Ellithorpe joins FSWB Board of Directors

First Southwest Bank (FSWB), a locally owned bank and Community Development Financial Institution serving the San Luis Valley for over 100 years, has appointed Jed Ellithorpe to its Board of Directors. Ellithorpe has banked with FSWB in Center since 1989, first as 1st National Bank and Vectra Bank until it became FSWB in 2004.  

Since 2000, Ellithorpe has assisted with the operation of Aspen Produce, his family-owned potato packing facility in Center, and Ponderosa Partnership, their farm entity producing potatoes, cattle, hay and grain. Since 2004, he has served on varied potato industry boards throughout North America, helped found

 United Potato Growers of Colorado and, from 2016-2018, chaired the Federated Potato Cooperative.

Ellithorpe founded an aviation company in 2018 and has served on the San Luis Valley Regional Airport Advisory Board. In 2006, he served as President of the Sand Dunes Shrine Club.

Ellithorpe’s roots grow deep in the San Luis Valley. He is a 4th generation potato farmer whose great grandfather was the valley’s first USDA potato inspector. His father, grandfather and great uncle worked in mining at Summitville and Elwood.

In 2000, he received his Bachelor of Science from Fort Lewis College in Durango in Business with Agriculture and International Minors. Ellithorpe is married to Lisa (Stoeber) Ellithorpe with whom he has two children, Syree and Liam.  His hobbies include aviation, golf and skiing.

In August, Governor Jared Polis recognized First Southwest Bank as a PPP Hero for its outstanding service to small businesses during the pandemic. In 2020, First Southwest Bank was also named Community/Rural Lender of the Year by the Colorado Small Business Administration, and Business of the Year by the Durango Chamber of Commerce.

Visit FSWB.bank for more information.

Business with Agriculture and International Minors. Ellithorpe is married to Lisa (Stoeber) Ellithorpe with whom he has two children, Syree and Liam.  His hobbies include aviation, golf and skiing.