First Western Financial (MYFW) Proxy filing summary

Executive summary

• 2025 saw strong financial performance: book value per share rose to $27.30, net income increased 55% to $13.2 million, and deposits and loans grew nearly 10% each over the prior year.

• Tangible book value per share reached $24.07, and diluted EPS was $1.34, up from $0.87 in 2024.

• Non-performing assets declined significantly, and the company continued to outperform regional banking indices in shareholder returns.

Voting matters and shareholder proposals

• Shareholders will vote to elect eleven directors for one-year terms, ratify Crowe LLP as independent auditor for 2026, and approve a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation (“Say on Pay”).

• The Board recommends voting FOR all director nominees, auditor ratification, and the Say on Pay proposal.

• Shareholders of record as of April 10, 2026, are entitled to vote; voting can be done by mail, phone, internet, or in person.

Board of directors and corporate governance

• The Board consists of eleven members, 82% of whom are independent; average director age is 62 and average tenure is 12.8 years.

• Board leadership includes a combined Chairman/CEO role (Scott C. Wylie) and a lead independent director (Joseph C. Zimlich).

• Three standing committees: Audit, Compensation, and Corporate Governance/Nominating, all with independent chairs.

• Directors are evaluated for independence, ethics, and diverse expertise; six new directors have joined since 2013.

• Directors are required to own at least $250,000 in company stock within five years.