Vigil to retire from Rio Grande Savings & Loan

MONTE VISTA—The Board of Directors of Rio Grande Savings & Loan has announced that Donn Vigil will officially retire from his position as president and CEO on Friday, April 28, after 38 years of service. He will be succeeded by current Rio Grande Vice President Kathy Rogers.

After a four-year hitch in the U.S. Army in Europe highlighted by a time when he acted as a Spanish translator and some time training with the Green Berets, Vigil began his career at Rio Grande in 1979 when he joined the Monte Vista thrift as an appraiser. He soon developed an interest in real estate and lending and began his career as a loan officer in 1983.

“One of the things that attracted me to lending was the joy of helping people get into a new home,” Vigil said. “It became a ‘rush’ for me.” In 1986 he was promoted to the position of vice president and senior loan officer by then-president Chuck Bryant and rose to the position of president when Bryant retired in 2012. 

“Having served on the Rio Grande Board of Directors previous to being hired, I’ve had the honor of working with Donn for many years,” said Kathy Rogers, who will assume the role of president on May 1. “In 2012, Donn set hefty goals for himself in his new position. Amazingly, he attained and surpassed each one during his tenure. I know I speak on behalf of the entire board in expressing our gratitude for Donn’s commitment to Rio Grande Savings & Loan and to the community. His dedication is greatly appreciated.” 

Very active in the San Luis Valley community, Vigil was a founding member and served for 20 years on the Monte Vista Educational Foundation Board as well as the Monte Vista School Board and the Colorado Association of School Boards. He is currently serving on the boards of the Adams State University Foundation and Rio Grande Hospital and will continue to serve on the board of directors of Rio Grande Savings.

In honor of Vigil’s service to the institution, there will be a public reception on Wednesday, April 26, from 12-3 p.m. at the Rio Grande Savings & Loan headquarters, 901 1st Avenue in Monte Vista, including lunch provided by Smokin’ Johnny’s Barbecue.

“We’re looking forward to seeing all of our customers and friends as we gather on the 26th to honor Donn and his service to this community,” Rogers said.

Founded in Monte Vista in 1905, Rio Grande Savings and Loan Association operates three branches in Southern Colorado, including Monte Vista, Alamosa and Pagosa Springs.