To recognize upcoming leaders in Montana’s banking community, MIB honors an exceptional young banker each year. This award is based on the community banking values of good citizenship, community service, and sound banking skills. This award recognizes the impact the candidate has on his or her business each day and the difference he or she makes by investing in their community. Eligible candidates are under 35 years of age and work for a MIB member bank. The winner receives free convention registration and three nights lodging at the 2021 MIB Annual Convention, $100 in travel expenses, an honor plaque to display in his or her office, and prominent mention in the MIB magazine and website.
This year MIB had two recipients:
ZACH BYMASTER
First Security Bank, Roundup
Zach has worked in nearly all areas of the bank, and he currently performs the role of both lender and bank compliance officer. In 2021, at the age of 28, Zach was promoted to Vice President.
Zach believes in giving back to the community, and since he was a basketball player in college, he decided to use his skills and has served as the Junior High School basketball head coach since 2017.
In addition to coaching, Zach started a free basketball program called the Little Panthers for grades K-6. The program has grown from 30 children in 2017 to over 100 in 2019. Zach also serves as Vice President of the Musselshell Valley Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that uses endowments to fund local grants to the community. Zach also volunteers with the Business Professionals of America since 2010 at the local and state level and has served as a judge at regional and state competitions and assisted several students with their presentations.
Lastly, Zach has served on the Pine Ridge Golf Course board since 2017, running the men’s league for the course. In 2021, he stepped up as the role of manager.
“Zach and his wife have quickly become active members of our small community. He understands and appreciates what being a Community Banker means.” – Shawn W. Dutton, CEO First Security Bank of Roundup
“As a longtime resident of Roundup, I would also like to compliment Zach for his commitment to making our community a better place to live. I highly recommend this servant leader for any opportunity he seeks.” – Dan Eiselein Roundup Junior/Senior High School
BRANDON WALTER
First Montana Bank, Bozeman
Brandon serves as the Portfolio Assistant at First Montana Bank in Bozeman. “Brandon exhibits outstanding community banking values and top-level customer service to both clients and associates,” as quoted by Market President Steven King, FMB. During 2020-2021, PPL Loan Program Brandon took ownership of the program. While learning the process, he remained calm in assisting the bank clients with the application process, documentation, and forgiveness process. The bank clients appreciated his knowledge of the program and prompt responses to their questions. Brandon volunteered to train the Helena branch’s new Loan Portfolio Assistant, helping that office grow quickly. Brandon volunteers for the Thrive Cap Mentor Program. He meets with local students who struggle with school and home life, making an impact on young adult lives. He also volunteers to pick up trash along the rivers and trail system.
“Brandon is an excellent choice for the MIB Outstanding Young Banker Award. I look forward to him continuing to make a positive impact on our bank and our community for many years to come.” – Steven King, First Montana Bank Market President
“In this past year, our restaurants faced pressures we never imagined could exist. We most likely would never have made it without the loans and loan programs that we accessed with Brandon’s direct assistance.” – Albert McDonald, Owner, Backcountry Burger Bar, Bozeman, Pizza Campania, Bozeman, The Mint, Belgrade
