TriCo Bancshares, the parent company of Tri Counties Bank, has appointed Carol Ward as chief risk officer and executive vice president, effective June 11.

In her new position, Ward will be responsible for development and review of risk management processes. She will oversee the internal audit function, the compliance department and ensure that all areas of the bank meet the enterprise risk effectiveness.

Ward most recently served as senior vice president of enterprise risk management at Elevations Credit Union.

Ward joins the TriCo following 28 years of banking experience, with 10 years of senior risk management positions at several banks including Countrywide Bank, Hawthorne Savings and Mercantile Bank. She also has worked as an independent consultant to the banking industry.