Liberty Bank of Washington — the newest community bank in the state and with its first branch in Poulsbo — has announced the appointment of Jerry Christensen as its commercial relationship officer. In this position, Christensen will be responsible for business development and portfolio management for Liberty Banks’ commercial loans and equipment financing.

Liberty Bank will officially open to the public at 2 p.m. on Aug. 6 with a ribbon cutting ceremony .

Christensen comes to Liberty Bank with over two decades of experience in bank operations and commercial business loans. This includes 11 years working with the international business division for a well-known U.S.-based bank.

Liberty Bank is currently in a soft opening phase. Liberty Bank earned its final FDIC approval in June 2009.