As we continue to celebrate the Bank's 20th anniversary and another successful year at American Riviera Bank, we're excited to take a moment to celebrate the incredible team that makes our Bank special. Our annual WOW Awards are an opportunity for our team to recognize peers who exemplify the core values and mission of ARB. The awards recognize team members in the categories of Team Player, Innovator, Mentor/Leader, Responsive, Reliable, and Core Values. In addition, we recognize an Outstanding Volunteer for their dedication to serving our community.
Here are our 2026 honorees:
Awarded to: Monique Kingston
Role: Banking Support Officer (Santa Barbara)
Monique is always willing to jump in and help wherever she is needed. Whether supporting the branches, assisting other departments, or contributing to projects, she approaches every task with a positive attitude. She is known for being flexible and ready to lend a hand, even when balancing a full workload of her own. Monique's commitment to supporting others makes her someone our team knows they can count on. She consistently puts the needs of the team first, helping wherever support is needed.
Awarded to: Michele Blackwell
Role: Marketing Manager (Santa Barbara)
Michele has brought fresh ideas and creative thinking to American Riviera Bank. She has a talent for turning concepts into engaging, meaningful content that resonates with both clients and colleagues. Michele consistently finds ways to make ideas relevant and impactful, and her ability to bring stories to life continues to elevate the Bank's marketing efforts and strengthen connections across our community.
Awarded to: David Won
Role: Credit Manager (Santa Barbara)
David is a supportive leader who really invests in the growth and success of those around him. He takes the time to share his knowledge and help team members build confidence in their roles. David's patience and approachability make him someone our team feels comfortable turning to for guidance and support. His focus on collaboration helps bring his team together and encourages others to do their best work.
Awarded to: Debbie Hernandez
Role: Digital Banking Supervisor (Santa Barbara)
Debbie is someone both clients and teammates can count on when they need help. She is always quick to respond and ready to assist whenever a question or issue comes up. She approaches every situation with patience and a solution-focused mindset, working to find answers and resolve challenges. Debbie consistently goes above and beyond to support those around her. Her responsiveness and dependability are just a few of the reasons she is so appreciated by our team.
This year, we're recognizing two team members whose dependability and dedication make a difference for our team.
Awarded to: Olivia Baxstresser
Role: Teller (Paso Robles)
Olivia is someone her teammates know they can count on. No matter the task, she approaches her work with a positive attitude and a willingness to help wherever needed. Olivia stepped up in a big way at the Paso Robles branch, helping manage responsibilities across the branch while continuing to provide excellent service to clients. Whether helping a teammate or taking on a new task, Olivia consistently gets the job done with a smile.
Awarded to: Lisa French
Role: Branch Manager (Goleta)
Lisa has earned the trust of both her teammates and clients through her consistent follow-through and dedication to exceptional service. She consistently goes the extra mile for clients, ensuring they receive the attention they deserve. Whether handling a challenging situation or following through on a commitment, Lisa approaches her work with care and a dedication to doing what's right. Her steady leadership has made her someone the Goleta team and clients can always depend on.
Awarded to: Heidi Harwell
Role: Credit Assistant (Santa Barbara)
The positive impact Heidi has on American Riviera Bank and the people around her is impossible to miss. We are grateful for all she does and proud to recognize her as this year's Core Values recipient. She is always willing to jump in and help, whether that's supporting her team, helping clients, or taking care of the behind-the-scenes tasks that make life a little easier for those around her. No matter the task, Heidi approaches it with humility and a genuine desire to help others.
What makes Heidi so special is that she is constantly finding ways to solve problems and make things better for her team and the Bank as a whole. From big projects to the small details that often go unnoticed, Heidi's pride in her work shines through in everything she does. Heidi is the kind of person who makes a difference every day.
In addition to our peer-nominated WOW Awards, the Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes employees who make a meaningful impact through community service, supporting the Bank's "Outstanding" Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rating.
Awarded to: Dustin Reese
Role: Senior Business Relationship Manager (San Luis Obispo)
Dustin's commitment to serving the community goes beyond his role at American Riviera Bank. He volunteers with a variety of youth organizations throughout San Luis Obispo County, including 4-H, Nipomo Little League, and the Nipomo Youth Basketball League, helping mentor and support the next generation. He also teaches financial literacy in local classrooms through ARB's participation in ABA's Teach Children to Save program. Beyond his work with local youth, Dustin stays actively involved in the community through organizations including Friends of Downtown San Luis Obispo, the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo Daybreak, and Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo. We're grateful for the many ways Dustin gives back and makes a difference in our community.
Congratulations to all our WOW Award honorees and thank you for your dedication and commitment to others. The WOW Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the people who go above and beyond each day, making a difference for their team members, clients, and community. We are grateful to everyone who participated in this year's nominations and helped recognize the incredible people who make American Riviera Bank such a special place.
