# James Reuter

> James A. (Jim) Reuter is president and CEO of First Interstate BancSystem and First Interstate Bank, based in Billings, Montana. He joined in November 2024 after a 37-year career at Colorado-based FirstBank, including seven years as CEO. His work connects payments and digital banking with relationship banking, leadership development and community giving.

- **Role:** President and Chief Executive Officer at First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and First Interstate Bank
- **Organizations:** First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., First Interstate Bank, First Interstate BancSystem Foundation, FirstBank Holding Company of Colorado (former), American Bankers Association
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in finance and music, Luther College, Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin
- **Known for:** Led FirstBank as CEO from 2017 to March 2024; the bank reported $28.2 billion in assets at December 31, 2023., Held leadership positions across ABA policy, payments and midsize-bank peer groups., Oversaw First Interstate’s refocusing on relationship banking and organic growth after joining in November 2024.

## Career timeline

- **1987** — Joined FirstBank in March, starting at its Palm Springs location.
- **1988** — Transferred to Colorado in August; subsequently worked at headquarters on card programs.
- **1999-2017** — Served as FirstBank president and chief operating officer, according to his October 2024 SEC appointment filing.
- **2017-2024** — President and CEO of FirstBank Holding Company of Colorado.
- **2020** — Appointed chair of ABA’s American Bankers Council for the 2020-21 membership year.
- **2023** — Testified on behalf of ABA before a House Financial Services subcommittee on February 8.
- **2024-03** — Retired as FirstBank CEO; successor appointments effective March 29.
- **2024-11** — Became First Interstate president and CEO and a board member on November 1.

## Achievements

- Led FirstBank as CEO from 2017 to March 2024; the bank reported $28.2 billion in assets at December 31, 2023.
- Held leadership positions across ABA policy, payments and midsize-bank peer groups.
- Oversaw First Interstate’s refocusing on relationship banking and organic growth after joining in November 2024.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — First Interstate’s October 22 presentation reported $25.8 billion in assets at September 30 and a network of 270 banking offices at October 22; relationship banking and organic customer acquisition remained strategic priorities.
- **2026-05** — Discussed succession, a flatter organization, organic growth and the combination of branches and digital services in an ABA Banking Journal interview.
- **2025-12** — Appeared on Plugged In, episode 47, to discuss returning to banking, succession and regional-bank strategy.
- **2025-11** — As First Interstate CEO and foundation chair, commented on the bank and foundation’s $100 million cumulative giving milestone since 1990.

## Links

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesareuter

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/james-reuter
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-24