How did you start in banking?

I started in banking somewhat by chance and somewhat out of necessity. I got married during my senior year at Texas A&M, and my new wife (now 41 years in!) thought I needed a job so we could eat from time to time. University National Bank hired me as a drive-in teller, and during my time there, I became intrigued by the loan officers behind the desks in the lobby. After graduating, I got on at First National Bank of Amarillo, Texas, as a credit analyst and from there, I’ve spent my entire career on the commercial side of the bank. In 1991, Ron Shettlesworth convinced me to move my family to Albuquerque to work as a commercial lender for The Bank of New Mexico, and we have been here and loved it ever since. Bank of Albuquerque (BOK Financial) recruited me to join them in 1998, and the rest is history.

What is the best part about being a banker?

The best part is seeing our clients succeed, seeing our communities grow and knowing that we played an important role. Bankers are integral to the vitality, growth and quality of life in the communities we serve, and our communities thrive when our clients thrive. It’s our mission to support our clients with sound advice and solid banking tools and services across the spectrum.

What changes do you foresee in banking?

My organization is gearing up for widespread and expensive changes to payments processes on the immediate horizon in the U.S. banking system. Payment options for consumers have changed considerably in recent years with the proliferation of Zelle, Venmo, Paypal, etc. Business clients are also starting to recognize the benefits of having more flexibility and control of their payment and reporting options. The traditional banking system payment rails — wires, checks, ACH, cards — are quickly evolving toward third-party and/or customer-controlled payment methods with or without utilizing the banking system. Instant payments, open banking, embedded banking and digital wallets are technologies on the immediate horizon. U.S. banks of all sizes need to start adapting now to remain competitive.

What challenges do you foresee for bankers in New Mexico?

I’m bullish on New Mexico, but the political environment and some important social issues are holding New Mexico back, posing growth challenges for New Mexico banks. I’m hopeful that our elected leaders will soon address what I consider to be obvious issues: crime, education, homelessness and a less-than-friendly business climate. We’ve lost ground on all these issues and, given the resources in Santa Fe, I know we can do better.

Another significant challenge for New Mexico banks is the outsized competition that we face from credit unions. My organization has banking operations in eight states, and my counterparts are astounded by the liberties that New Mexico credit unions are taking. They have strayed from their traditional missions (which justified their tax-exempt status), now venturing heavily into commercial lending and relaxing their membership requirements. Competition is fine, but the playing field should be level. If they are going to open their memberships and broaden their balance sheets to purposes outside their original mission, credit unions should pay the same taxes and be subject to the same regulatory scrutiny as banks. Perhaps state and federal leadership will one day recognize the tax revenues they are leaving on the table.

Also, the idea of a state-owned bank has been introduced at the last two legislative sessions and will likely continue to come up. I hope that our state leaders continue to understand that this is a needless and potentially expensive experiment for New Mexico taxpayers. There is simply no need for a state-owned bank. I know I speak for bankers across New Mexico when I say that banks are fully supporting local communities, making every loan possible and supporting communities through charitable donations, volunteer support and education. There is no case to be made to introduce a state-owned bank to New Mexico … it’s a solution in search of a problem.

Who has had the greatest influence on your career?

I’ve had the benefit of many great influences and mentors throughout my life — teachers, Sunday school teachers, bosses, friends and co-workers — and I sometimes regret that I didn’t recognize it at the time and thank them. Experience-wise, the greatest impact on me came from a few years in the late 80s that I spent as a special assets officer. It was very stressful at the time, but I’ll be forever grateful for the experience. Working on work-out deals gave me a sincere appreciation for proper structure, documentation and decision-making. I also gained a tremendous amount of empathy and appreciation for good honest borrowers who did their best to work their way out of very difficult and stressful situations.

Any advice for young bankers?

Time flies! Stay the course! I’ve had many highs and lows during my 41 years, and I’ve come to appreciate the education and experience from both. The challenges I mentioned earlier also bring about great opportunities for young bankers to be part of the solutions. Banking has become, and will continue to be, more about selling — so get good at it. Always take good care of your clients and represent them well, but at the end of the day, remember where your paycheck comes from.

Tell us about your family and your outside interests.

Cherrie and I have been married 41 years and are blessed with two grown daughters, two wonderful sons-in-law and three beautiful grandchildren. I love to fly fish, golf, mountain bike and hang around the family. I’ve been fortunate to lead several local non-profit boards over the years, including United Way of Central New Mexico, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the Lobo Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters. It is my distinct privilege to lead the NMBA board in the coming year!