David Matthews

Highly accomplished financial executive with 20+ years of experience leading commercial banking, credit, and revenue-generating teams. Proven record of building high-performing organizations, driving sustainable growth, and fostering strong credit and risk cultures. Strategic and inclusive leader recognized for business development success, disciplined lending execution, and the ability to inspire teams toward profitable outcomes while maintaining a positive and accountable workplace culture.

Market President at First Western Trust, Arizona (2022-01 – 2024-01)

Recruited and led a 10-person operating team reporting to the Regional President with responsibility for all revenue-generating activities including commercial lending, deposit generation, wealth management, and insurance sales. Defined and executed market coverage strategy across Arizona and contiguous states.

• Increased loan volume 37% and deposit volume 22% within the first 18 months
• Established target markets, performance expectations, and accountability metrics
• Built a collaborative culture aligned with disciplined credit execution and growth objectives

Executive Vice President / Chief Banking Officer at Bank 34, Arizona (2018-01 – 2022-01)

Oversaw daily operations of commercial lending teams across Arizona and New Mexico, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. Delivered monthly production, pipeline, and performance reports to the Board of Directors and established clear strategic priorities for lending and growth.

• Built the bank's lending platform from the ground up, significantly improving performance metrics
• Expanded commercial and industrial lending activities, increasing C&I commitments by over 100%
• Grew outstanding loans 65.9% to $433MM from $261MM over four years
• Reinforced a culture of teamwork, accountability, and disciplined execution through aligned incentives

Regional President at Meadows Bank, Arizona (2015-01 – 2018-01)

Led the development and launch of a Las Vegas-based banking operation, recruiting and managing a team of eight banking professionals and reporting directly to the CEO.

• Exceeded performance budgets by 18% within the first two years
• Formed a high-profile Advisory Board comprised of prominent community and business leaders
• Established market presence and operational infrastructure supporting long-term growth

Senior Vice President / Chief Credit Officer at Bank of the Southwest, Arizona

Vice President / Commercial Sales Manager at Southwest Bank of Phoenix / M&I Bank, Arizona

Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Speech Communication – University of Washington, Seattle

Management Training Program – Rainier Bank, Seattle