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
Formerly led Simmons Bank’s Colorado banking presence, and the members of Simmons’ current Colorado-based banking team have agreed to join First Western to help ensure a smooth transition for the Bank’s new clients.
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 is responsible for building and strengthening new and existing client relationships in Arizona.
Matt Gorr
As Northern Colorado Regional President and Market Chairman, Matt is responsible for building and maintaining client relationships in the Northern Colorado community.
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, Charles is responsible for the day-to-day operations and business development of the Aspen team.
Brian Weldon
As Market President of First Western Trust’s Cherry Creek office, Brian is responsible for building and strengthening new and existing client relationships.
Joe O’Brien
As Downtown Denver Market President, Joe is responsible for the overall direction and strategy of the Downtown Denver team and is involved with all aspects of client relationship management.
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.
Paula Campos
As Market President of First Western Trust’s Scottsdale office, Paula is responsible for building and strengthening new and existing client relationships.
David Matthews
As Market President of First Western Trust’s East Valley, Arizona office, David is responsible for building and strengthening new and existing client relationships.
Joe Ballestrasse
As Market President of First Western Trust’s Longmont office, Joe is responsible for building and strengthening new and existing client relationships.
