Mark Bechaver

SAN LUIS VALLEY - San Luis Valley Federal Bank announced the appointment of Mark Bechaver and Steve Valdez to the bank’s Board of Directors. “We are very pleased to have Mark and Steve join the Bank’s Board of Directors, said bank board Chairman LeRoy Salazar. Mark’s many years in banking and his relations with many in the community will be valuable assets to the Board. His participation on the Board will be essential as he prepares to succeed current bank CEO, Duane Bussey. Steve’s business background, his work with Adams State University, with SLVREC, and other local organizations along with his background in agriculture, will be very valuable for the Bank.”

Bank CEO Duane Bussey said, “We are proud to have Mark and Steve join the bank’s Board. They are both high integrity people that will help us maintain the outstanding leadership and guidance provided by our Board over the years. Both of them appreciate how critical agriculture is to the Valley’s economy, and their personal experiences in ag will provide valuable insights for the Board.”

The bank has employed Mark Bechaver for 28 years. He began as the bank’s appraiser and has served as a loan officer and Chief Lending Officer. He is currently the bank’s President.

Mark is a lifelong resident of the San Luis Valley. He graduated from Centauri High School and received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Adams State University. He is also a graduate of the School of Banking at Colorado. He has served in various capacities in multiple community organizations across the San Luis Valley.

In addition, Mark co-operates a ranch and family cow/calf operation in Conejos County and Northern New Mexico. He and his wife Sheli reside in Manassa. They have three adult children, Chelsea, Bryce and Josh.

“I am very humbled and honored to work for San Luis Valley Federal Bank. I appreciate the opportunity to continue my career and serve in the capacities I do at San Luis Valley Federal Bank, said Bechaver.”

Valdez joins the bank’s Board after working for City Market for 35 years, ending his career as the longtime manager of the Alamosa store. He was born and raised in Conejos County, attended Centauri High School, and graduated from Adams State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Steve has been active in the community serving as a Trustee of Adams State University and leading the Trustee board as Chair from 2011 to 2013. He has also served as President of both the SLV Cattlemen’s Association and the ASU Grizzly Club. He currently serves as the Conejos County representative on the SLV Rural Electric Board of Directors. He and his wife Sandra reside on the family farm in Conejos County, where they grow alfalfa and have a bison cow/calf operation. They have four children.

Bechaver and Valdez are filling two vacancies on the bank’s eight-member Board created by the retirement of director Paul Motz and the passing of Board member Gigi Darricades.