MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA – First Western Bank, a trusted community bank headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, is pleased to announce its expansion into Arizona’s East Valley, with its new Loan Production Office located in Chandler, Arizona. This strategic move reflects the bank’s commitment to building relationships and offering personalized financial solutions in dynamic and thriving markets. Leading the Arizona expansion is David Scott, who joins First Western as Arizona Market President. In this role, Scott will spearhead the establishment and growth of First Western’s presence in the state, leveraging his extensive expertise in commercial banking and community leadership.
Scott, a seasoned executive, brings a proven track record of building successful commercial banking operations. Most recently, he served as Arizona Regional President at Meadows Bank and has held key bank leadership roles throughout his career, specializing in middle market and small business banking.
“David’s deep industry knowledge and strong relationships in the Arizona business community make him the ideal leader to establish and grow First Western in this market,” said Brenda K. Foster, President & CEO at First Western Bank. “At First Western, we believe that the foundation of great banking is built on relationships, and David’s commitment to fostering these in Arizona aligns perfectly with our mission to provide exceptional service to the communities we serve.”
In addition to his professional expertise, Scott is dedicated to community service. He serves on the Central Arizona Board of Junior Achievement, chairs its Stock Market Challenge, co-chairs the Mesa Chamber’s Community Action Partnership, and leads the Early Literacy Impact Maker Team at Valley Leadership. He is also a church council member and supports teacher development in Mesa Public Schools.
“I am honored to join First Western and excited to bring our community-focused approach to Arizona,” said Scott. “I look forward to building a strong team and demonstrating the value that a true community bank can provide. At its foundation, banking is about relationships built on mutual trust. We believe that when our community does well, we will do well.” In support of Scott’s leadership, First Western is also welcoming an accomplished commercial banker to the Arizona team.
Strengthening Leadership with Christie Boutain as SVP Commercial Banker
Further solidifying its expansion efforts, First Western has appointed Christie Boutain as Senior Vice President, Commercial Banker. With 30 years of experience in banking and finance, Christie brings a wealth of expertise in business banking and commercial lending. As a strategic advisor to business clients, Christie will focus on helping Arizona businesses access financial resources while maintaining the bank’s strong reputation for community-driven service. “I am thrilled to join First Western, a community bank that truly reflects my values of customer service, integrity, and community support,” said Boutain. “I look forward to contributing to the bank’s growth in Arizona and making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.”
The Arizona location will operate as a Loan Production Office under the name “First Western” until regulatory approval is received to offer full-service banking, at which point it will join the bank’s growing list of full-service community bank locations.
Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, First Western proudly serves communities across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota with personalized financial solutions rooted in the values of community banking.
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