Exhibit 99.1

Press Release

November 13, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information contact:

Doug Gulling, Chief Financial Officer (515) 222-2309

DAVID L. MILLER TO RETIRE AS CHAIRMAN,  PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF
WEST BANCORPORATION, INC.

West Des  Moines,  IA - The Board of  Directors  of West  Bancorporation,  Inc.,
parent  company of West Des Moines State Bank  announced  they have accepted the
retirement of David L. Miller as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company,  effective February 15, 2003. This comes  approximately one year
after his retirement as Chairman and Chief  Executive  Officer of West Bank. Mr.
Miller  will  remain  a  member  of  the  Board  of   Directors   of  both  West
Bancorporation, Inc. and West Bank. In addition, he will continue to assist West
Bank through a lifetime  consulting  agreement.  David R. Milligan  continues as
Chairman  and Chief  Executive  Officer  of West  Bank and Brad L.  Winterbottom
continues as its President.

Mr. Miller joined West Bank in 1961 and became its president in 1968. In 1984 he
led a group  of  local  investors  who  formed  West  Bancorporation,  Inc.  and
purchased  West  Bank  from  its  previous  owners.  In June of this  year,  the
Company's common stock began trading on the Nasdaq National  Market.  Mr. Miller
has been Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of West Bancorporation,
Inc. since its formation. Under his leadership, the financial performance of the
Company and the Bank has been one of the best in the country.

A successor has not been named at this time.


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