The ABA Foundation has named Raul Valles, vice president of commercial real estate for Dallas Capital Bank in Dallas, the winner of its 2024 George Bailey Distinguished Service Award for his extraordinary commitment to supporting the military community throughout his banking career. Valles has worked in banking for more than 20 years, while also serving as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve for more than 25 years. He currently serves in the 14th Ordnance Battalion based in Grand Prairie, Texas. Throughout his career, Valles has sought opportunities to use his banking experience to provide financial education and other support to fellow servicemembers and veterans. He will be honored on Oct. 29 at ABA’s Annual Convention in New York City.
The George Bailey Distinguished Service Award recognizes a non-CEO bank employee who demonstrates outstanding initiative, commitment to their customers and community, and the ability to inspire others. The ABA Foundation selects the winner after reviewing nominations submitted by banks of all sizes across the country. It is ABA’s highest individual honor for a banker.
Valles made the decision to merge his careers in banking and the Army Reserve in 2009 after he served in Iraq, when he began offering annual classes for local members of the military, covering topics like the basics of financial literacy, credit, budgeting and securing a mortgage. He reached anywhere from 30 to more than 100 servicemembers per class.
“By leveraging his experience as a banker and as a leader in the U.S. Army Reserve, Raul has made a real difference in the community and in the lives of fellow servicemembers and their families,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “He provides a powerful example to bankers across the country that you can have a positive impact well beyond the walls of the bank. We are grateful to Raul for his service to our industry and the country, and we are proud to recognize him as this year’s George Bailey Award winner.”
In addition to his financial education efforts, Valles has been an advocate and fundraiser for military service organizations including Mission 22, which provides resources for veterans and their families as they transition into civilian life, including counseling and suicide prevention programs. In March 2024, Valles led a group from his unit to complete a 48-mile ruck challenge to raise awareness for the organization.
Before joining Dallas Capital Bank, Valles spent more than 18 years in banking at Wells Fargo where he was active in a variety of veteran and military programs. He also volunteered as a career coach for local servicemembers looking to leave the military and find civilian jobs.
“I’m honored to receive this award from the ABA Foundation and to be recognized for my work as a banker in support of the military community,” said Valles. “My careers in banking and in the military have always been about serving others and being part of a team. I appreciate my colleagues at Dallas Capital Bank for the nomination and for giving me the opportunity to help fellow servicemembers, veterans, and the local community through financial services and education.”
Currently, Valles is focused on working to lift up local communities around Dallas. He recently began working with developers to provide moderate-income housing to veterans and underserved areas of Dallas and North Texas. He also works with community development corporations (CDCs) and community development financial institutions (CDFIs) on community revitalization opportunities. His partnership with organizations such as Inspiring You to Greatness and Fighting Homelessness will provide housing to low- and moderate-income families, seniors and veterans.
“As a strong supporter of the military community, Dallas Capital Bank congratulates Raul on this well-deserved recognition,” said Patrick Brown, executive vice president and managing director of commercial real estate at Dallas Capital Bank. “His important work with servicemembers and veterans is an example of the bank’s commitment to serve our local community. Raul is also a wonderful colleague and a great example of banking at its best.”
In addition to the George Bailey Distinguished Service Award that goes to an individual bank employee, the ABA Foundation also recognizes banks annually for their commitment to their communities in seven different categories. For a full list of the 2024 Community Commitment Award winners, as well as honorable mentions, visit aba.com/awards.