FirstBank Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

FirstBank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, finance, risk, investments, and regional markets.

Driven by a commitment to community banking, FirstBank focuses on providing comprehensive financial services across Colorado, Arizona, and California, fostering economic growth through personalized client relationships and robust financial solutions.

Leadership Roles at FirstBank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kevin Classen
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Tony McKim
  • Chief Financial Officer - Phaedra Painter
  • President, Investments - Mark O'Connor
  • Market President - James McKenzie
  • President - Southwest - Amber Hills
  • President, East Regional - Brent Ball
  • President, Market, North Georgia - Kevin Brunson
  • Chief Information Officer - Christian Winward
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Jennifer Payne
  • Kevin Classen - Chief Executive Officer

    Kevin Classen, the Chief Executive Officer at FirstBank, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational framework for the financial institution. Overseeing all major business units, Classen ensures alignment with the company's mission to serve the Colorado, Arizona, and California regions. This leadership role involves driving market expansion and maintaining the bank's strong community focus. By optimizing resource allocation and fostering a culture of innovation, Kevin Classen directly impacts the bank's sustained growth and financial stability. The Chief Executive Officer's purview includes guiding strategic partnerships and ensuring regulatory compliance across all operational territories. This executive's vision shapes the bank's long-term trajectory and its commitment to client success.
    Kevin Classen

    Tony McKim - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Tony McKim, the President & Chief Executive Officer at FirstBank, spearheads the strategic direction and operational execution across the bank's extensive service areas. McKim's leadership ensures the seamless integration of services for clients in Colorado, Arizona, and California, driving forward the bank's commitment to financial excellence. This executive role encompasses the development of key growth initiatives and the cultivation of strong client relationships. By championing operational efficiencies and fostering a client-centric approach, Tony McKim directly contributes to the bank's market leadership and profitability. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include overseeing all departmental functions and ensuring the bank's strategic objectives are met with precision and integrity. McKim's guidance solidifies FirstBank's position as a trusted financial partner.
    Tony McKim

    Phaedra Painter - Chief Financial Officer

    Phaedra Painter, the Chief Financial Officer at FirstBank, directs all financial planning, reporting, and fiscal management for the institution. Painter's oversight ensures the financial health and strategic allocation of resources across the bank's operations in Colorado, Arizona, and California. This executive position involves managing capital, analyzing investment opportunities, and maintaining strong relationships with financial stakeholders. By implementing rigorous financial controls and driving fiscal discipline, Phaedra Painter directly supports FirstBank's long-term profitability and stability. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include forecasting financial performance and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations. Painter's strategic financial leadership is integral to the bank's sustained success and market integrity.

    Mark O'Connor - President, Investments

    Mark O'Connor, the President, Investments at FirstBank, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the bank's investment division. O'Connor's focus is on developing and executing investment strategies that align with client objectives and the bank's overall financial goals across its service regions. This leadership role involves overseeing portfolio management, market analysis, and the development of innovative investment products. By identifying key market opportunities and managing investment risks effectively, Mark O'Connor directly enhances client wealth and contributes to the bank's diversified revenue streams. The President, Investments' responsibilities include ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements governing investment activities. O'Connor's expertise strengthens FirstBank's comprehensive financial service offerings.

    James McKenzie - Market President

    James McKenzie, the Market President at FirstBank, directs regional operations and client engagement within a specific market territory, fostering local economic development. McKenzie's leadership ensures FirstBank's services are effectively delivered to meet the unique needs of the community it serves. This executive role involves building strong relationships with local businesses and community leaders, driving market penetration, and overseeing regional staff. By championing client success and ensuring operational excellence at the local level, James McKenzie directly strengthens FirstBank's presence and reputation. The Market President's responsibilities include implementing strategic initiatives tailored to the regional economic landscape. McKenzie's dedication enhances FirstBank's community-focused banking model.

    Amber Hills - President - Southwest

    Amber Hills, the President - Southwest at FirstBank, spearheads the strategic growth and operational oversight for the bank's activities within the Southwest region. Hills directs market development initiatives and client relationship management, ensuring FirstBank's services effectively cater to the diverse needs of this key geographic area. This leadership position involves cultivating strong local partnerships and driving business expansion. By implementing targeted strategies and fostering a high-performance team, Amber Hills directly enhances FirstBank's market share and client satisfaction in the Southwest. The President - Southwest's responsibilities include ensuring seamless service delivery and adherence to regional business objectives. Hills' leadership strengthens FirstBank's regional footprint and commitment to client success.

    Brent Ball - President, East Regional

    Brent Ball, the President, East Regional at FirstBank, leads the strategic expansion and operational management of the bank's presence in the East region. Ball directs efforts to enhance client acquisition and retention, ensuring FirstBank's comprehensive financial solutions meet the demands of this growing market. This executive role involves fostering key business relationships and driving regional performance. By executing targeted growth strategies and optimizing service delivery, Brent Ball directly contributes to FirstBank's overall market penetration and revenue growth. The President, East Regional's responsibilities include overseeing regional teams and ensuring alignment with corporate objectives. Ball's leadership reinforces FirstBank's commitment to serving diverse regional economies.

    Kevin Brunson - President, Market, North Georgia

    Kevin Brunson, the President, Market, North Georgia at FirstBank, directs the strategic development and operational execution within the North Georgia market. Brunson focuses on strengthening client relationships and expanding the bank's service offerings to meet the specific economic needs of the region. This leadership role involves cultivating local business partnerships and driving market growth initiatives. By ensuring exceptional client service and fostering community engagement, Kevin Brunson directly enhances FirstBank's brand presence and market penetration in North Georgia. The President, Market, North Georgia's responsibilities include leading regional teams and implementing strategies that support sustained financial performance. Brunson's dedication reinforces FirstBank's commitment to localized banking excellence.
    Kevin Brunson

    Christian Winward - Chief Information Officer

    Christian Winward, the Chief Information Officer at FirstBank, architects and manages the bank's entire technology infrastructure, ensuring robust and secure digital operations. Overseeing all IT departments, Winward drives innovation in financial technology to enhance client services across Colorado, Arizona, and California. This critical role involves implementing cutting-edge solutions that support the bank's strategic growth and operational efficiency. By safeguarding sensitive data and optimizing system performance, Christian Winward directly ensures the reliability and security of FirstBank's digital platforms. The Chief Information Officer's focus extends to digital transformation initiatives and the integration of new technologies that streamline banking processes. Winward's expertise is fundamental to maintaining FirstBank's competitive edge in the evolving financial landscape.
    Christian Winward

    Jennifer Payne - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Jennifer Payne, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at FirstBank, manages the comprehensive risk management framework and drives revenue generation strategies across the organization. Payne's dual role ensures robust risk mitigation while simultaneously pursuing aggressive growth targets in Colorado, Arizona, and California. This executive leadership position involves identifying potential financial and operational risks and developing proactive strategies to address them, alongside spearheading initiatives to expand market share and client acquisition. By balancing prudent risk assessment with strategic revenue enhancement, Jennifer Payne directly optimizes the bank's financial performance and resilience. The Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer's expertise is crucial for navigating complex market dynamics and ensuring sustainable profitability. Payne's leadership fortifies FirstBank's financial integrity and market position.
    Jennifer Payne

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding FirstBank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads FirstBank?
    FirstBank is led by Kevin Classen (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tony McKim (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Phaedra Painter (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of FirstBank’s executive team?
    The executive team of FirstBank includes leaders such as Kevin Classen (Chief Executive Officer), Tony McKim (President & Chief Executive Officer), Phaedra Painter (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does FirstBank have?
    FirstBank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in FirstBank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of FirstBank includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Investments, Market President.