Durango, CO – October 21, 2025 – First Southwest Bank (FSWB), a locally owned, independent community bank and one of two Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) banks in Colorado, is pleased to announce that Brenna Morlan, CDFI/CRA Officer and Vice President, will be honored by the American Bankers Association as a recipient of its 2025 ABA Emerging Leader Awards during the upcoming ABA Annual Convention Oct. 19-21 in Charlotte, N.C. This award recognizes the next generation of bank leaders who are committed to the highest standards of achievement and service to both their industry and local communities.  

“We are incredibly proud to see Brenna recognized nationally by the American Bankers Association,” said Kent Curtis, First Southwest Bank president and CEO. ”Throughout Brenna’s career at First Southwest Bank, she has consistently demonstrated the leadership, innovation, and community dedication that this ABA award celebrates.”

The winners were selected by a steering committee of industry professionals after a review of nominations from across the country. The qualities and characteristics the committee evaluated as judging criteria included dedication to the profession, inventiveness, leadership skills, mentoring ability, personal integrity, tenure at the bank and broader commitment to a career in banking, sustained career progress, and academic training, including advanced degrees and certificates/certifications. 

“This year’s ABA Emerging Leaders are an impressive group of rising stars that have already had a measurable impact on our banking community,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “We are excited to see what the future brings as they continue to innovate and elevate our industry going forward.”

Brenna joined FSWB in 2020 and has held various roles including Branch Manager, Retail Operations Officer, Community Outreach/Financial Analyst, and currently CDFI/CRA Officer. In her current role, she advances the bank's mission by fostering community engagement, strategic planning, and impactful investment initiatives. With 28 years of experience in the financial industry, she holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and actively contributes to her community through leadership roles in organizations such as the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, Bayfield Town Board, Regional Housing Alliance, and Rotary International.

Learn more about each member of ABA’s Emerging Leaders class of 2025.

Access a photo of Brenna here.

About First Southwest Bank

First Southwest Bank (FSWB) is a locally owned, independent community bank, and one of two Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) banks in Colorado offering personal and business banking, agricultural and small business loans. FSWB puts customer dollars to work to improve the social and economic landscape of Southern and rural Colorado. With its non-profit partner, the First Southwest Community Fund, and tech platform, HelloBello®, FSWB ensures its region’s entrepreneurs, small businesses, and not-for-profit organizations have access to the inclusive and equitable capital they need to grow and enrich our communities. More information is available at fswb.bank.