First Bank Welcomes Bridget Welborn as New Chief Risk Officer

In an exciting development for the financial community, First Bank has appointed Bridget Welborn as its new Chief Risk Officer and Head of Legal, effective October 2025. With an impressive background that spans over 15 years, Welborn is set to enhance the bank's risk management and legal frameworks amidst a dynamic financial environment.

Prior to joining First Bank, Welborn served as Senior Counsel specializing in Banking and Privacy at Wyrick Robbins where she provided valuable counsel to financial institutions and fintech companies on crucial matters including regulatory compliance and data security. Her extensive experience makes her a pivotal addition to the executive team, as the bank seeks to navigate the complexities of risk management in the ever-evolving financial landscape.

Adam Currie, the CEO of First Bank, expressed enthusiasm regarding Welborn's appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Bridget to our executive leadership team. Her strategic vision, deep expertise in risk management, and commitment to building strong legal infrastructures will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate."

Bridget Welborn's previous role included serving as Chief Privacy Risk Officer at State Employees' Credit Union, which is the second largest credit union in the United States. In this capacity, she was instrumental in implementing measures that ensured compliance and safety in a high-stakes environment overseeing approximately $50 billion in assets. Her adeptness at guiding organizations through complex legal and regulatory frameworks has earned her a reputation as a leader in her field.

Reflecting on her attraction to First Bank, Welborn remarked, "At First Bank, there's a culture and commitment to doing the right thing, with a focus on safety and soundness at its core. I am excited to continue to build on that and to work with this talented team."

Peter Seitz, who has long served as Executive Vice President of Enterprise Risk at First Bank, will continue to collaborate with Welborn until his retirement, which is scheduled for the end of January 2026. Seitz commented on Welborn's capabilities, stating, "Bridget's experience and understanding of the inherent risks in a growing bank make her the ideal leader for this role. I am confident she will guide the bank through the evolving risk and regulatory environment."

A native of North Carolina, Welborn is well-equipped for her new role, having earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Richmond, alongside a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health with a focus on Biostatistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds licenses to practice law in North Carolina, Virginia, and New York and has achieved CIPP/US Certification from the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

First Bank, a state-chartered and community-focused banking institution, has its headquarters in Southern Pines, North Carolina, and boasts approximately $12.8 billion in total assets. With 113 branches across North Carolina and South Carolina, First Bank is committed to a personalized approach to banking, offering best-in-class financial solutions tailored to assist customers in achieving their financial dreams. The bank has a longstanding reputation for excellence, built since its inception in 1935.

As First Bank moves forward under new leadership, the financial institution continues to set the standard for community-focused banking in the region, ensuring that the needs of its customers come first while navigating the complexities of modern banking challenges. For more information about First Bank and its services, visit www.LocalFirstBank.com.