Kent looks to spend more time fly-fishing and skiing; confident passing the torch to new leader, Shannon Sears
By Jack Reaney ASSOCIATE EDITOR
After almost four decades in the financial sector, the man on the other side of interest rates is off to pursue other interests.
Before leading First Security Bank for eight years, Tim Kent’s path to Big Sky was not linear: he graduated from Colorado State University in 1982 and served almost three years with the Peace Corps in North Africa working with the Agricultural Ministry of Tunisia. He returned to earn a masters in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management, and began his career in lending and banking before he pivoted into a CFO role with an international golf course design and construction firm. He spent more than two decades in golf before switching to real estate development finance in his home state of Colorado. He enjoyed his entire career, but he called his final chapter “a capstone.”
Kent took a job as branch manager for Big Sky Western Bank after visiting and interviewing in June 2015. Although Big Sky Western Bank merged with First Security Bank in 2018, Kent’s role remained relatively unchanged.
“It’s been just a great ride,” Kent said. “The growth and the quantity and quality of development in Big Sky… It’s pretty amazing how many of the projects that we’ve been able to be part of.”
The most rewarding part of his work: building relationships with Big Sky businesses.
“There are just some tremendous talents in Big Sky,” Kent said.
His widespread work experience enabled him “to understand and participate in what was happening in Big Sky in terms of real estate development and the financing thereof,” Kent added.
The bank supported all opportunities to participate in community events, Kent said. He served on the board of the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and was a founding member of the Big Sky Community Housing Trust, serving on its first board.
“Very proud that we were able to accomplish that,” Kent said of BSCHT. “It took a lot of people—took the entire community—to come together to do that. But in a very short time, it’s been a very impactful organization.”
He was drawn to Big Sky by the fishing.
“That will always be No. 1,” he said. “I love to fly fish, and I’m looking forward to getting more time to do that.”
Downhill skiing is a close second. In reality, Kent isn’t retired—he already took a volunteer position as a mountain host for Big Sky Resort.
“You’ll see me on the mountain wearing one of the bright green jackets… I’m looking forward to spending more time up there this winter,” Kent said.
He made the decision to retire about a year ago and began the transition. He sensed it was time to bring a younger person into the role, and he also wanted to be able to enjoy an active lifestyle before he got “too old” for Big Sky’s adventures.
Still, he’ll miss the camaraderie and support of his team. They held a going-away party in mid-December, and Kent was overwhelmed by the turnout and everything attendees had to say.
“Very proud of the work we’ve done over the years. Current employees and past employees as well,” Kent said.
Confidence in the hand-off
Kent added his gratitude that Shannon Sears will fill the role of branch president.
“She brings a lot of energy, a lot of great existing relationships in the business community of Big Sky,” Kent said. “I think she’ll be a fantastic person for the organization going forward.”
Kent and Sears have held some hand-off meetings with clients, but Kent said for the most part, she’s already acquainted with the local business community.
“Big Sky is filled with exceptional people, and I am thrilled about the opportunity to serve my community from this new public-facing role,” Sears wrote in an email to EBS. “I am most excited about having meaningful interactions inside and outside of the bank. I have also thoroughly enjoyed learning about new industries from a commercial lender perspective, and I find excitement in problem solving with the smart, creative people that drive this town.”
Sears brings experience from her prior role as vice president for Montana Title and Escrow. She’s also confident in the skills and local experience accrued by joining public service roles and engaging with community forums and events since arriving to Big Sky in 2015.
“I can’t thank the town enough for the warm welcome I’ve received these last two months,” Sears wrote. “It is an honor to get to meet every one of you, and I look forward to serving you for years to come. I certainly have Tim Kent and Jim Ness to thank for giving me the chance to take my passion for community to the next level—I won’t let you down!”
