Primis Financial Corp. Welcomes New Board Members with Extensive Industry Experience
Primis Financial Corp. Welcomes New Board Members
On May 27, 2026, Primis Financial Corp., traded under NASDAQ with the symbol FRST, announced a significant enhancement to its governance structure with the election of Scott R. Gamble and J. Brock Saunders to its Board of Directors. This move comes during the annual meeting of shareholders and is aimed at leveraging the extensive experience each member brings to the firm.
Mr. Scott R. Gamble has over 38 years of banking experience, which makes him an invaluable asset to the Primis Board. He currently serves as a Principal at Patriot Financial Partners, L.P. Prior to this role, he held the position of Regional President for BBT's Greater Delaware Valley Region. In this capacity, he managed both commercial and retail management teams and oversaw corporate lending and commercial real estate efforts.
In addition to his leadership roles, Gamble holds board positions at First Bank and Fortis Financial Inc., an entity known for its private investment strategy. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Grove City College and has pursued additional education in management and capital markets, allowing him to bring a wealth of knowledge related to business operations and strategic planning to Primis.
On the other hand, J. Brock Saunders steps into the Primis Board after an impressive career that includes substantial leadership roles within the investment community. He is currently the Managing Partner at Mattock Capital, which focuses on diverse alternative investments. Before that, he was the President and Chief Investment Officer at James River Capital Corp., where his strategic insights contributed significantly to the firm’s growth.
Saunders began his career with Citigroup, where he earned a reputation as a skilled high-yield credit trader before climbing to the position of Global Head of Equity Trading in London, thus showcasing his expertise in international capital markets. His academic background includes a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in government and history from the University of Virginia, where he distinguished himself by serving on the Honor Committee.
Dennis J. Zember, Jr., the President and CEO of Primis, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments. He stated, "I am excited to welcome Scott and Brock to the Primis and Primis Bank Board of Directors. Both individuals are valued contributors and well-known to our Company. We are thrilled to benefit from their experience and counsel as full members of our corporate and bank boards."
The elections also mark a natural transition as previous board members, Robert Clagett and Charles Kabbash, did not seek reelection at the annual meeting. Their service to Primis was acknowledged and appreciated by stakeholders, emphasizing the company's commitment to maintaining a robust and effective leadership structure.
As of the latest financial disclosure on March 31, 2026, Primis Financial Corp. boasts total assets of $4.3 billion, with total loans held for investment at $3.4 billion and total deposits also at $3.4 billion. The bank operates through 24 full-service branches across Virginia and Maryland, providing an array of financial services tailored to individuals and small to medium-sized enterprises. The recent board changes aim to enhance strategic decision-making and foster innovation as Primis continues to grow within the competitive financial landscape.
In conclusion, the introduction of Scott R. Gamble and J. Brock Saunders to the Board of Directors signals a forward-thinking approach by Primis Financial Corp. as it seeks to harness their unparalleled expertise in banking and investment to further its mission of delivering exceptional financial services.