Leadership Overview
First Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, and regional operations.
Driven by a commitment to community banking, First Bank provides essential financial products and services, fostering economic growth across North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina.
Driven by a commitment to community banking, First Bank provides essential financial products and services, fostering economic growth across North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina.
Leadership Roles at First Bank
Ronald Earnest - President & Chief Executive Officer
Ronald Earnest, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Bank, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the financial institution. This leadership role involves guiding the company's expansion efforts and ensuring robust financial performance across all divisions. Earnest oversees the integration of new technologies and service offerings designed to enhance customer experience and maintain competitive advantage in the banking sector. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering a strong corporate culture and driving initiatives that align with the company's mission of serving individuals and businesses. By setting clear objectives and performance benchmarks, Ronald Earnest ensures the bank's sustained growth and market leadership within its primary operating regions.
Suzanne DeFerie - President & Chief Executive Officer
Suzanne DeFerie, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Bank, spearheads the strategic direction and comprehensive management of the bank's operations. This executive function encompasses the development and implementation of long-term growth strategies, ensuring the bank's financial health and market position. DeFerie directs all major business units, focusing on innovation and service excellence to meet the evolving needs of clients in North Carolina and South Carolina. The President & Chief Executive Officer's purview includes cultivating key stakeholder relationships and championing the bank's commitment to community development. Through decisive leadership, Suzanne DeFerie drives operational efficiency and reinforces the bank's reputation as a trusted financial partner.
Elizabeth Bostian - Chief Financial Officer
Elizabeth Bostian, the Chief Financial Officer at First Bank, manages the institution's complete financial architecture and fiscal strategy. This critical role involves overseeing all aspects of financial planning, reporting, and risk management to ensure the bank's stability and profitability. Bostian directs the treasury functions, capital allocation, and investor relations, providing essential financial insights to support executive decision-making. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include optimizing financial performance, managing liquidity, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. By maintaining rigorous financial controls and driving strategic investments, Elizabeth Bostian safeguards the bank's assets and supports its long-term economic objectives.
David Forrest - Market President & Senior VP (Carteret County)
David Forrest, the Market President & Senior VP (Carteret County) at First Bank, directs all banking operations and strategic growth within Carteret County. This executive role involves leading commercial banking efforts, managing client portfolios, and fostering deep community relationships. Forrest oversees business development initiatives, ensuring the bank effectively serves individuals and businesses in the region. The Market President & Senior VP's responsibilities include driving loan origination, deposit gathering, and enhancing customer satisfaction. By focusing on local economic needs, David Forrest strengthens First Bank's presence and commitment to the Carteret County market.
Robert Patterson - Regional President
Robert Patterson, the Regional President at First Bank, oversees and directs banking operations across a significant geographic territory. This executive function involves setting strategic priorities, managing financial performance, and ensuring the consistent delivery of banking services throughout the region. Patterson leads a team of market and city executives, driving business development and client acquisition efforts. The Regional President's responsibilities include fostering strong community ties and expanding the bank's market share. By focusing on operational excellence and client satisfaction, Robert Patterson reinforces First Bank's position as a leading financial institution in its service areas.
Bruce Mullis - City Executive
Bruce Mullis, the City Executive at First Bank, leads banking operations and client relations within a specific urban market. This position focuses on driving business development and ensuring the delivery of tailored financial solutions to local individuals and businesses. Mullis oversees the branch network and commercial lending activities, fostering strong community ties and expanding the bank's presence. The City Executive's role involves cultivating strategic partnerships and identifying opportunities for growth within the designated service area. By championing customer-centric service, Bruce Mullis ensures the bank meets the unique financial needs of the community it serves.
Paul Seward - Regional Executive
Paul Seward, the Regional Executive at First Bank, directs banking operations and strategic growth across a defined geographic region. This leadership position involves overseeing multiple market areas, ensuring consistent service delivery and financial performance. Seward drives initiatives to expand market share, manage commercial portfolios, and enhance client relationships throughout the region. The Regional Executive's responsibilities include coordinating with city executives and branch managers to implement corporate strategies effectively. By focusing on regional economic development and client success, Paul Seward strengthens First Bank's footprint and its commitment to serving its communities.
Kevin Bunn - City Executive
Kevin Bunn, the City Executive at First Bank, manages and expands the bank's operations within a key metropolitan area. This role centers on driving commercial lending, retail banking growth, and fostering deep client relationships within the local market. Bunn oversees branch performance and business development efforts, ensuring alignment with the bank's overall strategic objectives. The City Executive's focus includes identifying and capitalizing on opportunities to serve small to medium-sized businesses and individual clients effectively. Through dedicated leadership, Kevin Bunn enhances First Bank's community engagement and market penetration in the city.
Susan Blackwelder - City Executive
Susan Blackwelder, the City Executive at First Bank, leads the bank's strategic initiatives and client engagement within a specific city market. This position involves overseeing all banking activities, including commercial lending, deposit growth, and customer service excellence. Blackwelder focuses on building strong relationships with local businesses and individuals, ensuring their financial needs are met with personalized solutions. The City Executive's responsibilities include managing branch operations and driving revenue growth through targeted business development strategies. By championing community involvement, Susan Blackwelder reinforces First Bank's commitment to local economic prosperity.
John Long - Regional Executive
John Long, the Regional Executive at First Bank, manages and expands the bank's strategic presence across designated geographic areas. This role involves overseeing multiple market operations, driving business development, and ensuring the effective implementation of corporate strategies. Long focuses on enhancing client relationships and growing the bank's loan and deposit portfolios within the region. The Regional Executive's responsibilities include leading commercial banking teams and identifying opportunities for market penetration. By championing a client-centric approach, John Long contributes significantly to First Bank's sustained growth and regional influence.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding First Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team
