Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) appoints Carter Welch as independent director

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Westamerica Bancorporation filed a report describing a change in its board of directors. On January 22, 2026, the board appointed Carter Welch to serve as an independent member of the Board of Directors, effective February 26, 2026. He will serve in this role until his successor is duly nominated, qualified, and elected.

The company notes that Mr. Welch brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing and business strategy, adding additional expertise to the board. The filing does not describe any other corporate actions or financial results.

8-K Event Classification

Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers

1 item

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Governance

Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.

Understanding 8-K Material Events →

false 0000311094 0000311094 2026-01-22 2026-01-22 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares iso4217:USD xbrli:shares

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 22, 2026

Westamerica Bancorporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

California	001-09383	94-2156203
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File No.)	(IRS Employer Identification Number)

1108 Fifth Avenue

San Rafael, California 94901

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(707) 863-6000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐	Soliciting material pursuant to rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par value	WABC	The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the exchange Act. ¨

Section 5 – Corporate Governance and Management

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

Election of Director

On January 22, 2026, the Westamerica Bancorporation Board of Directors appointed Carter Welch to serve as an independent member of the Board of Directors effective February 26, 2026 until his successor is duly nominated, qualified, and elected.

Mr. Welch has more than 25 years of experience in Marketing and Business Strategy.

2

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
	(Registrant)
Date: January 23, 2026	By:	/s/ Anela Jonas
		Anela Jonas
		Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

3

FAQ

What did Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) disclose in this 8-K?

The company disclosed the appointment of Carter Welch as an independent member of its Board of Directors, effective February 26, 2026.

Who is the new director appointed to Westamerica Bancorporation’s board?

Westamerica Bancorporation appointed Carter Welch as an independent member of its Board of Directors.

When does Carter Welch’s service on the Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) board begin?

Carter Welch’s service as an independent director is effective on February 26, 2026.

How long will Carter Welch serve as a director at Westamerica Bancorporation?

He will serve as an independent director until his successor is duly nominated, qualified, and elected.

What experience does Carter Welch bring to Westamerica Bancorporation’s board?

Carter Welch has more than 25 years of experience in marketing and business strategy, according to the filing.

Does this Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) 8-K include financial or earnings data?

No, this report focuses on a board of directors appointment and does not present financial or earnings data.