Water Reflections
We value our community, and we're proud to work for a locally owned and operated community bank. Scroll down to get to know us!
I lead an amazing team of individuals and oversee every aspect of this great community bank. Think of me as the BOAT – Boss of All Things! I’m inspired by knowing that our small, locally owned bank helps so many people and small businesses achieve their financial goals!
Full BioBackground and Experience
I have 27 years of banking experience with an emphasis in commercial lending. I am currently the President of the Bank and I serve on the Board of Directors.
Graduate School of Banking, University of Colorado (Go Buffs!)
Western States School of Banking, University of New Mexico
American Bankers Association National Commercial Lending, Southern Methodist University
What are the values that drive you?
A high work ethic. To me, this means always doing the right thing and considering others needs and wants before your own.
What volunteering or passion projects do you do outside of work?
Serving our local Kiwanis Club is a passion of mine. We hold several fundraising events each year such as the annual Duck Race, Charity Night and our newest event, the Off-road Poker Run. These funds are then distributed to children and youth programs throughout Montezuma and Dolores Counties.
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about you?
In the early 1990’s I sang with a men’s chorus and we performed the National Anthem live at a Denver Bronco’s game (and I walked past John Elway on the sidelines)!
What’s the first job you’ve ever had, and what did you learn from it?
My first job was at a drive-in movie theater, picking up trash each morning after the previous nights’ movies. I learned very quickly that hard work and commitment will eventually get you out of the muck.
Favorite movie line or quote.
“Jefe, do you know what a plethora is?”
– The Three Amigos
What are your hopes for our industry?
I’m hopeful that true community banks can continue to thrive in the midst of large regional and mega bank expansions into rural America. A bank customer should be able to drop in and visit with their friendly neighborhood banker; about solving financial challenges, or simply to talk about last weekend’s football game.
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
Anywhere with a beach!
I work with individuals and businesses to help finance their dreams and goals. Whether it be starting a new business, expanding, or building a new home, getting to share in the dream with my customers and helping it become a reality is the most inspiring part of my work.
Full BioBackground and Experience
I have 14 years of commercial lending experience with a focus on specialized lending. In addition, I have worked in positions where I provided technical assistance to businesses on their business plans and financial projections. I graduated with honors from Fort Lewis College with a degree in Business Finance.
What does community banking mean to you?
Knowing my customers and having the ability to see the person behind the application and working with them, even if it means being a little flexible.
What are the values that drive you?
Integrity, empathy, and the desire to help.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Being a Mother!
What volunteering or passion projects do you do outside of work?
Since college I have stayed involved with the Small Business Development Center as I enjoy helping businesses get access to technical assistance and training to help them start, grow, and prosper.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Spending time with my husband and two daughters working on our family ranch and snowmobiling.
Favorite movie line or quote:
“Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So, love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don’t and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it’d be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.”
– Dr. Seuss
If you were a superhero, which one would you be? If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
If I had to choose a superpower, it would be teleportation and eliminating the need to drive.
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
Alaska
What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
Alligator, but the best part was watching my daughters face when she tried it.
Lisa Sparks Portrait
My job is to make sure the Bank never runs out of lollypops and cash. In all seriousness, I manage the deposit operations side of the Bank and make sure that our staff are always ready and able to help our customers. It inspires me to hear how wonderful our employees are and how we are able to assist our customers with their banking needs.
Full BioBackground and Experience
I have 13 years of banking experience, primarily focused in deposit operations. I am also a Certified BSA/AML Professional through the Independent Community Bankers of America.
Proudest Accomplishment
Being a mom!
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I love spending time with my family, reading, and crafting!
Favorite movie line or quote
“How we survive, is what makes us who we are.” – Rise Against
Who would most likely play you in a movie?
Anna Kendrick
Favorite book(s)
Penryn and the End of Days series
I build relationships with farmers and ranchers, working with them to understand their operations and help them get from production to profits. Around here I am affectionately known as the ODIC; Old Dude in the Corner! I also am known for the advice I can help give from my many years of experience in the industry. The relationships that have been built with my co-workers and my customers inspire me every day.
Full BioBackground and Experience
I have 37 years of banking experience, coupled with personal ranching and farming interests.
Proudest Accomplishment
My children, which somehow led to grandchildren.
What’s the first job you had and what did you learn from it?
Farming for the neighbor – and they actually paid me for it!
Favorite movie line or quote
“Any more questions?” – John Wayne, Eldorado
The phrase was later adopted by Bumble Bee in Transformers.
What TV show do you never miss?
Yellowstone
Who would most likely play you in a movie?
Charlie Chaplin
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
I would really like to drive my motor home to Tahiti!
What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
One of my co-workers introduced me to wasabi…I thought I was going to die!
Taryn Hight - Mortgage Loan Officer portrait
I work with people to achieve the dream of home ownership. The mortgage process can be challenging and impersonal, and I offer exceptional personalized service from start to finish. Helping people is the most inspiring part of my job.
Full BioBackground and Experience
I am a Montezuma County local, passionate about home and family with 14 years of experience in banking. This includes operations, consumer and real estate lending.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Spending time with my family and anything that is on the water.
Favorite book(s)
Pillars of the Earth, which focuses on overcoming adversity and hardship to accomplish a goal.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Forensic Pathologist. This was short lived, as I didn’t have the aptitude for science.
Three words that best describe you
Giving, determined, and happy.
What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
Rattlesnake!
I am the loan arranger! My silver bullet is helping people secure financing when they need a car to drive or a roof over their head. I am inspired by the excitement on someone’s face when their loan request is approved.
Full BioBackground and Experience
I have 37 years of experience in banking, and my time has primarily been focused in the consumer lending area.
What does community banking mean to you?
Flexibility and familiarity with our customers.
Proudest Accomplishment
Being a mother and grandmother.
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about you?
I build furniture.
Favorite movie line or quote
“Elk don’t know how many feet a horse has!” – Jeramiah Johnson
If you were a superhero, which one would you be?
I would be Wonder Woman and have the ability to fly.
Person you would most like to have dinner with?
Mother Theresa
Three words that best describe you
Funny, kind, and easy-going
What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
Frog legs!
Chris Dahl Portrait
I make sure the computers are running, the lights are on, and systems are ready, 24/7. This means I work in the background keeping our equipment functioning and the Bank’s information secure. The quiet days are the inspiring days! If it is quiet for me, then everything is working. I am like the doctor; if no one calls me it’s because everything is working great!
Full BioBackground and Experience
I have 17 years in the IT Networking & Security realm. I began in the corporate environment, dabbled in the oil and gas industry, and moved into the banking world where I currently reside.
What does community banking mean to you?
Community banking means taking care of each other. Only in a community like ours do you know each other by name.
What volunteering or passion projects do you have outside of work?
I have a passion for helping people who are struggling. I help lead a 12-step life recovery group, which gives me the opportunity to show people in our community that good, positive life change is possible.
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy cooking and making new creations in the kitchen. Some creations are enjoyed by my family, others not so much. In my life before computers, I was an Executive Chef.
What’s the first job you’ve ever had, and what did you learn from it?
My first job was bucking hay and loading tractor trailers. At the time it was just a job. Looking back, I see that helped me build a good work ethic and learn what it takes to get the job done.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy getting out and feeling the wind as I ride my motorcycle. If you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle then you’ll understand; it’s never about the destination, only about the ride.
Favorite movie line or quote:
“If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.” – Mark Twain
If you were an animal, what would you be?
I would be a cat since they never do what they’re told and just do what they want.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I didn’t want to grow up.
