Bank of America: A Century of Economic Leadership in Orange County

This year, Bank of America celebrates 100 years of serving Orange County-marking a century of business leadership, strategic partnerships, and deep community investment. What began in 1925 with a single branch in Santa Ana has evolved into a network of 76 locations, supporting individuals, families, and businesses across one of the most dynamic regions in the country.

Shaping a Legacy Through Visionary Partnerships

Bank of America’s century in Orange County has been defined by deep and lasting partnerships with some of the region’s most visionary leaders – Charles C. Chapman, Walt Disney, Henry Segerstrom and longstanding business clients like Ganahl Lumber – each of whom helped shape the economic and cultural fabric of Southern California.

Chapman, Fullerton’s first mayor and namesake of Chapman University, shared a close personal and professional relationship with Bank of America founder A.P. Giannini. It was Chapman who suggested renaming the bank “Bank of America” to better reflect a national vision-an idea Gianni embraced in 1930 when consolidating his banks under one brand. Chapman went on to serve on the bank’s board, helping guide its Southern California presence in its formative years.

In the 1930’s, Bank of America played a key role in supporting Walt Disney’s ambitions-first by financing landmark animated films like Snow White. In the 1950’s Disney once again turned to Bank of America to provide financing for the construction of Disneyland, which is celebrating its 70th birthday this year.

As part of Bank of America’s yearlong centennial celebration, the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University is showcasing art from Bank of America’s corporate art collection, including works tied to Walt Disney and Disneyland.

Decades later, Bank of America partnered with Henry Segerstrom to finance the transformation of a lima bean field into what is now South Coast Plaza -one of the most successful retail destinations in the country-and the adjacent Segerstrom Center for the Arts. These investments helped cement the region’s reputation as both and economic and cultural powerhouse.

In the business sector, Bank of America’s enduring relationship with Ganahl Lumber-California’s oldest lumberyard and client for more than a century-illustrated the banks role in supporting local enterprises from generation to generation.

Financing Growth at Every Turn

As Orange County expanded, Bank of America evolved with it. Over the decades, Bank of America established full-service banking complexes and neighborhood financial centers throughout the county.

Today, the bank employs more than 2,100 people locally and manages over $27 billion in deposits and $7 billion in loans throughout Orange County.

Community Investment with Lasting Impact

Bank of America’s strategic partnerships extend far beyond business. Its Neighborhood Builders program provides multi-year funding and leadership development to nonprofits advancing economic mobility. Local beneficiaries include OCBC member Goodwill of Orange County, and many others.

Over the past 25 years, Bank of America has awarded $12 million in grants to local nonprofits, while employees have contributed more than 200,000 volunteer hours.

Looking Ahead

From fueling Disney’s early dreams to supporting the region’s top developers, universities and nonprofits, Bank of America’s 100-year legacy in Orange County has been defined by partnership, purpose, and progress.

“Throughout our history and today we are committed to making financial lives better for the households and businesses we serve,” said Allen Staff, President, Bank of America Orange County. “As a legacy institution deeply rooted in this community, we take seriously our role in helping shape Orange County’s continued success.”

As the region continues to grow and evolve, Bank of America remains committed to empowering individuals, businesses, and communities for the next century- and beyond.