Ed Banks, a native Californian, was born in San Francisco and grew up in a family of 8 in La Selva Beach. He attended Aptos Elementary School and is a 1966 graduate of Watsonville High School. He received his A.A. degree from Cabrillo College in 1968 and Bachelor of Arts degree from Sonoma State University in 1970.
Ed has been in the insurance profession since 1972, beginning with commercial underwriting assignments at the Hartford Insurance Company, San Francisco, and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, San Jose. In 1977, he moved back to Watsonville to join the firm of Martin & Friend Insurance Agency. In April of 1996, he merged the agency with Kane-Hall-Palmtag Insurance to form KBK Insurance Agency.
Ed’s community service has included serving on the following organizations’ board of directors: Insurance Brokers and Agents of the West, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Watsonville (past president), Watsonville National Little League, Watsonville YMCA, Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Watsonville (past President 1993-94), Monterey Bay Bank and Watsonville Firefighters’ Association.
Ed volunteers as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) instructor for the City of Watsonville CERT program.
He is past president of the board of directors of the Cabrillo College Foundation. Ed also currently serves as a trustee of the Pajaro Valley Cemetery District as well as Area VII Trustee for Cabrillo Community College.
An avid San Francisco Giants’ fan who takes an annual “road trip” with his sons and Father-in-law, Ed also likes gardening and an occasional round of golf with friends.