28 Years of Serving Friends, Neighbors, and Communities
When Foothills Bank opened its doors in 1997, it was more than just another financial institution. It was a neighborhood dream brought to life. Founded by local developer Hank Schechert in Yuma, Arizona, the bank was created to serve the same community he helped build. From the start, Foothills Bank focused on friendly service, local pride, and meaningful connection. Now, as Foothills Bank celebrates 28 years of service, that same spirit of community, trust, and personal care continues to define who we are.
Our Story: From a local Vision to a Statewide legacy
Hank’s vision was simple: make banking feel personal. He wanted every customer to walk through the door and feel like they were visiting friends. Before the first branch was even finished, Foothills Bank operated out of a single-wide modular building with plastic chairs and umbrellas outside for customers waiting to open accounts. As the bank grew, it never lost its small-town spirit. Coffee and cookies in the lobby became a daily tradition, and locals would stop in just to chat with staff who knew them by name. The phrase “Hank’s Bank” became synonymous with community care, reliability, and friendship.
“Everyone in the Foothills area knew who he was and wanted to participate in anything hecreated because of the success he created in the Foothills. I think he shaped the culture by how he treated everyone; it was a “neighborhood bank”. - Kari Reily, Branch Manager
From one branch to a statewide network
Over the years, Foothills Bank expanded beyond Yuma to serve communities across Arizona, including Prescott and Casa Grande. In 2017, Foothills joined the Glacier Bank family, gaining the strength and resources of a regional banking leader while keeping its local independence intact. By 2020, Foothills Bank welcomed State Bank of Arizona, along with its Mohave State Bank and Country Bank brands, into the fold. The merger more than doubled Foothills Bank’s footprint across the state and strengthened its foundation of local service. Each of these banks shared the same philosophy: local decision-making, personalized service, and deep community roots.
The additional banks brought with them similar founding stories and local legacies of community leaders looking to serve their community with customer focused financial services. Brut Brutinell, a legendary Prescott banker, founded Country Bank in 2002 and was known for his humor, generous philanthropy, and a fifty-year banking career in the Prescott market. Mohave State Bank was founded in 1991, with Robert Rasmussen, Don Vawter and Rich Templeman developing banking relationships throughout the Mohave County area. Each of these banks was built on the same foundation local Arizona community building through trust, service, and neighborly values. While the names have changed over the years, which also included, Yuma Community Bank, Central Arizona Bank, and Summit Bank, the mission behind what ultimate created Foothills today remains the same: Providing personal service and supporting local growth has always been at the heart of these community banks. Some of that history still walks the halls of many of our branches. Many employees of the former banks remain with Foothills today Their dedication and firsthand connection to the bank’s history are living proof of what community banking truly means.
“We are all about building relationships with customers and our communities. That common community bank culture is a tremendous unifier.” - Brian M. Riley, CEO & President
A 28-year commitment to community
From its beginnings in a modular building branch to its statewide presence today, Foothills Bank has stayed true its original purpose: providing financial services that is rooted in relationship and trust. Every banker is empowered to listen, understand, and act with their customer’s best interest in mind. Walk into any branch and you will still find that same welcoming atmosphere. Friendly greetings, familiar faces, and a personal touch define the Foothills experience. The bank continues to live by the belief that success is measured by relationships, not numbers. Today, with 15 branches and more than 230 employees, Foothills Bank remains proudly community driven. Stop by your local Foothills location today and discover the difference of true community banking. We love making new friends and meeting new neighbors.
“All of the banks that ultimately formed Foothills Bank started with the premise that customers should be treated better. That passion to serve others is alive and well today, and it continues to guide how we connect with our customers, support our communities, and build relationships that last.” – Brian M. Riley, President &CEO
