Western States Bank CEO Gary Crum honored as University of Wyoming Distinguished Alum

Gary Crum, Western States Bank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer has been recognized as a distinguished alum by the University of Wyoming’s College of Business.

The distinguished alum is a high honor bestowed on select graduates for their outstanding professional and career accomplishments and their service to their communities and alma mater.

“I would like to thank the University of Wyoming’s College of Business and the faculty and staff for this distinguished award,” said Gary Crum, Western States Bank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “UW’s commitment to providing an outstanding business education is crucial to the development and success of our next generation of business leaders.”

Criteria for receiving the award includes a nomination by faculty or staff in the College of Business and is voted on by the executive team. Nomination includes the contributions and achievements of the nominee including career accomplishments, community service, and any other pertinent information.

Crum began his banking career in 1986, with Key Bank of Wyoming, serving in various capacities and as an executive officer. A native of Rawlins, Wyoming, Gary attended Central Wyoming College and earned a BS in Finance from UW, where he played football from 1979 to 1981 and was team captain and first team all-conference his senior year. He later earned his MBA in Executive Leadership from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

He is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman for Western States Bank with headquarters located in Laramie, WY, and is a Director of Bankers Bank of the West in Denver, CO.

In 2006, Crum founded Wyoming State Bank, which would become Western States Bank, in his home office. One year later they purchased Western Bank of Cheyenne which took them from $20 million in assets to $100 million. In 2016, they merged with Valley Bank and Trust, which included Western States Bank in Colorado, taking them to $515 million. Crum was appointed by the board to remain the bank Chairman and  CEO with headquarters staying in Laramie, Wyoming. Today, Western States Bank has 13 offices in Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska.

Crum is active in the community and currently serves as President of the Western Region for the Boy Scouts of America, as well as Scoutmaster. His local community involvement includes: Cowboy Joe Club Board Member and Past President, Ivinson Memorial Hospital Board Member and Foundation Executive Board Member, Laramie Chamber Business Alliance Board and Past President, Laramie Lions Club and Past President, UW AD Council Member. Mr. Crum has served on the State of Wyoming Board of Education, State of Wyoming Banking Board, Past President of the Wyoming Bankers’ Association and sits on several National Committees for the American Bankers Association. He is also the Director of the Western States Education Foundation.

Crum has twice been recognized by the Laramie Economic Development Corporation as Business Person of the Year, in recognition for his involvement with the community. In 2017, he received the Outstanding Community Service Award, which is given annually to an individual involved in community activities who promotes Laramie and Albany County. Furthermore, Gary was recipient of the Sam Walton Leadership Award.