First Bank has promoted Darleen Gillespie to Executive Vice President. Gillespie, who previously served as Chief Retail Banking Officer, has been instrumental in driving First Bank’s Retail Division to new heights since joining in 2022.

She came to First Bank from an SVP/Regional Management position with Provident Bank, where she oversaw the retail network of the Central New Jersey market. Gillespie has over 28 years of experience in retail banking, branch management, and leading a team to meet bank objectives. At First Bank, she has been responsible for the overall execution and development of the bank’s deposit-gathering strategy and for leading the bank’s branch network to ensure operations that effectively support the bank’s deposit goals.

Gillespie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Ramapo College and MBA From the University of Massachusetts Isenberg School of Business. She is a past student of the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking and has a leadership certificate from the Wharton School of Business. She is also a member of Middlesex and Princeton Regional Chambers of Commerce.

With nearly three decades of banking expertise under her belt, Gillespie advocates for open-mindedness and flexibility in leadership.

“As Chief Retail Banking Officer, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion,” said Gillespie. “Every voice matters, and it’s through our collective efforts that we’ve achieved success.”

Embracing innovative approaches and empowering team members to contribute their ideas and talents are key to success, according to her.

Learn more about Gillespie, the team members of First Bank, and how First Bank remains committed to doing its part to help grow the economy and create value for our shareholders and stakeholders.