Kitsap Bank announced that David Gitch retired from his position on its Board of Directors on Dec. 31. He served on the board since 1998.

Gitch reached the mandatory retirement age for active board members, and in 2012, he transitioned into the role of director emeritus. In honor of Gitch’s retirement, Kitsap Bank is donating funds to the Harrison Medical Center Foundation in his name.

“Dave has been an invaluable asset in his role on the bank’s board and as a member of the board’s Audit Committee,” said Cydly Langer Smith, Kitsap Bank chairwoman. “Dave’s leadership, integrity, insight and wisdom have been instrumental in the growth of the bank. All of the Kitsap Bank community extend their gratitude to Dave for his years of faithful service.”

Gitch retired in December 2004 as president and CEO of Harrison Medical Center, capping a 40-year career in health care administration. He has served as a board member for numerous organizations including Admiral Theatre, Lutheran Community Services, Washington Health Foundation, Martha and Mary Lutheran Services and Great Peninsula Conservancy. Most recently, he was involved with the Olympic Peninsula Kidney Dialysis Center, the Tri-County (Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam) Workforce Development Council and the Bremerton Rotary Club.