With 25+ years of banking experience, specializing in commercial lending that assists small business start-ups and expansions, Sherry has enabled First Southwest Bank to become one of the State’s top SBA lenders, and one of the largest USDA lenders in the Nation. She serves as the bank’s lead strategist for fund and resource development. Sherry’s extensive knowledge of Government Programs has created opportunities for flexible and creative financing solutions for budding entrepreneurs and business owners.
Sherry attended the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado University Boulder and is a certified SBDC advisor providing training, coaching and counseling to minority and underserved businesses. She is very active in civic organizations and economic development efforts. In her role on the Board of Directors for the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation, Sherry was instrumental in facilitating a new micro-loan program for Archuleta County.
Her current focus is on expanding outreach and impact on rural communities by providing access to credit and capital through Public & Private collaborations with First Southwest Bank’s CDFI initiatives, and their related 501c-3 Non Profit, First Southwest Community Fund. First Southwest Bank is the only bank in Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners region designated as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) — a certification from the United States Treasury for banks who primarily provide funding to underserved geographic areas and populations.