TAB Bank names new CEO and president following Bozzelli retirement

Following the decision of Ogden-based TAB Bank’s president and CEO, Rick Bozzelli, to retire, the bank’s board of directors has appointed Austin Strong, former chief strategy officer, as the new CEO and Tyler Heap, former chief credit officer, as president.

“This dual leadership structure is designed to continue TAB Bank toward sustained success, growth and innovation to provide access to financial success for everyone,” the bank said in a release.

Bozzelli, who officially retired on Jan. 5, has led the bank for the past 19 months. He served as chair of TAB Bank and TAB Bank Holdings Inc. for over three years.

“I am immensely grateful for the years I spent with TAB Bank. Working with TAB’s talented and dedicated team has been a highlight of my diversified career, and I am proud of our accomplishments,” said Bozzelli. “I am confident that the bank will continue to thrive and achieve great success under the direction of Austin and Tyler.”

“Rick Bozzelli leaves a legacy of strategic vision and dedication that has significantly contributed to the bank’s growth and success,” said Crystal C. Maggelet, board chair at TAB Bank. “As we express our gratitude for Rick’s unwavering commitment and contributions, we have the utmost confidence in Austin and Tyler, the executive team, and senior leadership of the bank.”

Strong has been with TAB Bank for over a decade, serving most recently as chief strategy officer, executing TAB’s strategic vision by identifying growth and investment opportunities and collaborating with fintech partners. In this role, he also oversaw the bank’s digital banking operations, data analytics and business intelligence, customer experience, marketing and strategic partnerships. Before joining TAB, he worked for Ernst & Young in its Audit and Assurance department. He was also vice president of real estate banking at Zions Bank and is a Certified Public Accountant, receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Weber State University.

With over a decade working for TAB Bank, Heap has experience in relationship management, portfolio operations, distressed loan remediation and credit underwriting. As chief credit officer, he was responsible for leading the underwriting, special assets and collateral monitoring teams in conjunction with managing overall credit quality at TAB. He received bachelor’s degrees in finance and economics from Utah State University.

Strong’s and Heap’s appointments are effective immediately, the bank said.