At UMB, strong relationships are central to how we serve businesses and communities. This philosophy is personal for Claire Kowalski, vice president and commercial banking relationship manager.
How I show up for clients
I’m based in New Mexico and work closely with businesses across the state to help them grow, expand and navigate change with confidence. Beyond simply providing banking solutions, I see my role as something deeper: becoming a trusted advisor and an extension of my clients’ internal teams.
Being purposeful in how I show up for clients, colleagues and the community is incredibly important to me. I want businesses to know they have a full support system with me, and with UMB.
Building relationships that drive growth
My experience in banking has been shaped through a willingness to embrace new opportunities. When I began my career, I was focused on small business lending and specialized in SBA 504 lending. Then, I transitioned to community banking—a career move that was both intimidating and transformative. While it was a scary decision at the time, it ultimately helped shape the path I’m on today.
My relationship-first mindset has become an even bigger focus during a period of significant growth and change for UMB in New Mexico. Following UMB’s acquisition of New Mexico Bank & Trust in 2025 (parent company HTLF), our New Mexico team has worked tirelessly to ensure customers felt supported through all stages of the transition.
Our efforts contributed to UMB becoming one of the top three deposit banks in New Mexico, with $2.7 billion in deposits in 2025.
Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of how our team showed up for our customers and each other during a time of change. There’s a lot of momentum in New Mexico, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.
Leading inside and outside the office
I hope my impact in New Mexico extends beyond the banking community. In 2026, I began serving as president of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) New Mexico‡, an organization dedicated to advancing women in commercial real estate and related industries. CREW played a major role in shaping my career, so being able to lead the organization now is both an honor and a responsibility.
I’m also deeply involved in nonprofit work in the state, including serving on the loan committee for Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team‡ (WESST), a nonprofit focused on helping entrepreneurs access capital and business support services. I also help support Locker #505‡, a student clothing bank that provides clothing to students in need across New Mexico.
It’s important to me that opportunity is accessible to people who are willing to work for it.
Mentorship and paying it forward
Looking ahead, I hope my influence continues to grow not only through the businesses I work with, but also through the people I mentor. I’m excited to welcome a future generation of professionals and business leaders who had more opportunities because someone invested in them. I want to see women who were mentored go on to lead organizations, start businesses and mentor others in return.
My advice to professionals just starting their careers reflects the same mindset that guided my own journey. Say yes before you feel ready. Growth often happens when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone.
A purposeful approach
If I had to summarize my path forward, I would use the word “purposeful.” That intentionality carries through every aspect of my work, from serving clients and mentoring colleagues to supporting the broader New Mexico community.
With me, and at UMB, relationships matter. When you lead with purpose and invest in people, you can create a lasting impact.
Learn more about Claire in Albuquerque Business First‡.
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