Reshuffle includes moves in its mortgage and commercial real estate units
FirstBank has introduced key changes in its leadership team, with several role switches in its mortgage and commercial real estate divisions and an executive announcing his retirement.
Brian Ballard (pictured), former chief credit officer, has retired after over three decades with the bank. He began his career with FirstBank in 1992 and held several leadership positions before being elevated to CCO in 2020.
“Brian was a tremendous contributor and brought immense value to our organization,” said FirstBank CEO Jim Reuter. “He led us through the pandemic and PPP, which helped over 15,000 businesses and enabled FirstBank to be the state’s largest originator of economic relief loans. Brian also oversaw the largest years in loan production in our organization’s history.”
According to a news release, John Markovich, president of commercial lending, succeeded Ballard as CCO. Markovich previously led FirstBank’s mortgage and commercial real estate departments.
Read more: FirstBank’s mortgage division deploys digital mortgage platform
Taking over as president of commercial lending is Tony Giarratano, formerly executive vice president of the Southwest Market.
In addition, FirstBank has appointed Patrick Riley as West market president. Riley most recently served as executive vice president of the Northwest market.
“We’ve been steadfast about promoting within and harnessing internal talent, and I think that’s why FirstBank has been a strong performing company over the decades,” Reuter said. “John, Tony, and Patrick have the knowledge, foresight, and expertise to carry out the bank’s strategic vision. We look forward to watching them thrive in their new and well-deserved positions.”
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