First Financial Bank Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

First Financial Bank has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, marketing, and regional banking operations.

Committed to community-focused banking, First Financial Bank delivers comprehensive financial solutions ranging from consumer lending to trust services while maintaining a robust presence across the Midwest.

Leadership Roles at First Financial Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lisa Palmer
  • Chief Executive Officer & President - John Owen
  • Chief Financial Officer - Rodger McHargue
  • President - Glenn Hasell
  • President - Samuel Swafford
  • President - Cara Roberson
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Dennis Rhee
  • Lisa Palmer - Chief Executive Officer

    Lisa Palmer, the Chief Executive Officer at First Financial Bank, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the institution. Palmer oversees the integration of consumer lending and trust services to ensure consistent growth across all market segments. By aligning internal resources with the evolving needs of depositors, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the competitive edge of the bank within the regional financial landscape. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine mortgage and lease financing offerings. Lisa Palmer drives operational excellence by prioritizing customer-centric banking solutions that foster stability. Through rigorous analysis of market trends, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the organization. Ultimately, Palmer ensures that the bank remains a trusted partner for consumers seeking reliable savings accounts and certificates of deposit while navigating complex regulatory environments.
    Lisa Palmer

    John Owen - Chief Executive Officer & President

    John Owen, the Chief Executive Officer & President at First Financial Bank, manages the daily execution of corporate objectives and organizational performance. Owen coordinates the efforts of senior leadership to optimize mortgage and consumer lending portfolios. As the Chief Executive Officer & President, Owen monitors the efficiency of trust account services and depositor operations to maximize shareholder value. This position requires balancing risk management with aggressive growth targets in the competitive banking sector. John Owen drives the implementation of new financial products that cater to diverse consumer needs. By fostering a culture of accountability, the Chief Executive Officer & President ensures that all departments meet strict performance benchmarks. Through strategic oversight of regional operations, Owen strengthens the market position of the bank. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & President delivers consistent results by aligning institutional goals with the core mission of providing accessible financial services.

    Rodger McHargue - Chief Financial Officer

    Rodger McHargue, the Chief Financial Officer at First Financial Bank, manages the fiscal integrity and capital allocation strategies of the institution. McHargue oversees the reporting of financial performance related to savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and complex lease financing portfolios. As the Chief Financial Officer, McHargue directs the budgeting process and ensures compliance with all banking regulations. This role involves analyzing the profitability of consumer lending products to optimize the balance sheet. Rodger McHargue drives the development of financial models that support long-term investment decisions and risk mitigation. By collaborating with other C-suite leaders, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital resources support the broader growth initiatives of the bank. Through meticulous oversight of trust account services, McHargue maintains the fiscal health of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation necessary for sustained market expansion and operational success.
    Rodger McHargue

    Glenn Hasell - President

    Glenn Hasell, the President at First Financial Bank, directs the operational execution of consumer lending and mortgage services. Hasell oversees the performance of regional banking teams to ensure high-quality service delivery for all depositors. As the President, Hasell manages the day-to-day workflows that support the issuance of loans and the maintenance of savings accounts. This role involves streamlining internal processes to improve the efficiency of consumer-facing operations. Glenn Hasell drives the implementation of service standards that enhance the customer experience across the branch network. By coordinating with other executives, the President ensures that operational activities align with the strategic goals of the bank. Through the management of regional service delivery, Hasell supports the expansion of the bank into new markets. Ultimately, the President maintains the operational excellence required to provide reliable financial solutions to a broad consumer base.
    Glenn Hasell

    Samuel Swafford - President

    Samuel Swafford, the President at First Financial Bank, manages the strategic development and administration of trust account services and specialized financial products. Swafford oversees the integration of complex wealth management solutions into the broader banking portfolio. As the President, Swafford directs the teams responsible for high-value client relationships and fiduciary services. This leadership role involves ensuring that trust operations comply with all legal and regulatory requirements while meeting client expectations. Samuel Swafford drives the growth of the trust division by identifying new opportunities for service expansion. By collaborating with the financial and marketing departments, the President ensures that trust offerings remain competitive and accessible. Through the oversight of specialized financial services, Swafford contributes to the diversification of the revenue streams of the bank. Ultimately, the President secures the reputation of the institution as a premier provider of trust and fiduciary services.

    Cara Roberson - President

    Cara Roberson, the President at First Financial Bank, directs the strategic initiatives related to lease financing and commercial lending operations. Roberson oversees the development of credit products that support the business needs of the consumer base. As the President, Roberson manages the risk assessment protocols for all new lending activities to ensure portfolio quality. This role involves analyzing market demand for lease financing to refine the product offerings of the bank. Cara Roberson drives the expansion of lending services by fostering partnerships with key stakeholders in the regional economy. By aligning credit policies with the overall risk appetite of the institution, the President ensures sustainable growth. Through the oversight of lending operations, Roberson maintains the balance between profitability and service accessibility. Ultimately, the President strengthens the financial position of the bank by delivering tailored lending solutions that meet the evolving requirements of the market.

    Dennis Rhee - Chief Marketing Officer

    Dennis Rhee, the Chief Marketing Officer at First Financial Bank, architects the brand identity and customer acquisition strategies for the institution. Rhee oversees the promotion of mortgage products, savings accounts, and trust services to diverse consumer demographics. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Rhee directs digital and traditional campaigns that highlight the value proposition of the bank. This leadership role involves analyzing consumer behavior to tailor messaging that drives engagement and account growth. Dennis Rhee drives the development of marketing initiatives that differentiate the bank in a crowded financial marketplace. By aligning promotional efforts with the specific needs of depositors, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent brand messaging across all regional operations. Through data-driven insights, Rhee optimizes the marketing funnel to increase conversion rates for consumer lending. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the market presence of the bank by building lasting relationships with the community.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding First Financial Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads First Financial Bank?
    First Financial Bank is led by Lisa Palmer (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Owen (Chief Executive Officer & President) and Rodger McHargue (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of First Financial Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of First Financial Bank includes leaders such as Lisa Palmer (Chief Executive Officer), John Owen (Chief Executive Officer & President), Rodger McHargue (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does First Financial Bank have?
    First Financial Bank has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in First Financial Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of First Financial Bank includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & President, Chief Financial Officer, President, President.