Debra Bettencourt Silveira, SPHR, Executive Vice President | Director of Human Resources on Influential Women
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Influential Woman · Banking | Human Resources | People & Culture

Debra Bettencourt Silveira, SPHR

Executive Vice President | Director of Human Resources, Pinnacle Bank

Morgan Hill, CA 95037

27Years experience
4Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree San José State University – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing), Minor in Humanities Cert Gallup Certified Strengths Coach Cert SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources), HRCI Member Influential Women Network Member Gallup Certified Strengths Coach community Member Employee Development Network (San Francisco Bay Area) – Former President / Co-Advisor

Her Story

About Debra

Debra Bettencourt Silveira, SPHR, is an accomplished human resources executive with over 26 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry. She currently serves as Executive Vice President and Director of Human Resources at Pinnacle Bank, where she leads people and culture strategy, talent development, and organizational transformation. Her career began in 1999 as a bank teller while attending San José State University, and she has since advanced through progressively senior roles across branch operations, district leadership, digital engagement, and executive HR leadership.

Throughout her career at institutions including U.S. Bank and Heritage Bank of Commerce, Debra has built a reputation for developing high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and strengthening employee engagement across large regional networks. Her experience includes managing multi-branch operations, leading district-level HR functions, and supporting organizational change initiatives focused on culture, performance, and leadership development. She has also played key roles in coaching and mentoring professionals, including serving as a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach.

In her current role at Pinnacle Bank, Debra continues to focus on cultivating strong workplace culture and empowering employees to reach their full potential. She is passionate about helping individuals identify and leverage their strengths, fostering collaboration, and creating environments where teams thrive. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in integrity, continuous growth, and a commitment to developing others while aligning people strategies with organizational success.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Debra

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to my personal drive and my commitment to doing my best in every role I take on. Just as importantly, I focus on the people around me—helping others grow, uncover their strengths, and perform at their highest potential. Developing strong teams and supporting others’ success has been central to my own growth.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The most impactful guidance I’ve received has come from mentors who believed in me and helped me believe in myself. Their encouragement taught me to always strive for more, to recognize my potential, and not to settle for comfort when there are opportunities to grow further.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would encourage young women to truly believe in themselves and recognize the value they bring to the table. Banking offers many different paths and opportunities, so it’s important to stay open, explore those possibilities, and confidently pursue the direction that aligns with your goals and strengths.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

One of the biggest opportunities in banking is the wide range of career paths available—there is truly something for everyone if you remain open-minded and proactive. A challenge I’ve observed is that people, including women, sometimes become comfortable and don’t fully pursue their potential. Growth comes from staying open to change and actively seeking new opportunities.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Family is extremely important to me, and I value spending meaningful time with them. Integrity is also a core value—doing what you say you are going to do is essential. I also believe strongly in taking initiative and consistently showing up with commitment in both my personal and professional life.

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