American Riviera Bank’s Barbara Caballero-Muñoz Honored in Latino Business Awards

News item July 2, 2019 by American Riviera Bank

Santa Barbara, CA - The Pacific Coast Business Times’ Latino Business Awards announced Barbara Caballero-Muñoz, VP, Loan Administrator at American Riviera Bank, as the honoree in the Banking & Finance category. The awards remarked on Caballero-Muñoz’s work ethic, contributions to the community, and her dedication to her family.

The Latino Business Awards, now in its eighth year, honors individuals from companies and organizations representing the leading segments in the tri-county economy. The awards recognize an honoree’s success record, dedication to community service, as well as their recognitions from other professional groups, chambers of commerce, and community organizations. The awards reception will take place on Thursday, July 18 at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“I am so incredibly honored by this nomination,” said Caballero-Muñoz, “It took a lot of hard work and commitment to get where I am today.  However, when you work with people you consider your family, and you’re working to educate and help people, it just doesn’t seem like a job.”

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Caballero-Muñoz began her banking career while attending SBCC in 1989. She started as a part-time teller at Bank of America and quickly found the banking industry rewarding and one that provided great growth opportunities. After Bank of America, Caballero-Muñoz moved on to Santa Barbara Bank & Trust to further her career moving into the lending field.  She loved working for a community bank.

Caballero-Muñoz credits her higher-level career growth to her mentor, Joanne Funari, who recruited her to open a new community bank Business First National Bank in 2000. Since then, she has grown a great deal. Caballero moved from credit assistant to loan officer, to her current position at American Riviera Bank — VP, Loan Administrator.

“Barbara arrived with such great energy and amazing dedication,” said Joanne Funari, Executive Vice President and COO of American Riviera Bank. “Anything that needed to be done, she was there. And that’s still the case with her work at American Riviera Bank. Barbara truly makes us better.”

Caballero-Muñoz continues to reside in Santa Barbara with husband Tino, daughter Bella, and son Gabe. When not working you can find Barbara watching Bella playing tennis or Gabe playing water polo. She believes in giving back to the community and is an active parishioner at San Roque Church, volunteers with her family through Boys Team Charity. On occasion you can see her working alongside her family at the Unity Shoppe.