Cari Fullerton, Bank of Utah's Senior Commercial Real Estate Lender and Team Leader, was recognized by Utah Business Magazine and Snell & Wilmer today as one of the 30 most successful and influential women in Utah. Fullerton was honored May 21, at an awards luncheon held at The Grand America Hotel.

Fullerton is a Montana State University graduate and a finance expert with more than 30 years of experience. She has held various banking positions for three financial institutions until she joined Bank of Utah in 1997. In her 18 years at the bank, her team has funded approximately one billion dollars in loans to businesses within the bank's footprint. Last year, Fullerton led her commercial lending team of six people to a 45 percent increase over the previous year. Fullerton attributes this success in commercial lending partially to her understanding of commercial loans, as she too was an entrepreneur and business owner in Montana.

"I am honored to be recognized as one of Utah's 30 Women to Watch," said Fullerton. "I am also very proud to be part of the Bank of Utah team. I am grateful to work for an institution that values its employees and encourages them to be active at work, at home and in their communities."

As a mentor, Fullerton continues to find satisfaction in helping children, teens and her co-workers accomplish their goals and ultimately feel more confident about themselves. She has tirelessly served on boards for two important causes including Prevent Child Abuse Utah and Youth Impact. Fullerton served for 12 years as a board member for Prevent Child Abuse Utah and has served for eight years as a board member for Youth Impact. As a board member, she is involved in providing guidance and volunteer hours to oversee important programs. She has also lobbied the Utah legislature for funding to support Youth Impact programs.

"Cari is not only a superb employee, but she is also an outstanding community member and an amazing individual," said Bank of Utah President, Douglas L. DeFries. "We congratulate Cari for her recognition as one of the most influential women in Utah."

For more information on 30 Women to Watch, visit http://www.utahbusiness.com/events/view/30_women_to_watch_2014