Southwest Heritage Bank Names Paul Tees New President

BizTUCSONSeptember 17, 2026

2 minutes read

Southwest Heritage Bank is turning to one of its own to lead its next chapter, naming longtime banking executive Paul Tees as president.

Tees succeeds Chris Webster, who retired from the role after more than 50 years in banking. Webster will remain on the boards of Bancorp 34 and Southwest Heritage Bank, providing continuity as the institution moves through its leadership transition.

The appointment follows what company leaders describe as a carefully planned succession process, reflecting confidence in Tees’ experience and his commitment to community banking.

“Paul has played a key role in building a strong local lending business that reflects our strategy of serving local businesses and strengthening the communities where we operate,” said Ciaran McMullan, chairman and CEO of Bancorp 34. “This appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in his leadership and his relationship-based approach to banking.”

Tees brings more than 30 years of experience across commercial banking, commercial real estate lending, private wealth management, credit and corporate finance. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions with financial institutions including BMO, FINOVA Capital, Compass Bank, National Bank of Arizona and Commerce Bank of Arizona.

Since joining Southwest Heritage Bank as chief credit officer, Tees has helped oversee the bank’s lending strategy while expanding its commercial loan portfolio. He will continue serving as Chief Credit Officer alongside his new responsibilities as President.

In accepting the appointment, Tees said he plans to build on the bank’s strong community banking foundation while maintaining a disciplined approach to lending.

“I am honored by the confidence that the Board has placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve as President of Bancorp 34 and Southwest Heritage Bank,” Tees said. “Chris has been an exceptional leader and mentor, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation he helped create. Our focus will remain on serving local businesses and communities, maintaining strong credit discipline, and delivering the high level of personal service that has always distinguished community banking.”

The leadership transition marks the end of Webster’s tenure as president, during which he helped guide the evolution of the organization into what is now Southwest Heritage Bank. One of the defining moments of his career was leading Commerce Bank of Arizona through its merger with Bank 34, a combination that laid the groundwork for the current institution.

“Chris’ career has been defined by integrity, professionalism and a deep commitment to service,” McMullan said. “We are grateful for his many contributions and look forward to his continued leadership on our board of directors.”

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Bancorp 34 is the holding company for Southwest Heritage Bank, which operates seven community banking branches across Arizona and New Mexico. The bank serves businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals throughout its markets with a focus on relationship-based banking and local decision-making.

For Tees, the promotion represents both a continuation of the bank’s community-focused philosophy and an opportunity to help shape its future as it expands its presence across the Southwest.