Meet Joe Howell, American Riviera Bank Director

Blog April 20, 2023 by Idea Vault

American Riviera Bank boasts a highly respected and established Board of Directors, including longtime member Joe Howell. Mr. Howell has served as a Director of the Bank since 2012, and currently holds membership on the Audit, Nominating & Corporate Governance, and Compensation Committees. Since 1974, he has served as a business and transactions attorney in Santa Barbara and is a founding partner of Howell Moore & Gough LLP. His clientele ranges from startups to established companies in a wide variety of industries and professions.

American Riviera Bank’s Board of Directors represent various interests with deep ties in the community, as reflected by Mr. Howell’s volunteerism. Mr. Howell is dedicated to community service, supporting many nonprofits, and was recently recognized for these efforts by the Santa Barbara Foundation who has named him 2023 Person of the Year. This honor is given to individuals who demonstrate a history of extraordinary service that shows a meaningful commitment to the community by enhancing quality of life for a significant portion of the Santa Barbara community.

Mr. Howell’s civic impact has touched many local organizations, including Partners in Education, Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table, Reef & Run, Santa Barbara County Board of Education, Foundation for Santa Barbara High School, and Mission Scholars. Mission Scholars is a non-profit that is especially close to Mr. Howell’s heart, as he initially used his legal background to serve as pro bono counsel for the three founders and now serves as a member of the Mission Scholars Advisory Board. He is also active in facilitating relationships between Mission Scholars founders and local business leaders and potential donors.

Mission Scholars’ main objective is to assist high-achieving, low-income students in reaching their full potential and becoming catalysts for positive change in their communities. Last year, a mere 10% of low-income high school graduates in the Santa Barbara Unified School District moved on to a 4-year college or university compared to the 20% statewide. In our current educational landscape, there is an urgent need for additional support and guidance for high school students, especially those in underserved communities. Mission Scholars recognizes that many gifted individuals with limited resources are struggling to navigate the college admission process. The organizations’ goal is to equip high school students with the tools and skills needed to succeed academically and professionally by employing comprehensive college admissions guidance, mentorship, and career development training. Mission Scholars strives to support these students in overcoming the socioeconomic barriers that may hinder them and their ability to become successful leaders in their communities.

The success rate of Mission Scholars is exceptional, with every student in its Class of 2021 gaining admission to a top US four-year university and receiving scholarship support. In addition, for the second year in a row, more than 80% of the entire four-year college cost of attendance was covered by grants and scholarships, largely in the form of merit aid.

Reflecting on his community involvement, Mr. Howell shares, "Being a part of a Board of Directors that prioritizes community involvement is critical as we are all better off when we have strong community organizations. Each organization plays a vital role in education, social service, and mobilizing citizens to support each other. American Riviera Bank’s Board of Directors all share in this commitment to support outreach and nonprofit partnerships.”

In addition to Mr. Howell’s efforts, the members of the Bank’s Board are involved in a variety of organizations including, but not limited to, Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise Charitable Foundation, Santa Barbara Choral Society, Partners in Education, Women in STEM, and UCSB Economics Department.

American Riviera Bank prioritizes community outreach and engagement. One of its core values, integrity is the foundation for our actions, is embodied in the actions of its Board of Directors, including Mr. Howell. As a true community bank, the efforts made by the team have far-reaching benefits for the entire community.