What do you enjoy most about your job? The thing that I enjoy the most about my job is the people. I love to be involved in a community — meeting new people and building relationships with others. I have an opportunity to be a mentor to others that I work with, collaborate with leaders through non-profit boards, and work with customers to help them in all aspects of their banking needs. Through my career with Alpine Bank, I have built longterm friendships with customers and co-workers who have had huge impacts on my life. What makes your bank unique? I truly believe that Alpine Bank has the best culture in the banking industry. We are proud to be a true Colorado bank that is one of the most philanthropic companies in the state. Alpine Bank is employee-owned which gives each of us, as shareholders of the bank, an entrepreneurial stake in the company to help guide us to make decisions that are best for the bank and for our customers. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? The most rewarding aspect of my job is the ability to give back to the communities in which we serve. I am able to volunteer in the community and for non-profit boards such as Make‑A‑Wish Colorado and as an advisory board member of the CBA. As a banker, I have the ability to impact our communities through non-profit investments of both time and money. It is so rewarding to play a small part of these non-profit entities and see first-hand how they effect change to make our communities better. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a rockstar! I am not a good singer, but I’ve always thought that entertaining people through music would be so rewarding. What makes your bank unique? First Southwest Bank is a CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution). There are only two in the state of Colorado and no other CDFI banks in the entire four corners region. CDFI banks operate a little differently than traditional banks in that they typically have a mission-oriented focus and predominately serve populations and geographic areas that are underserved. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help entrepreneurs get access to capital, especially when they come to First Southwest Bank after others are unable to help them. It is rewarding to be able to watch them succeed, and I enjoy the friendships that ensue from the development of that relationship. What do you like to do to give back to the community? I like to spend my time where I feel like I can create the greatest value. I love to educate and be a role model for other aspiring women professionals. I am the President and Chair of our local Economic Development Organization, the Vice Chair of the Minority Business Office, and I am on the new Office of Financial Empowerment Council. I have spent my time volunteering for various non-profits, but one that stands out to me is the Boys and Girls Club because it allows me to give back to an organization that once helped me. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know. I grew up in a big family — I have 11 brothers and sisters. I grew up in poverty and know firsthand the inequities that can occur at the poverty level. I think it has given me a unique perspective and insight into how to help those in need. Growing up on the receiving end of a lot of support services gave me an appreciation for the value of those types of services. Sherry Waner Chief Development Officer First Southwest Bank Karrie Fletcher President Alpine Bank CBA Centerpoint Colorado Banker 14
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