2020 Outstanding Alumnus

Originally from Livingston, Montana, Scott Burke moved to Missoula in 1981 to attend the University of Montana. Upon graduating in 1985 with a degree in Business Administration and Finance, Scott left for Southern California to work as a Corporate and Commercial Banker with Bank of America. In 1993 and 1996, he was named the Top Producer for Bank of America’s Commercial Banking Group.

Scott returned to Missoula with his family in 1999, taking a Commercial Loan Officer position with First Security Bank. He quickly progressed and has filled the role as President since 2004. His leadership includes oversight of approximately 225 staff members who provide a complete range of personal and business banking services. His dedication to quality and service has helped First Security Bank, a division of Glacier Bank, become one of the nation’s top-performing financial institutions.

Scott cares deeply about giving back to the community, which is evident through his generous financial contributions as well as time and talent given to local groups and nonprofit organizations. His volunteer responsibilities include previous service as a board member and chair at Providence St. Patrick Hospital and as a board member of the Grizzly Scholarship Association. Other integral positions include: Montana Bankers Association, Camp Make-a-Dream board, Community Advisor to the Missoula County Public Schools and Missoula Food Bank, chair of the American Heart Association Heart Walk, and United Way community campaign chair.

Scott served on the board of Missoula Catholic Schools and with his wife, Tana, has chaired BASH (Building a Scholastic Heritage). Together, they are active co-chairs of the YWCA Capital Campaign in Missoula.

Scott continues his dedication to community as an active founding member of the Missoula Economic Partnership where he serves as a board member and past chairman. Scott also chairs the Boy Scouts Montana Council Golf committee, is a board member of the University of Montana Small Business Institute, and is an Ambassador for the Missoula Chamber of Commerce.

In 2010, the Missoula Chamber of Commerce honored Scott with the George Award, the Chamber’s most prestigious honor given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the Missoula community.

Scott is an avid Griz and Loyola Sacred Heart fan. Scott and Tana reside in Missoula and have four children: Eric, Cody, Braden, and Tessa.

Scott Burke on A New Angle Podcast

Scott Burke was recently a guest on A New Angle Podcast at the College of Business. Host Justin Angle talked to Scott about his contributions to economic development and community health in Western Montana and discussed the values Scott brings to First Security Bank and the many other organizations he supports.