Our Leaders
At First Western, we share an uncommon entrepreneurial edge, possessing diverse backgrounds and impressive credentials. Our ability to think creatively and build a solid plan for execution supports a thriving culture and promotes continued success throughout our organization.
With an innate desire and ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve success, we are dedicated to our clients, our fellow associates, and the ongoing strength and growth of the company.
Senior Leadership Team
Scott Wylie
In 2002 recognizing the need for an integrated approach for delivering financial services to the growing affluent market Scott Wylie co-founded First Western Trust.
Named a Denver Business Journal Most Admired CEO. Read the article here.
Julie Courkamp
As Chief Operating and Financial Officer, Julie oversees all accounting, finance, operations, human resources, and risk functions. Julie also serves on our Board of Directors.
Matt Cassell
As Chief Banking Officer, Matt translates client goals into leading solutions and outcomes by applying a progressive and modified approach to tried and true legacy principles. His two passions are positioning people to achieve great things and theme parks. He even graduated from the Disney Institute of Business.
Chris Pixler
As Director of Operations and Technology, Chris is responsible for developing and driving our strategy to align our associates, our processes, and our technology to provide best in class service to our clients.
Scott Lawley
As Chief Credit Officer, Scott is responsible for our asset quality, including private banking, commercial and real estate loans.
John Sawyer, CFA
As Chief Investment Officer, John is responsible for developing First Western’s overall investment strategy and leading the company’s Investment Policy Committee.
Regional Leaders
Suzanne Johnson
As Denver Metro Regional President, Suzanne Johnson is responsible for building and strengthening new and existing client relationships.
Chuck Watts
As Regional President for Arizona, Chuck Watts employs his wealth of financial industry to build and strengthen client relationships, and create committed, client-focused teams.
Matt Gorr
As Northern Colorado Regional President and Market Chairman, Matt establishes trust in the community, and uses a wholistic approach to work with clients to satisfy all facets of their financial needs.
Presidents & Chairmen
Christine Joseph
As Market President of First Western Trust’s Phoenix office, Christine is responsible for building and strengthening new and existing client relationships.
Mike Eden
As Market President of First Western Trust’s Jackson Hole office, Mike is responsible for building and strengthening new and existing client relationships.
Tom Behr
As Market President of First Western Trust’s Northern Colorado office, Tom is responsible for building and strengthening new and existing client relationships.
Charles Bantis
As Market President of our Aspen office and the Resort Region President, Charles is responsible for the day-to-day operations and business development of the resort teams throughout Colorado.
Brian Weldon
As Market President of First Western Trust’s Cherry Creek office, Brian structures unique banking and lending solutions for clients, working, and growing with them at every stage of their journey.
Joe O’Brien
As Denver Market President, Joe O’Brien applies his industry knowledge to solve problems, provide successful outcomes, stay in communication with clients, and proactively anticipate what lies ahead.
Todd Whittemore
As President, Residential Mortgage, Todd oversees the sales and service operations for First Western’s residential mortgage division across Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, and California.
Joe Short
As Golden Market President, Joe is responsible for building and strengthening new and existing client relationships.
Michael Glass
As Market President of First Western Trust’s Vail office, Michael is responsible for building and strengthening new and existing client relationships.
Tim Morphy
As Director of Wealth Management for First Western Trust’s Los Angeles office, Tim is responsible for building and strengthening new and existing client relationships.
Heath Kinsland
As Market President of First Western Trust’s Denver Tech Center office, Heath is responsible for building and strengthening new and existing client relationships.
David Matthews
As Market President of First Western Trust’s Scottsdale office, Dave takes in the full breadth of a client’s desired goals and develops a practical effective plan to add the most value for the client, no matter the complexity of the transaction.
Joe Ballestrasse
As Market President of First Western Trust’s Broomfield office, Joe connects with clients to under their needs and engages his team of talented professionals to help clients achieve their goals.
