AnonymousThe Pacific Coast Business Times’ Latino Business Awards
announced Barbara Caballero-Muñoz, VP, Loan Administrator at American Riviera Bank, as the
honoree in the Banking & Finance category. The awards remarked on Caballero-Muñoz’s work
ethic, contributions to the community, and her dedication to her family.
The Latino Business Awards, now in its eighth year,
honors individuals from companies and organizations
representing the leading segments in the tri-county
economy. The awards recognize an honoree’s success
record, dedication to community service, as well as
their recognitions from other professional groups,
chambers of commerce, and community organizations.
The awards reception will take place on Thursday, July
18 at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach from 5:30 to
7:30 p.m.
“I am so incredibly honored by this nomination,” said
Caballero-Muñoz, “It took a lot of hard work and
commitment to get where I am today. However, when
you work with people you consider your family, and
you’re working to educate and help people, it just
doesn’t seem like a job.”
Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Caballero-Muñoz began her banking career while attending SBCC in 1989. She started as a part-time teller at Bank of America and quickly found the banking industry
rewarding and one that provided great growth opportunities. After Bank of America, Caballero-
Muñoz moved on to Santa Barbara Bank & Trust to further her career moving into the lending field.
She loved working for a community bank.
Caballero-Muñoz credits her higher-level career growth to her mentor, Joanne Funari, who recruited
her to open a new community bank Business First National Bank in 2000. Since then, she has grown
a great deal. Caballero moved from credit assistant to loan officer, to her current position at
American Riviera Bank — VP, Loan Administrator.
“Barbara arrived with such great energy and amazing dedication,” said Joanne Funari, Executive
Vice President and COO of American Riviera Bank. “Anything that needed to be done, she was
there. And that’s still the case with her work at American Riviera Bank. Barbara truly makes us
better.”
Caballero-Muñoz continues to reside in Santa Barbara with husband Tino, daughter Bella, and son
Gabe. When not working you can find Barbara watching Bella playing tennis or Gabe playing water
polo. She believes in giving back to the community and is an active parishioner at San Roque
Church, volunteers with her family through Boys Team Charity. On occasion you can see her
working alongside her family at the Unity Shoppe.
About American Riviera Bank:
American Riviera Bank is a full-service community bank focused on serving the lending and deposit
needs of businesses and consumers on the Central Coast of California. The state-chartered bank
opened for business on July 18, 2006, with the support of local shareholders. Full-service branches
are located at 1033 Anacapa Street in Santa Barbara, 525 San Ysidro Road in Montecito, 5880 Calle
Real in Goleta and 1601 Spring Street in Paso Robles and 1085 Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo.
Our Commercial Lending Office is located at 30 East Figueroa Street in Santa Barbara. Our
Residential Loan Production Office is located at 18 East Figueroa Street in Santa Barbara. For nine
consecutive years the Bank has been recognized for strong financial performance by the Findley
Reports, and received the highest “Super Premier” rating from Findley for 2018 and 2017. As of
December 31, 2018, the Bank was rated five stars by BauerFinancial.
American Riviera Bank is an FDIC Member as well as an Equal Housing Lender.
For more information, please visit www.AmericanRivieraBank.com.
