Ashley Sowa

Ashley Sowa is Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources for Hanmi Bank, where she leads the bank’s human resources strategy and operations. With nearly two decades of experience in human resources within the banking industry, she serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on workforce planning, talent management, organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and risk management.

Hanmi Bank serves multi-ethnic communities through a network of 32 branches and 5 loan production offices across 9 states, coast-to-coast. Ashley oversees all aspects of the human resources function for over 600 employees, including employee relations, compensation and benefits, talent acquisition, organizational development, performance management, and employment compliance. She has played a key role in developing and enhancing the Bank’s employee benefits and total rewards programs, focusing on delivering competitive, employee-centered offerings that support workforce well-being, engagement, and retention. She has extensive experience leading complex employee relations matters, developing compensation and talent strategies, navigating regulatory requirements, and supporting organizational change initiatives in a highly regulated environment.

Known for her collaborative leadership style and practical approach to problem-solving, Ashley is committed to fostering a high-performing workplace culture that supports employee growth, business objectives, and long-term organizational success. She believes that thoughtfully designed benefits and total rewards programs are a critical component of organizational success, helping attract, retain, and support a diverse and engaged workforce.