Barbara Dugas-Patterson entered a well-deserved retirement in 2022 after three decades in the banking industry. Turned out, it was more of a recess. She left retirement recently to become the CEO and President of Fort Worth-based First Command Bank. FCB is one of the nation’s premier military-focused financial institutions. Her appointment came after serving on the board since October of 2024 and serving as interim president since October of 2025.
“I was drawn back because First Command’s Mission of coaching those who serve in their pursuit of financial security offered something unique – a chance to serve a higher purpose,” Dugas-Patterson said. “As a board member over the past 15 months, I have been deeply impressed by First Command’s commitment to leading with integrity and respect, its culture of inclusiveness and strong performance and the meaningful impact it makes for military families. “As interim president, I experienced First Command’s impact first-hand, from keeping families fed during the recent government shutdown to helping service members avoid predatory lending. These values, combined with the military-focused Mission, create a powerful legacy I am honored to be part of.”
Dugas-Patterson said during her time on the board, she saw First Command’s commitment to serving military families through action, not just words. As one example, First Command extended $6.8 million in pay advances to nearly 900 federally paid client families during the recent 43-day government shutdown, with another $5 million going to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.
“I continue to be very impressed with the mission-driven culture that permeates throughout the organization,” she said.
PREVIOUS WORK Her previous experience included leading institutions such as JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, CalFed, and Bank United, with proven successes optimizing operations, driving growth and managing risk. She said her experience at these large institutions gives her the operational expertise and scalability insights needed to grow First Command’s business while maintaining their personalized approach.
“I can support First Command’s ability to act swiftly when clients face unexpected financial hardships, including natural disaster support,” she said. “My outside perspective from large banking institutions complements First Command’s unique culture of integrity, professionalism and service above self-interest. “Most importantly, my background allows me to partner with our Financial Advisors who help clients build financial security through smart saving habits, making informed borrowing decisions and spending with intention – all while delivering the kind of relationship-focused service that is not typically found at larger banks.”
HELPING THE MILITARY
First Command Financial Services offers a broad portfolio of solutions focused on helping military families pursue financial security. First Command Bank is a key part of that portfolio, delivering personalized services specifically designed for active duty service members and veterans. Dugas-Patterson noted the bank shapes offerings tailored to families seeking financial security, including debt consolidation options that save service members an average of $250/month, personal loans and specialized Small Business Administration lending.
“As many Americans transitioning from military to civilian life go on to start their own businesses, First Command Bank plays an important role in supporting veteran entrepreneurship through our targeted SBA program – filling a crucial gap since veterans own about five to six percent of U.S. businesses, yet receive only a small single-digit share of SBA-backed loans,” she said.
FAMILY MILITARY HISTORY/OWN BUSINESS
While she did not serve in the military herself, service runs in her family. Her father and father-in-law both served in the Army. “Their dedication and sacrifice instilled in me a deep respect for all who wear the uniform,” she said. “That respect, combined with my decades of banking experience and my own journey as a small business owner, drives my commitment to ensure military families have access to the specialized financial services and support they’ve earned and deserve.”
She and her husband own two vitamin therapy stores. She said this work provides her with a first-hand understanding of small business challenges, capital needs and growth opportunities. “My entrepreneurial experience uniquely qualifies me to understand the journey military veterans take when transitioning to small business ownership – a common post-service path that requires accessible banking solutions and relationship-focused support,” she said.
WHAT IT MEANS PERSONALLY Dugas-Patterson said her new role represents a chance to use her experience in a way that serves others. “After a successful 30-year banking career, I retired and built a small business focused on wellness. I was also raised in a family that loved and served our country. When you put those pieces together – industry experience, a commitment to wellness, and lifelong values around service — it feels less like coincidence and more like a purpose that I was drawn to lead First Command Bank,” she said. “What energizes me most is seeing a model that succeeds by doing the right thing. In traditional banking, late fees and revolving debt are major profit drivers.”
She cited as an example the company’s First Classic Visa Card that rewards responsibility over debt accumulation. The card pays the cardholders the highest rewards when they pay their balance in full each month. “I’m drawn to the opportunity to make a meaningful impact for military families while operating with integrity, respect and inclusion at the core of everything we do,” she said.
FORT WORTH PROUD “I’m proud that First Command is headquartered here in Fort Worth, where our more than 700 home office employees are part of this community,” Dugas-Patterson said. “Our commitment to service extends beyond our military families to the broader community.” She acknowledged that the company dedicates 8% of its profits to charities and sponsorships, and its employees volunteer more than 25,000 hours annually to military and charitable initiatives in the DFW community and beyond.
“In this role, I oversee all aspects of bank operations while providing the strategic leadership and long-term vision needed to advance First Command’s more than 60-year legacy,” she said. “As a member of the Enterprise Executive Leadership Team, I work closely with leaders throughout First Command Financial Services to keep the bank fully aligned with our broader enterprise priorities and organizational strategies, and ensure military families have access to the resources they need to pursue financial security.” They collaborate with 600 Financial Advisors (75% of whom are veterans or military spouses) who serve nearly 300,000 military family clients through 181 offices nationwide.
“My focus is on continuing the personalized service that sets First Command apart from larger banks – coaching clients toward effective money management through disciplined savings, responsible borrowing and thoughtful spending,” she said. “Because clients come to us through their financial advisors, we have a comprehensive understanding of their unique needs and can provide truly tailored support.”
