First Bank Executive and Leadership Team

Suzanne DeFerie, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Bank, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the financial institution. Overseeing all major business units, DeFerie ensures alignment with the company's mission to serve individuals and small to medium-sized businesses. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives and maintaining the bank's strong market presence in North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. By focusing on customer-centric solutions and efficient service delivery, Suzanne DeFerie solidifies the bank's position as a trusted financial partner. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering a culture of innovation and compliance, crucial for navigating the dynamic financial landscape and ensuring long-term stability and profitability for First Bank.

Ronald Earnest, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Bank, spearheads the strategic direction and comprehensive management of the bank's operations. This executive guides the institution's efforts to deliver robust banking products and services to individuals and businesses throughout its primary service areas. The President & Chief Executive Officer's focus includes enhancing market penetration and operational efficiency across North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. By championing strategic partnerships and client engagement, Ronald Earnest reinforces First Bank's commitment to community development and financial empowerment. This critical role demands oversight of all departmental functions, ensuring cohesive execution of the bank's overarching business objectives and sustained financial health.

Elizabeth Bostian, the Chief Financial Officer at First Bank, manages the institution's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Overseeing all accounting, financial reporting, and capital management functions, Bostian ensures the bank's adherence to regulatory requirements and financial best practices. This leadership position is vital for maintaining the bank's strong financial standing and supporting its growth objectives in North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. By driving prudent financial strategies and optimizing resource allocation, Elizabeth Bostian directly contributes to the bank's profitability and operational resilience. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is essential for guiding investment decisions and ensuring the long-term economic viability of First Bank.

Robert Patterson, the Regional President at First Bank, leads the strategic growth and operational oversight for a significant geographic region. This executive directs market expansion initiatives, manages key client relationships, and ensures the effective deployment of banking products and services. The Regional President focuses on enhancing First Bank's market share and client satisfaction across North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. By fostering a culture of performance and client-centricity, Robert Patterson drives revenue generation and strengthens the bank's position as a leading financial provider. This critical role involves aligning regional strategies with corporate objectives to achieve sustained success and operational excellence.

Paul Seward, the Regional Executive at First Bank, directs banking operations and business development within a specific geographic territory. This role involves overseeing market strategy and client relationship management to drive revenue growth and expand the bank's service footprint. The Regional Executive focuses on enhancing the bank's presence and service delivery for individuals and businesses in key North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina markets. By fostering strong local connections and ensuring operational excellence, Paul Seward supports First Bank's commitment to community engagement and financial accessibility. This executive's leadership ensures the effective implementation of corporate objectives at the regional level, contributing significantly to the bank's overall success.

Susan Blackwelder, the City Executive at First Bank, leads the bank's operations and client engagement within a designated city market. This executive is responsible for driving business growth, managing local teams, and ensuring the delivery of tailored financial solutions to individuals and businesses. The City Executive cultivates strong community relationships and oversees the execution of strategic initiatives to enhance market share. By focusing on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, Susan Blackwelder reinforces First Bank's commitment to personalized service and local economic support. This role is crucial for translating broader corporate strategies into tangible results at the city level, strengthening the bank's regional impact.

Dawn Carter, the Regional Executive at First Bank, manages and expands the bank's business activities across a defined geographic region. This leadership position involves overseeing market performance, developing strategic plans, and ensuring the effective delivery of banking products and services to clients. The Regional Executive works to strengthen First Bank's relationships with individuals and small to medium-sized businesses, driving client acquisition and retention. By championing customer-focused strategies and operational excellence, Dawn Carter contributes to the bank's sustained growth and market leadership in its service areas. This executive's oversight is critical for aligning regional efforts with the bank's overall mission and financial objectives.

Bruce Mullis, the City Executive at First Bank, directs all banking activities and client relations within a specific urban market. This executive is tasked with driving business development, leading local staff, and ensuring the provision of comprehensive financial services to individuals and businesses. The City Executive fosters deep community ties and implements strategies to enhance the bank's local presence and service offerings. By prioritizing client needs and operational effectiveness, Bruce Mullis upholds First Bank's dedication to supporting local economies and providing accessible financial solutions. This role is pivotal in executing the bank's vision at the grassroots level, ensuring consistent service quality and market penetration.

Kevin Bunn, the City Executive at First Bank, oversees the strategic direction and operational management of banking services within a key city market. This executive is responsible for cultivating client relationships, leading local teams, and driving the expansion of banking products for individuals and businesses. The City Executive plays a vital role in strengthening First Bank's community presence and ensuring the delivery of exceptional financial services. By focusing on market-specific opportunities and client needs, Kevin Bunn contributes to the bank's overall growth and its reputation as a trusted financial institution. This leadership ensures that local operations align with the bank's broader objectives for service excellence and market development.

John Long, the Regional Executive at First Bank, manages and directs banking operations within a designated regional territory. This executive is responsible for developing and executing market strategies, overseeing business development efforts, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality financial services to clients. The Regional Executive cultivates relationships with individuals and businesses, driving growth and expanding the bank's reach. By focusing on operational efficiency and client engagement, John Long supports First Bank's commitment to community banking and economic development. This leadership ensures that regional activities effectively contribute to the bank's overall performance and strategic goals.