CLOVIS, NM, October 06, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Colten L. Grau has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Grau currently serves as Vice President at American Heritage Bank, where he has been employed since April 2020. In this capacity, he works as a lender in agricultural lending, commercial lending, consumer lending. He is a certified compliance officer and acts as the IT Manager & Information Security Officer (ISO). He also oversees and directs the bank's marketing, sponsorships and charitable initiatives. Each day presents new challenges to him in his work; just one month after joining the institution, Mr. Grau was tasked with helping manage Paycheck Protection Program loans during a period of significant uncertainty and pressure, despite having no prior banking experience. His adaptability and commitment were instrumental in navigating this critical time for the bank and its clients.

Immediately prior to his tenure at American Heritage Bank, Mr. Grau worked on his family's ranch in New Mexico. As a fourth-generation farmer and rancher, he contributed to the legacy established by his family since 1906. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of agribusiness and rural community needs, which has now informed his approach to agricultural lending.

Mr. Grau came upon his role in agribusiness fortuitously. After working on the ranch for some time, he visited American Heritage Bank to apply for a cattle loan. When he discovered that his loan officer had left abruptly without processing applications, his frustration caught the attention of the bank president. Recognizing his agricultural background and strong connection to the community, the president offered him the opportunity to step into the role of loan officer. By the end of the day, Mr. Grau had accepted his first position in finance.

Before returning to his hometown, Mr. Grau was employed as an information technology help desk software technician for a law firm in downtown Dallas, Texas. Earlier in his career, he worked for a defense contracting company in Washington, District of Columbia, for two years following his graduation from college. His time there ended due to workforce reductions during the government sequester under President Barack Obama's administration.

Before beginning his professional work, Mr. Grau earned two bachelor's degrees from Texas Tech University. Beyond this, he also attributes his success to the unwavering support of his parents and family, as well as the mentorship provided by his bank's president at American Heritage Bank. The guidance he received allowed him to learn independently, take ownership of mistakes and grow into leadership roles within the organization. Mr. Grau also credits his wife for her steadfast encouragement and acknowledges that his faith has been a central influence throughout his life.

Among his most notable achievements, Mr. Grau was named one of the Top 40 Under 40 Community Bank Leaders by Independent Bankers Magazine and the Independent Community Bankers of America in June 2025. Additionally, he was selected for the inaugural class of the Linda Davis Young Cattlemen's Leadership Academy through the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, a distinction awarded to only six individuals statewide.

In his community, Mr. Grau is actively engaged in civic service and development, volunteering with Reality Check through United Way, teaching high school students essential financial literacy skills. For three years, he coached youth basketball and has served as president on his local school board, contributing to educational policy and governance in his community. He is also a board member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association.

Outside of his professional commitments, Mr. Grau enjoys working on the family farm and ranch alongside his loved ones. He is married with two children and values spending quality time with his family. Looking ahead, he aspires to become president of American Heritage Bank. He maintains strong relationships with both the board of directors and current leadership, positioning himself well to achieve this goal while continuing to serve his community with dedication and integrity.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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