In May, we celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by recognizing and celebrating some of FirstBank’s Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander employees.

Today, we’re featuring Sean Choi, Senior Vice President of Human Resources.

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Years at FirstBank: 14 years

Other positions held with organizations/boards:

• Food Bank of the Rockies — Board Member
• B:Civic (Denver Leadership Foundation) — Advisory Board Member
• The Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission — Member

1. In three to four sentences, describe your experience in getting to where you are today.

I grew up as the son of working-class Korean American immigrants and was the first in my family to graduate from high school and college. I’ve worn many hats, including DJ, radio station manager, and officer manager for a small woodworking company. However, after earning my MBA in finance, I started my journey with FirstBank as an intern in 2011 and spent ten years as an officer in the market. Today, I’m honored to serve as a Senior Vice President in Human Resources. I feel fortunate to be in a position where I help improve our organizational culture and oversee our learning and development department.

2. How has FirstBank’s companywide philosophy of “banking for good” impacted your life and your career?

I’ve always appreciated FirstBank’s focus on community involvement, and I’m deeply ingrained in volunteering and giving back. Beyond my work at FirstBank, I currently serve as a Board Member for Food Bank of the Rockies, Advisory Board for B: Civic (Denver Leadership Foundation), and serve on the City of Denver’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission.

3. What is the best career advice you have for the next generation of leaders? What would you tell someone just starting out?  

Never stop learning and being curious about people. I’ve always been fascinated by learning about other people’s stories and finding inspiration in our struggles and commonalities.

4. What is one thing you’re most proud of that you’ve accomplished while working at FirstBank?

I do not know if there is any one particular thing. Still, having various opportunities to contribute to the company, from working in the Eastern Colorado market to being part of the Human Resources department, has been an amazing experience.

5. If you had your own talk show, who would be your first guest?

Since it’s AAPI month, I‘d say Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. I admire his work ethic, optimism, health, and charisma.

6. Considering May is AAPI Heritage Month, which historical figure/s would you most like to meet and why?

While it might sound cliché, I have to say Bruce Lee. He broke many barriers for Asian Americans, and growing up, he was the only visible role model for many. My favorite quote of his is, “Be happy but never satisfied.”

“This page may contain links to external websites. These links are displayed for your convenience. FirstBank does not manage these sites and assumes no responsibility for the content, links, privacy policy, or security policy.”

Published: May 7, 2025