Silicon Valley Bank Expands Life Science & Healthcare Team

Group adds 6 experts

SAN FRANCISCO, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Expanding its already deep bench of sector expertise, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, announced it has added several new hires to its Life Science and Healthcare team. The expansion of the team further reinforces SVB's ongoing commitment to partnering with and financing companies across the innovation economy, in sectors such as healthtech, biotech, diagnostics and tools.

Through its nationwide Life Science and Healthcare practice, the SVB division provides specialized banking services, debt-financing solutions, a vast network of professional connections, and sector insights to companies and investors across the industry.

"Our new team members bring diverse expertise to our clients and reinforce our ongoing investment in our Life Science and Healthcare practice," said Megan Scheffel, Head of Life Science and Healthcare at Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank. "By intentionally adding deep clinical and venture expertise and experience in the private credit sector, we are providing our clients with more specialized industry support and access to financial solutions that help them navigate and succeed in an increasingly complex healthcare sector."

The recent hires span a variety of roles:

• Bill Burkoth, Senior Managing Director for the Life Science and Healthcare team's East Region, based in New York.
• Bryce Bewley, Managing Director for Life Science and Healthcare, based in San Francisco.
• Ryan Martin, Director for the NorCal Biotechnology, Diagnostics, and Tools Relationship Management Team, based in San Francisco.
• Gibson Cooper, Vice President for the NorCal HealthTech and MedTech Credit Solutions Team, based in San Francisco.
• Wendy Chan, Director for Life Science and Healthcare Startup Banking, based in San Francisco.
• Ries McQuillan, Director for Life Science and Healthcare Startup Banking, based in Boston.

Read more about the Silicon Valley Bank division's Life Science and Healthcare practice here: Global Life Science and Healthcare.

Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank, recently announced its plans to rebrand as First Citizens Innovation Banking in Q4 2026. The Life Science & Healthcare practice will remain dedicated to the sector.  

About Silicon Valley Bank 

Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, is the bank of some of the world's most innovative companies and investors. SVB provides commercial banking to companies in the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity and venture capital industries. SVB operates in centers of innovation throughout the United States, serving the unique needs of its dynamic clients with deep sector expertise, insights and connections. SVB's parent company, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA), is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $225 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at svb.com.

SOURCE Silicon Valley Bank