JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI – April 25, 2023 – First Commercial Bank is pleased to announce that two of its Bank officers are pivoting into new and expanded roles to support the Bank’s growth strategy.
“We are excited to announce these new roles for Eric Hanbury and Pam Ware, which reflect our commitment to investing in our people and strengthening our leadership team and will complement our recently announced Chief Financial Officer, Debbie Field,” said Curt Gabardi, President and CEO of First Commercial Bank.
Pam Ware will begin serving in an expanded leadership role as the Bank’s Chief Operating and Risk Officer. In this role, Ms. Ware will be responsible for all operational functions and information technology while becoming the lead executive in managing general bank risk. This responsibility will deepen Ms. Ware’s reach into all areas of the company to ensure that the Bank remains fully attuned safely and soundly to the critical areas of risk management including interest rate, liquidity, credit, operations, IT, Cyber, and reputational risk. Pam joined the Bank in February 2020 and has been serving as the Bank’s Chief Operating Officer.
First Commercial Bank announced last week that Debbie Field joined the Bank as its new Chief Financial Officer.Ms. Field brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, with over 25 years of banking experience.
She began her career at Community First Bank before spending 14 years with Trust One Bank, where she served in various accounting leadership roles and ultimately as Chief Financial Officer. She then spent over 12 years with Landmark Community Bank as its Treasurer and Senior Vice President. Debbie was a key member of the senior management team that was acquired in 2021 by Simmons Bank. Following the Simmons acquisition, Debbie was working as a transition team member at First Horizon Bank via Robert Half Resources Group Contract.
Eric Hanbury will enhance the Bank’s leadership team in his new role as Chief Credit Officer, which became effective earlier this month.
Eric has served as the Bank’s North Mississippi Regional Executive since 2017. He was responsible for opening the Oxford market for First Commercial Bank and has been leading the North Mississippi team since 2020. Prior to joining First Commercial, Eric had served as Chief Credit Officer for First M&F Corporation and also as a Regional Senior Credit Officer for Renasant Bank.
“We are very fortunate to possess a dynamic and diverse array of leadership talents throughout our Bank, and we are particularly excited about these enhanced roles,” added Gabardi.
This strategic move reflects First Commercial Bank’s commitment to continuously improve and evolve its business to meet the needs of its clients and the broader community.