#United States #Abingdon #First Bank #James T. Bowen #Credit Administration

James T. Bowen II Promoted to Senior Vice President - Credit Administration

First Bank and Trust Company has made headlines with the announcement of James T. Bowen II's promotion to Senior Vice President of Credit Administration. This elevation in position comes after Bowen's 13 years of commendable service within the organization. His extensive experience and commitment to excellence in credit management will drive the bank's vision forward as he assumes greater responsibilities in overseeing the bank's loan portfolio and fostering a robust credit culture.

Bowen is no stranger to the complexities of credit administration. Since March 2019, he has successfully served as the Vice President of Credit Administration, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and a thorough understanding of credit analysis, loan appraisal, and portfolio management. A Virginia Tech alumnus, Bowen graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and has been instrumental in developing a meticulous approach to credit management.

In his new role, Bowen will lead a talented team dedicated to ensuring the quality of loan portfolios while actively managing credit analysis and loan reviews. He has expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with skilled leaders at First Bank and Trust Company to enhance the organization’s established credit culture. Bowen stated, "I'm excited about the opportunity to work directly with a talented group of leaders at the bank, focusing on continuing the strong credit culture that First Bank and Trust has established."

Bowen believes this new role presents a significant opportunity to contribute further to the bank's success. He aims to cultivate an atmosphere that promotes thoughtful credit decisions and maintains a high-quality loan portfolio. His commitment to the bank’s goals and values plays a crucial role in maintaining a prudent approach to credit—an aspect that aligns perfectly with the bank's long-term strategic vision.

Raleigh Hayter, Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at First Bank, emphasized Bowen's exceptional capabilities: "James has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication throughout his career with us. His promotion to Senior Vice President is a testament to his hard work and commitment to our values. We are confident that he will drive our credit administration efforts to new heights."

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Bowen is actively involved with the Virginia Bankers Association’s Lending Executives Group. His engagement in this organization reflects his passion for advancing the banking industry and enhancing his contribution to it.

First Bank and Trust Company stands as one of the prominent community banks in the United States, providing a wide array of services across southwest Virginia and parts of Tennessee and North Carolina. The organization is highly regarded for its commitment to financial solutions, ranging from personal and business checking products to comprehensive lending solutions through its dedicated divisions.

In many ways, Bowen's ascension to Senior Vice President reflects not only his personal commitment but also the bank's ongoing journey in fostering dedicated leadership and sound credit administration practices. His efforts will help propel the organization toward strategic growth while insisting on upholding high standards of loan portfolio management—a critical element of the bank's success in the competitive financial landscape.