After building his banking career across the region, Chris Karpinski is excited about the chance to work in the community that has always been home. Karpinski joined Buckeye Community Bank in July and oversees its LaGrange branch. The dedicated professional loves the opportunity to be more directly involved in the community that helped shape him.
“Supporting the people and businesses in the region where you grew up is something special,” said Karpinski, who serves as Assistant Vice President and Client Experience Officer. “Buckeye allows us to offer the best of both worlds in banking, both digitally and in terms of relationships. We offer all our clients the state-of-the-art tools of a large competitor with the added advantage of a focus on really working with them one-on-one to personally deliver custom guidance and become a partner.”
Karpinski joins Buckeye at a critical time, as the bank continues to emphasize relationship-driven banking in an era when many institutions focus solely on digital interactions. Buckeye’s LaGrange location opened in 2024 as part of its commitment to local leadership and personal connections that make a difference.
“Chris Karpinski brings a wealth of banking experience to this role. He shares our belief that trust, understanding, and a shared commitment to success are at the core of the best relationships,” Buckeye President and CEO Ben P. Norton said. “The deep connection Chris has to the area, combined with his experience, allows him to bring an invaluable perspective and help show why working with a community bank is different.”
Throughout his banking career, Karpinski has gained expertise in mortgage lending, small business development, and relationship banking. Over the years, he has helped hundreds of families become homeowners, wanting them to feel a connection to their new hometowns as he does to his.
“Throughout my years in banking, I have learned so much, and I’m now able to share that experience with the community that gave me my start,” Karpinski added.
The Keystone High School and Lorain County Community College graduate believes the partnership approach extends beyond individual clients to the entire community. He is working with local organizations in Southern Lorain and Northern Medina counties to identify opportunities where the bank can make a meaningful impact.
Karpinski enjoys taking part in numerous outdoor activities throughout the year, outside the office, including skiing, hiking, and hunting. A passionate sports fan, he proudly supports numerous area professional and local teams.
