First Bank Executive and Leadership Team

Suzanne DeFerie, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Bank, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. DeFerie manages the alignment of banking products with the specific needs of small to medium-sized businesses throughout North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. By overseeing the executive leadership team, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that operational goals remain consistent with the mission of providing accessible financial services. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to maintain a competitive edge in the regional banking sector. Suzanne DeFerie drives the expansion of the bank's footprint while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory standards and fiscal responsibility. Through the implementation of efficient service models, the President & Chief Executive Officer fosters sustainable growth and strengthens the institution's reputation as a reliable partner for local economic development.

Ronald Earnest, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Bank, manages the internal operational infrastructure and organizational efficiency. Earnest focuses on optimizing the delivery of banking products to individual clients, ensuring that service quality meets the demands of the North Carolina and South Carolina markets. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Earnest coordinates with department heads to streamline loan processing and deposit management systems. This role requires constant monitoring of operational risks and the implementation of technology-driven solutions to enhance customer experience. Ronald Earnest drives the development of internal policies that support the bank's commitment to community-based financial support. By refining the operational framework, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary resources for the bank to thrive in a competitive landscape, ultimately ensuring that the institution remains a pillar of financial stability for the regional customer base.

Elizabeth Bostian, the Chief Financial Officer at First Bank, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire organization. Bostian oversees the financial reporting, budgeting, and treasury functions that support the bank's operations across North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. As the Chief Financial Officer, Bostian ensures that the bank maintains a strong balance sheet while providing the necessary liquidity to fund loans for small and medium-sized businesses. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of market interest rates and economic indicators to guide investment decisions. Elizabeth Bostian drives the development of financial controls that protect the institution against market volatility. By maintaining transparency with stakeholders and regulators, the Chief Financial Officer secures the long-term viability of the bank. Through precise financial planning, Bostian supports the strategic initiatives that allow the organization to expand its reach and provide consistent value to the communities served.

David Forrest, the Market President & Senior VP (Carteret County) at First Bank, directs all banking operations and strategic growth within the Carteret County market. Forrest oversees the management of commercial and retail banking portfolios, ensuring that the bank provides tailored financial products to local businesses and individuals. As the Market President & Senior VP (Carteret County), Forrest coordinates with regional leadership to align local activities with the broader corporate objectives of the bank. This leadership role involves building strong relationships with community leaders and business owners to drive loan volume and deposit growth. David Forrest drives the implementation of service standards that enhance the customer experience across the county. By analyzing local market trends, the Market President & Senior VP (Carteret County) identifies new opportunities for expansion and service improvement. Through dedicated leadership, Forrest ensures that the bank remains a vital contributor to the economic prosperity of the region.

Robert Patterson, the Regional President at First Bank, manages the overall performance and strategic direction of the bank's operations within the assigned region. Patterson oversees the integration of banking products and services, ensuring that the bank effectively supports the financial needs of individuals and businesses. As the Regional President, Patterson provides guidance to city executives and ensures that regional goals align with the corporate mission. This leadership role involves evaluating market performance and implementing strategies to enhance profitability and customer satisfaction. Robert Patterson drives the development of regional business initiatives that capitalize on local economic opportunities. By maintaining a focus on operational excellence, the Regional President ensures that the bank remains a leader in the regional financial sector. Through consistent leadership and strategic oversight, Patterson supports the bank's commitment to providing reliable financial services and fostering economic growth across the region.

Susan Blackwelder, the City Executive at First Bank, directs local market engagement and business development initiatives within the assigned territory. Blackwelder oversees the delivery of banking products to local individuals and small businesses, ensuring that the bank's services meet specific community needs. As the City Executive, Blackwelder manages relationships with key local stakeholders and fosters growth through targeted outreach programs. This role involves coordinating with regional leadership to implement corporate strategies at the branch level. Susan Blackwelder drives the expansion of the local loan portfolio by identifying opportunities for business financing and personal banking growth. By maintaining a deep understanding of the local economic landscape, the City Executive ensures that the bank remains a primary financial resource for the area. Through consistent performance and community involvement, Blackwelder strengthens the bank's market position and supports the overall mission of providing accessible financial solutions.

Kevin Bunn, the City Executive at First Bank, manages the operational success and client acquisition strategies for the assigned city market. Bunn oversees the daily banking functions and ensures that the branch team delivers high-quality service to individuals and small businesses. As the City Executive, Bunn focuses on expanding the bank's presence by building trust with local entrepreneurs and community members. This role involves managing the local loan pipeline and deposit growth to meet regional performance targets. Kevin Bunn drives the execution of corporate marketing and service initiatives at the local level. By monitoring local economic conditions, the City Executive adapts service offerings to better support the financial needs of the community. Through proactive management and a focus on customer relationships, Bunn ensures that the bank maintains a strong competitive advantage and continues to provide essential financial support to the local economy.

Lee Watson, the City Executive at First Bank, directs the strategic operations and business development efforts within the designated city territory. Watson oversees the provision of banking products and services, ensuring that the bank effectively serves the needs of local individuals and small to medium-sized businesses. As the City Executive, Watson manages the branch team and fosters a culture of service excellence. This leadership role involves identifying local market opportunities and developing strategies to increase the bank's market share. Lee Watson drives the implementation of corporate policies while maintaining the flexibility to address unique local challenges. By building strong connections with the business community, the City Executive ensures that the bank remains a preferred financial partner. Through consistent focus on growth and operational efficiency, Watson supports the bank's mission of providing reliable financial solutions across the region.

Paul Seward, the Regional Executive at First Bank, directs the operational oversight and strategic growth across a broad geographic region. Seward oversees multiple city markets, ensuring that the bank's products and services are delivered consistently to individuals and businesses. As the Regional Executive, Seward coordinates with local leadership to drive performance and maintain high service standards. This role involves analyzing regional economic data to inform resource allocation and business development strategies. Paul Seward drives the expansion of the bank's footprint by identifying key growth areas and supporting local teams in their efforts to capture market share. By fostering collaboration between branches, the Regional Executive ensures that the bank remains responsive to the diverse needs of the region. Through effective management and strategic planning, Seward supports the bank's overall mission of providing accessible financial solutions and maintaining strong community ties.

Dawn Carter, the Regional Executive at First Bank, directs the operational strategy and business development initiatives across the assigned region. Carter oversees the performance of multiple branches, ensuring that the bank provides high-quality financial products to individuals and small to medium-sized businesses. As the Regional Executive, Carter coordinates with local teams to implement corporate objectives and drive growth. This role involves monitoring regional market trends and adjusting strategies to maintain a competitive edge. Dawn Carter drives the expansion of the bank's client base by fostering strong relationships with local business leaders and community members. By ensuring that service standards are met across all locations, the Regional Executive maintains the bank's reputation for reliability and excellence. Through proactive management and a focus on regional economic development, Carter supports the bank's mission of providing accessible financial solutions and strengthening the communities served.