The Article
AMARILLO, TX –FirstBank Southwest (FBSW) proudly announces the selection of its third Banking Advisory Council (BAC) class—an exclusive, highly competitive leadership program designed to shape the future of community banking. Launched in 2023, this innovative initiative continues to expand FBSW’s commitment to empowering students and strengthening connections with the next generation of community leaders.
The BAC is intentionally selective, bringing together only 15 students each year from across the Amarillo area. Applicants undergo a rigorous process that includes academic screening, written essays, and in-person interviews.
“This program continues to exceed every expectation we had when we launched it,” said Andy Marshall, President and CEO of FirstBank Southwest. “By design, the BAC is a small, elite group—students who demonstrate leadership, curiosity, and a desire to shape the future. We learn from them just as much as they learn from us, and their insight into the next generation pushes us to evolve as the community bank of the future.”
The BAC gives students unprecedented access to the inner workings of a community bank. Members participate in hands-on learning with FBSW executives, engage in leadership and professional development workshops, contribute to real community initiatives, and provide valuable feedback on how banks can better serve younger generations.
“This is not a typical student program,” said Kelly Preston, BAC Program Director and Senior Vice President, Human Resources Director at FirstBank Southwest. “It is intentionally immersive and designed to challenge students in the best way possible. They gain executive-level exposure, meaningful mentorship, and skill development that gives them a competitive edge in college and beyond.”
BAC members meet monthly from October through May, completing a structured curriculum that includes leadership development, community service, financial literacy, and professional readiness. The program’s cohort format allows students to build relationships, collaborate on projects, and become part of a growing network connected through FBSW.
2025–2026 Banking Advisory Council Members:
- Monica Agundiz Blanco, Palo Duro High School
- Gabriela Bandes, Caprock High School
- Hayden Brillhart, Amarillo High School
- Veditha Chelikani, Amarillo High School
- Tabitha Fowler, Tascosa High School
- Mabel Franks, Tascosa High School
- Linda Jaimes, Amarillo College
- Cason Littau, Canyon High School
- Lorenzo Mondragon, Caprock High School
- Jaycee Mata, Randall High School
- Jacob Moore, San Jacinto Christian Academy
- Sitey Muhidin, Palo Duro High School
- Gavin Snell, Randall High School
- Audrey White, West Plains High School
- Riley Wilson, Canyon High School
ABOUT FIRSTBANK SOUTHWEST
FirstBank Southwest (“FBSW”) was founded in 1907 and family-owned since 1934. FirstBank Southwest is a dynamic 1.8B+ regional bank that has the privilege of serving the families and businesses of the Texas Panhandle, DFW Metroplex, and Austin and San Antonio metro markets. It is the mission of FBSW to be the preferred community bank in the great state of Texas by providing focused financial services for commercial customers and retail customers. Get social with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X. Visit us on our webpage at: www.fbsw.com.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Aimee Grubbs, Marketing Director, 806.322.7229, [email protected]