The Article
AMARILLO, TX – FirstBank Southwest (FBSW) has selected 15 area students to serve in the fourth class of its Banking Advisory Council (BAC), a leadership and professional development program that gives students an inside look at community banking while giving FBSW the opportunity to hear directly from the next generation.
Launched in 2023, the BAC brings together a select group of students from across the Amarillo area. Applicants go through a competitive selection process that includes academic screening, written essays, and in-person interviews. This year’s class includes students from Amarillo College and eight area high schools.
Now entering its fourth year, the program gives students opportunities to work directly with FBSW leaders, develop professional and leadership skills, participate in community initiatives, and learn how different areas of a community bank work together. Just as importantly, students are encouraged to share their ideas and perspectives on how banks can better connect with and serve younger generations.
“Each class brings something different to the program, and that’s one of the things that makes the BAC so valuable,” said Kelly Preston, BAC Program Director and Senior Vice President, Human Resources Director at FirstBank Southwest. “These students come in with different goals, experiences, and perspectives, but they share a willingness to learn and challenge themselves. Our goal is to give them experiences and relationships they can take
with them well beyond their time in the program.”
BAC members meet monthly from October through May, with a curriculum focused on leadership development, community service, financial literacy, and professional readiness. The cohort structure also gives students an opportunity to build relationships with their peers and with professionals throughout FBSW.
“When we started the Banking Advisory Council four years ago, we wanted to create something that would give young people a seat at the table,” said Andy Marshall, President and CEO of FirstBank Southwest. “That continues to be one of the most important parts of this program. We’re investing in these students, but we’re also listening to them. Their ideas and perspectives help us better understand the generation that will become our future customers, employees, and community leaders.”
2026–2027 Banking Advisory Council Members
| • Fabian Alvarado, Amarillo College • Shantall Diaz, Canyon High School • Danielle Frausto, Canyon High School • Carsyn Heider, Amarillo High School • Apryle McKnight, Tascosa High School • Jose Moncayo, Palo Duro High School • Obed Moreno, Palo Duro High School • Landon Nemoede, West Plains High School |
• Pearl Parsley, Randall High School • Bradley Schroeter, Amarillo High School • Kate Skilbred, Amarillo College • Peyton Thompson, West Plains High School • Phinally Traylor, Caprock High School • Jaralyn Watson, Bushland High School • Roddrick Watkins Jr., Tascosa 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]