bank located in Redmond. He has been in banking for over 29 years. The last 15 years he has been a Special Asset Officer specializing in commercial and agriculture deals throughout OR, WA, ID, and AZ. As a Special Asset Officer, Dale has been successful in bringing resolution to troubled assets either by rehabilitation and transfer back to the line unit or assisting the lending relationships exit from the bank.

Outside of work, Dale enjoys volunteering for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Posse. You may see Dale on his horse at various parades or at local events such as the Sisters Rodeo representing the Sheriff’s Office.

Tony Kullen, Attorney - Farleigh Wada Witt

Tony Kullen focuses his practice on the life cycle of lending transactions, from loan origination through final collection, including addressing the bumps along the road through loan modifications, defaults, workouts, bankruptcy, and foreclosure. Because lending and real property are closely intertwined, he frequently handles complex real estate transactions for buyers and sellers, and for financial institutions with an interest in the transaction. Tony has served as both debtors’ and creditors’ counsel, and so brings a diverse background of experience to analyzing the lender-borrower relationship. He was also selected as a Best Lawyer in America for 2024-2025 in Bankruptcy and Credit Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law.

Gene Buccola, CEO - High Plateau Capital LLC

Gene Buccola is a seasoned Court-Appointed Receiver with extensive experience managing distressed assets, stabilizing operations, and preserving value under court supervision. Skilled in working with creditors, attorneys, and stakeholders to maximize recoveries and ensure compliance with judicial orders. His background spans commercial real estate, hospitality, multifamily, office and special assets.

Thank you to our sponsors: Jones & Roth (Title Sponsor), Evergreen Business Capital, Farleigh Wada Witt, Umpqua Bank, and WaFd Bank (Silver Sponors).

Host or Publisher The Risk Management Association - Bend, Oregon