Volunteers of America Colorado needs 6,000 toys this Holiday Season.
JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL
WRAPPING PARTY
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 5–7pm
At First American State Bank
Heavy appetizers and drinks provided
DEADLINE TO DONATE
Deadline for donations is
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
DONATE ONLINE
Make cash donations directly to VOA by scanning the QR code. Suggested $25 donation.
Greenwood Village, Colo., (Oct 7, 2025) — First American State Bank announced that Colette Ruff has joined the bank as chief financial officer.
Ruff brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in finance and accounting across the financial services industry. She has held senior roles at both public and private banking institutions, advised Wall Street firms in the aftermath of the financial crisis and founded her own consulting practice specializing in technical accounting, business process optimization, forensic analysis and expert testimony.
“Colette’s depth of expertise in financial management, regulatory reporting and leadership makes her a tremendous asset to our team,” said Michelle Gruber, vice president of First American State Bank. “We are excited to welcome her to the bank as we continue to grow and strengthen both our financial foundation and community connection.”
Prior to joining First American State Bank, Ruff served as senior vice president and accounting officer at Fortis Bank, controller at Western Veterinary Partners and First Western Financial, and director of accounting at CoBank. She began her career with Ernst & Young and has also advised large financial institutions on regulatory and operational matters.
Ruff is a certified public accountant in Georgia and Colorado. She earned a Master of Accountancy degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Science in finance degree from the University of Florida.
Beyond her professional expertise, Ruff is actively involved in community engagement, supporting the American Association of Kidney Patients and the Alzheimer’s Association through volunteerism and fundraising.
First American State Bank is a locally owned and operated community bank located in Greenwood Village, Colo. Known for its first-class customer service, the bank is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year. It offers products and services for individuals and businesses alike, both online and in-person. For more information, visit FASBank.com.
Friday, October 4, 2025, 9am-1pm and Friday, October 17, 2025, 9am-12pm
FIRST AMERICAN STATE BANK
8390 E. Crescent Parkway, Suite 100, Greenwood Village, CO
* If you are 65 or older, we will be offering a high dose flu shot for free. Please request this higher dose flu shot when you make your reservation. This higher dosage flu shot is only available to 65 or older.
Please call Liesl Sevilla at 303.694.6464, ext 319
by September 24 to reserve a time**.
** The Visiting Nurse Association provides shots. Age and health restrictions for receiving a flu shot at a business location may apply. Questions may be directed to the Visiting Nurse Association at 303.698.2121.
Greenwood Village, CO – First American State Bank (FASB) is pleased to announce the addition of Derek Green as Universal Banker, further strengthening the bank’s commitment to delivering relationship driven service and tailored financial solutions for its clients.
Derek brings a strong background in both retail and relationship banking, most recently serving as a Relationship Banker with PNC Bank in Aurora, Colorado, where he built trusted client relationships, guided individuals toward personalized financial solutions, and contributed to branch revenue growth through referrals.
Prior to his role at PNC, Derek worked with United Fidelity Bank, also in Aurora, as a Teller, where he maintained accuracy in large cash transactions and advised clients on deposit products such as CDs, money markets, and other savings options.
In addition to his banking experience, Derek’s early career in hospitality helped him develop strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
“Derek’s experience in both relationship banking and customer-focused service makes him a perfect fit for First American State Bank,” said Michelle Gruber, Vice President. “His ability to connect with clients, provide thoughtful financial guidance, and deliver consistent service embodies our mission to know our customers by name and not just by account number.”
As Universal Banker, Derek will support both personal and business clients with a wide range of financial services, ensuring each customer receives the responsive, personalized attention that defines First American State Bank.
Derek earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Equine Science from Colorado State University.
About First American State Bank
Founded in 1995, First American State Bank is a privately owned, full-service community bank headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado. For nearly 30 years, FASB has proudly served Colorado individuals, families, and businesses with relationship-driven banking, local decision-making, and a deep commitment to community.
Learn more at www.fasbank.com
Media Contact:
Michelle Gruber
Vice President
First American State Bank
303-694-6464
Greenwood Village, CO – As FirstBank undergoes a merger that will shift its operations and ownership structure, Colorado business owners are facing new uncertainty about the future of their banking relationships. In contrast, First American State Bank (FASB) remains proudly Colorado-owned, relationship-driven, and independent for more than 30 years.
A Personal, Relationship-Driven Approach
Many business owners have voiced frustration with large banks’ impersonal service models, frequent turnover of relationship managers, and reliance on call centers or 800 numbers. At FASB, clients work directly with dedicated bankers, including our President to Chief Lender Officer to wire specialists, ensuring stability, responsiveness, and clarity.
“We are rooted in Colorado,” said Michelle Gruber, Vice President at First American State Bank. “We know your name, not just your account number. For business owners, that means you always know who to call and you will always get a local decision maker who understands your needs.” Gruber added. “Our customers get consistent, trusted advisors who know their business, their goals, and their community.”
A Commitment to Colorado
As a community bank, FASB’s focus extends beyond banking. The bank invests in local causes, including Volunteers of America Colorado and The Village Toy Drive, keeping philanthropy dollars directly in Colorado. FASB’s giving strengthens the same communities it serves.
Built for Business Owners
With tailored solutions for commercial lending, treasury management, and personalized financial services, FASB provides flexibility and hands-on support that large, standardized institutions often can’t match. Business clients benefit from:
• Direct access to decision-makers.
• Custom lending solutions built around individual business needs.
• A concierge-style approach to account transitions.
About First American State Bank
Founded in 1995, First American State Bank is a privately owned, full-service community bank headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Serving business and personal clients alike, FASB is known for its personalized service, stability, and commitment to strengthening local communities.
For more information on switching your business banking to First American State Bank, visit www.fasbank.com
Media Contact:
Michelle Gruber
First American State Bank
Vice President
mgruber@fasbank.com
303-694-6464
Greenwood Village, CO – First American State Bank is proud to announce the addition of a new Senior Credit Analyst to our team, Miriam Romero. Miriam brings strong financial expertise and proven industry experience to support our continued growth and commitment to client success.
Miriam is a graduate of the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She began her career at FirstBank, serving as a Banking Officer before transferring internally as a Commercial Credit Analyst. In that role, she performed comprehensive underwriting analysis, supported commercial clients, and successfully completed FirstBank’s Management Training Program.
Michelle Gruber, Vice President of First American State Bank, shared: “We are excited to welcome such a talented professional to our team like Miriam. Her background in credit analysis and commercial lending will add tremendous value as we continue to strengthen our client relationships and serve the financial needs of our community.”
First American State Bank looks forward to the expertise and fresh perspective she will bring to our credit and lending team.