Ms Dawson announced her retirement at the bank's annual general meeting in Bendigo on Monday.

Ms Dawson joined the Bendigo board in 1999, bringing extensive experience in financial reporting accounting, audit and risk management. 

Ms Dawson was chairwoman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Credit Committee. 

Chairman Robert Johanson thanked Ms Dawson for her significant contribution to the bank and the Bendigo community.

"Jenny’s contribution to this business over the past 15 years has been immense," Mr Johanson said.

"Her tenure coincided with wide fluctuations in our business environment – a period of heady growth as we expanded our Community Bank network, followed by the deep challenges imposed by the worst global financial crisis in 80 years.

"Throughout, Jenny’s hand was steady on the tiller of the credit and audit functions so critical to a bank managing both those excesses.

"She has also made a mark in her local community as a director of various authorities and companies addressing major regional issues such as planning, water security and not-for-profit services.

"Jenny also chairs Sandhurst Trustees where she oversees the bank’s managed investments arm and I am delighted she will continue in that role even as she leaves the bank’s principal board.

"On behalf of the board and shareholders, I thank Jenny for her contribution to Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s success during a period in which our balance sheet grew by 15 times."