First National Bank Alaska Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

First National Bank Alaska has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, fiscal oversight, information technology, regulatory compliance, and corporate leadership.

Dedicated to community prosperity, First National Bank Alaska empowers individuals and businesses through personalized financial solutions, investment management, and wealth services that drive regional economic growth.

Leadership Roles at First National Bank Alaska

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Michele Schuh
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - Suzanne Whittle
  • Chair and President - Betsy Lawer
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Philip L. Griffin
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer - Cindi Buzitis
  • Michele Schuh - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Michele Schuh, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at First National Bank Alaska, directs the overarching fiscal strategy and capital allocation processes. Overseeing the bank's balance sheet management, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures liquidity remains robust to support diverse lending portfolios across the Alaskan market. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of interest rate risks and the optimization of investment management services to maximize shareholder value. By integrating advanced financial modeling into daily operations, Michele Schuh maintains the institution's long-term stability. Furthermore, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to align budgetary priorities with the bank's commitment to community-focused banking. Through precise management of financial reporting and regulatory capital requirements, Schuh secures the fiscal health necessary for sustained growth in the competitive financial services sector.
    Michele Schuh

    Suzanne Whittle - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

    Suzanne Whittle, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at First National Bank Alaska, manages the internal accounting infrastructure and operational expense controls. Focusing on the efficiency of business banking solutions, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer monitors daily cash flows and departmental expenditures to ensure alignment with corporate profitability targets. This role requires constant interaction with various business units to streamline loan processing costs and enhance the delivery of wealth management services. By implementing automated financial tracking systems, Suzanne Whittle improves the accuracy of internal audits and resource allocation. The Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer also evaluates the economic impact of regional tourism and healthcare industry trends on the bank's revenue streams. Ultimately, Whittle drives operational excellence by refining the internal financial processes that support the bank's mission of providing reliable, personalized service to every client.

    Betsy Lawer - Chair and President

    Betsy Lawer, the Chair and President at First National Bank Alaska, defines the overarching corporate vision and strategic direction for the institution. Overseeing the bank's commitment to community support and customer service, the Chair and President guides the executive team in delivering high-quality financial solutions to individuals and small businesses. This leadership role involves fostering relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring the bank remains a pillar of the Alaskan economy. By championing initiatives that support local industries like healthcare and tourism, Betsy Lawer drives the bank's mission of being a trusted financial partner. The Chair and President coordinates with the Board to oversee long-term growth strategies and maintain the bank's legacy of stability. Through decisive leadership and a focus on personalized service, Lawer ensures the organization continues to meet the evolving financial goals of the community while upholding the values established in 1922.
    Betsy Lawer

    Philip L. Griffin - Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Philip L. Griffin, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at First National Bank Alaska, architects the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks protecting client assets. Overseeing the modernization of banking platforms, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration between mobile banking applications and core investment management systems. This leadership role involves mitigating technological risks while expanding the bank's digital footprint across remote geographic regions. By deploying advanced data analytics, Philip L. Griffin enables the institution to offer highly personalized financial services tailored to individual customer needs. The Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to prioritize technology investments that enhance customer service and operational efficiency. Through the continuous improvement of network security and system reliability, Griffin maintains the trust of the bank's diverse clientele while supporting the digital transformation of traditional banking services.

    Cindi Buzitis - Executive Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer

    Cindi Buzitis, the Executive Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer at First National Bank Alaska, governs the regulatory framework and risk management protocols essential for banking operations. Overseeing the adherence to federal and state financial laws, the Executive Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer ensures that all loan products and wealth management services meet strict legal standards. This leadership role involves conducting comprehensive internal audits and training programs to maintain a culture of integrity across the organization. By proactively identifying potential regulatory shifts, Cindi Buzitis protects the bank from legal exposure while facilitating the expansion of services into new market segments. The Executive Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer works closely with the Board to uphold the bank's reputation as a trusted financial partner. Through the rigorous enforcement of anti-money laundering policies and consumer protection standards, Buzitis secures the ethical foundation required for long-term community support.
    Cindi Buzitis

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding First National Bank Alaska Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads First National Bank Alaska?
    First National Bank Alaska is led by Michele Schuh (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Suzanne Whittle (Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer) and Betsy Lawer (Chair and President).
    Who is part of First National Bank Alaska’s executive team?
    The executive team of First National Bank Alaska includes leaders such as Michele Schuh (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Suzanne Whittle (Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer), Betsy Lawer (Chair and President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does First National Bank Alaska have?
    First National Bank Alaska has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in First National Bank Alaska’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of First National Bank Alaska includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chair and President, Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer.