We’re pleased to introduce you to our management team. They, along with all of our team members, are committed to meeting the financial needs of our neighbors – the people, organizations and businesses within the communities we serve.
Corporate Officers
Dale L. Leighty
CEO and Chairman of the Board
Dale has been with First National Bank Colorado since 1982. He is the former Chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America and previously served as President of the Independent Bankers of Colorado and as a board member of Bankers’ Bank of the West.
Dale owns and operates a wheat and cattle farm and he’s active in numerous community activities. He’s a director of the Bent County Development Foundation, the Las Animas Lions Club, and the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center. Dale and his wife, Verna, are active in the First Baptist Church of Las Animas and he has worked with youth activities in various capacities over the years.
Quentin Leighty
President, Monument and Flying Horse offices; Chief Financial Officer and Board Member
Quentin has been with First National Bank Colorado since 2005. He’s in charge of our Asset/Liability Management (ALM), manages the investment portfolio and serves as market President. He is on our Bank and Holding Company board of directors and is a member of our Loan Committee. Quentin graduated from the Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado in 2002 and the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado, with honors, in 2008. He serves as a Director with Bankers’ Bank of the West, a Director with the Independent Bankers of America (ICBA) and is Chairman of ICBA’s Policy Development Committee. Quentin is also Chairman of Alumni Advisory Board Member at the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado and a prior school board member at Monument Academy. Quentin is an active member of his church, volunteering with the youth group and finance team. Quentin also serves as a board member on the Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic.
Nathanial Baca
Senior Vice President; Chief Credit Officer
Nate began his banking career at the First National Bank of Ordway in 2006 and joined the First National Bank Colorado team in 2012. He graduated from Western State College in 2005. Prior to serving as Chief Credit Officer, he was a loan officer. Nate has an agriculture background and enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and friends. He is actively involved in his community and has helped coach many youth teams.
Ben Johnson
President, Las Animas office; Chief Operations officer and Director
Ben began his banking career in 1999 and joined First National Bank Colorado in 2006. He has a degree from Adams State University and Western States School of Banking at New Mexico State University. Ben is actively involved in his community and church and has helped lead many youth events over the years.
Marvin Schlegel
President, La Junta office; Board Member
Marvin joined us in 1990. He’s a graduate of Colorado State University and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado. Marvin serves as Director at the South Swink Water Company, a committee member at O.J.C. Business Technology and a board member at the La Junta Rural Fire and EMS District. He also owns and operates a farm and ranch business and is active in his local church.
Robert Valdez
President, Fowler and Rocky Ford offices; Board Member
Robert has been part of the First National Bank Colorado team since 1993. He’s a graduate of Colorado State University and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado. Robert is a member of the Lions Club, an advisor to the Swink Business Class and a 4-H volunteer. He served as a board member for the Swink School District and the OJC Ag Advisory Board as well as the Colorado High School Rodeo.
Tina Beadles
Senior Vice President
Tina began her career with us in 1974. As Senior Vice President, she manages our Human Resources and Personnel functions. Tina has served in several departments during her career at the bank, including bank operations, lending, audit and compliance. She’s been involved in several community boards in Las Animas and Bent County.
Debbie Rusher
President, Ordway office; Controller and Director
Debbie began her banking career at the First National Bank of Ordway in 1982 and joined First National Bank Colorado in 2012. Although Debbie has been in banking for 42 years, she says the customers and the staff are what makes it feel like such a short period of time. She owns and operates a farm and ranch with her brother-in-law. Debbie is a VALE board member and President of the Northwest Sugar City Pipeline. She is an active member in her church.