First Bank Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

First Bank has 11 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 for individuals and businesses across North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina.

Leadership Roles at First Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Robert Williams
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Ronald Earnest
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Suzanne DeFerie
  • Chief Executive Officer - Robert Williams
  • Chief Financial Officer - Elizabeth Bostian
  • Regional President - Robert Patterson
  • City Executive - Bruce Mullis
  • Regional Executive - John Long
  • Regional Executive - Dawn Carter
  • Regional Executive - Paul Seward
  • City Executive - Lee Watson
  • Robert Williams - Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Williams, the Chief Executive Officer at First Bank, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Williams oversees all major business units, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to serve individuals and small to medium-sized businesses. This leadership position involves driving innovation in financial services and maintaining the bank's strong market presence in North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. Williams's strategic vision guides the institution's growth initiatives and commitment to client success. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering a culture of excellence and accountability across the entire organization, ensuring robust financial performance and sustainable development. By focusing on market dynamics and customer needs, Robert Williams solidifies First Bank's position as a trusted financial partner.

    Ronald Earnest - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ronald Earnest, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Bank, spearheads the strategic direction and operational management of the entire banking enterprise. Earnest's role encompasses driving the bank's growth initiatives and ensuring the delivery of comprehensive banking products and services to individuals and businesses. This executive guides the expansion efforts within North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina, focusing on market penetration and client relationship management. The President & Chief Executive Officer's leadership ensures that First Bank maintains its commitment to financial stability and community support. By optimizing operational efficiencies and championing new service development, Ronald Earnest reinforces the bank's competitive edge and dedication to client prosperity. Earnest's strategic oversight is critical for navigating the evolving financial landscape and achieving long-term institutional objectives.

    Suzanne DeFerie - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Suzanne DeFerie, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Bank, directs the strategic vision and comprehensive operational framework for the bank. DeFerie's leadership focuses on enhancing the delivery of banking products and services to individuals and small to medium-sized businesses throughout North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. This executive role involves guiding the institution's expansion and ensuring robust client engagement. The President & Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes fostering innovation in financial solutions and upholding the bank's reputation for reliability and community focus. By championing strategic growth and operational excellence, Suzanne DeFerie strengthens First Bank's market position and commitment to client success. DeFerie's influence is central to maintaining the bank's financial health and its role as a key economic contributor in its operating regions.

    Robert Williams - Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Williams, the Chief Executive Officer at First Bank, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Williams oversees all major business units, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to serve individuals and small to medium-sized businesses. This leadership position involves driving innovation in financial services and maintaining the bank's strong market presence in North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. Williams's strategic vision guides the institution's growth initiatives and commitment to client success. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering a culture of excellence and accountability across the entire organization, ensuring robust financial performance and sustainable development. By focusing on market dynamics and customer needs, Robert Williams solidifies First Bank's position as a trusted financial partner.

    Elizabeth Bostian - Chief Financial Officer

    Elizabeth Bostian, the Chief Financial Officer at First Bank, manages the institution's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Bostian oversees all financial operations, including accounting, treasury, and capital management, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and driving profitability. This executive role is critical in guiding investment strategies and resource allocation to support the bank's growth objectives in North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to financial risk assessment and the development of robust financial models that underpin strategic decision-making. By maintaining rigorous financial discipline and identifying opportunities for fiscal optimization, Elizabeth Bostian ensures the bank's long-term stability and shareholder value. Bostian's expertise is fundamental to the bank's sustainable development and its capacity to serve its client base effectively.
    Elizabeth Bostian

    Robert Patterson - Regional President

    Robert Patterson, the Regional President at First Bank, directs the strategic operations and business development across a significant geographic area. Patterson is responsible for driving market share growth and ensuring the delivery of exceptional banking services to individuals and businesses in North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. This executive role involves leading regional teams, fostering key client relationships, and implementing strategies that align with the bank's overall mission. The Regional President's oversight ensures operational excellence and financial performance throughout the territory. By championing community engagement and client-centric solutions, Robert Patterson reinforces First Bank's commitment to regional economic development. Patterson's leadership is crucial for achieving sustained growth and market leadership within the designated regions.

    Bruce Mullis - City Executive

    Bruce Mullis, the City Executive at First Bank, leads local market operations and client engagement within a specific geographic area. Mullis is responsible for driving business development, fostering strong community relationships, and ensuring the delivery of tailored banking solutions to individuals and businesses in the designated city. This executive role involves overseeing branch performance and coordinating local sales efforts to meet regional growth targets. The City Executive's focus is on understanding and responding to the unique financial needs of the local market, thereby strengthening First Bank's presence and impact. By cultivating strategic partnerships and championing client satisfaction, Bruce Mullis contributes directly to the bank's success in its North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina service regions. Mullis's leadership ensures localized service excellence and market penetration.

    John Long - Regional Executive

    John Long, the Regional Executive at First Bank, directs market strategy and operational oversight across a defined geographic region. Long is tasked with expanding the bank's service footprint and enhancing client relationships within North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. This executive role involves leading teams to achieve ambitious growth targets and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality banking products and services. The Regional Executive's responsibilities include identifying market opportunities, managing regional performance, and fostering a collaborative environment among local branches. By implementing effective strategies and driving operational efficiencies, John Long strengthens First Bank's competitive position and commitment to community development. Long's leadership is instrumental in achieving sustained regional success and client loyalty.

    Dawn Carter - Regional Executive

    Dawn Carter, the Regional Executive at First Bank, spearheads market development and operational management for a key geographic area. Carter focuses on driving revenue growth and expanding the bank's client base throughout North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. This executive position involves leading regional teams, implementing strategic initiatives, and ensuring the seamless delivery of comprehensive banking services. The Regional Executive's mandate includes cultivating strong client partnerships and identifying new business opportunities within the assigned territory. By championing customer-centric approaches and operational excellence, Dawn Carter reinforces First Bank's commitment to serving its communities effectively. Carter's strategic guidance is vital for achieving regional market penetration and sustained financial performance.

    Paul Seward - Regional Executive

    Paul Seward, the Regional Executive at First Bank, oversees market expansion and operational effectiveness within a designated geographic territory. Seward is responsible for driving strategic growth initiatives and enhancing client engagement across North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. This executive role involves leading regional teams, optimizing service delivery, and ensuring the bank's financial products meet diverse client needs. The Regional Executive's focus is on cultivating robust market presence and fostering strong community ties. By implementing innovative strategies and promoting operational efficiency, Paul Seward strengthens First Bank's competitive standing and its dedication to client success. Seward's leadership ensures consistent performance and market leadership within the region.

    Lee Watson - City Executive

    Lee Watson, the City Executive at First Bank, manages local market operations and client relationship development within a specific urban center. Watson is dedicated to driving business growth, building strong community ties, and ensuring the provision of customized financial solutions to local individuals and businesses. This executive role involves leading branch teams, executing sales strategies, and enhancing the bank's visibility and service quality in the immediate area. The City Executive's primary objective is to address the unique financial requirements of the local market, thereby solidifying First Bank's position and contribution. Through strategic local initiatives and a focus on client satisfaction, Lee Watson supports the bank's objectives in North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. Watson's leadership ensures localized service excellence and market responsiveness.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding First Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads First Bank?
    First Bank is led by Robert Williams (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ronald Earnest (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Suzanne DeFerie (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of First Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of First Bank includes leaders such as Robert Williams (Chief Executive Officer), Ronald Earnest (President & Chief Executive Officer), Suzanne DeFerie (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does First Bank have?
    First Bank has 11 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in First Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of First Bank includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer.