First Bank Welcomes Chris Layne as Greater Richmond Market Executive
MWN-AI** Summary
First National Corporation announced the appointment of Chris Layne as Senior Vice President and Regional Market Executive for Greater Richmond, effective July 22, 2025. Layne’s extensive background of over twenty years in commercial banking and strategic growth within the Richmond area positions him to enhance First Bank’s commitment to personalized service and strong community relationships. Scott C. Harvard, CEO of First National Corporation, emphasized Layne’s local roots and leadership, aligning with the bank’s ethos of "One community, one team, one trusted partner."
Layne's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of La Verne, an MBA from Averett University, and graduation from the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Wharton. His leadership experience extends to several local organizations and nonprofits, showcasing his dedication to community service and development. Joe Shearin, President of the Greater Richmond Market, noted Layne’s collaborative approach as a critical asset in fostering existing relationships and expanding the bank's reach in key markets.
As an Air Force veteran, Layne embodies values of integrity and discipline, which he aims to instill in his team. He is involved in various local leadership roles, contributing to community impact initiatives and mentoring youth from disadvantaged backgrounds through TEAM KRL, a nonprofit he co-founded.
In his new role, Layne is committed to delivering high-quality service, focusing on meeting the financial needs of individuals, small businesses, corporations, and nonprofits within the market. First National Corporation, founded in 1907, operates a community bank that provides a wide range of banking and wealth management services throughout Virginia and northern North Carolina.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent appointment of Chris Layne as the Greater Richmond Market Executive for First Bank presents both strategic opportunities and potential shifts in the market landscape for First National Corporation (NASDAQ: FXNC). With over two decades of commercial banking experience coupled with strong community ties, Layne's leadership could be pivotal in reinforcing First Bank's competitive position in a rapidly evolving market.
Investors should take note of the implications of Layne's background and how they align with First Bank's mission of personalized service and community engagement. His commitment to sustainable growth and operational transformation could foster significant improvements in customer service and client retention rates, particularly in the small business segment, which is crucial for economic stability in the region.
Layne’s engagement with local organizations, such as ChamberRVA and St. Joseph’s Villa, indicates a broad strategy focused on strengthening community ties, which may resonate well with customers seeking trustworthy financial partners. Additionally, his military service and leadership roles reflect a disciplined and service-oriented approach that could enhance the bank's reputation and credibility in the market.
From a market perspective, this leadership change might position First Bank to capitalize on increasing demand for community-driven banking solutions, especially in the wake of the pandemic's shifts toward more localized financial services. Enhanced focus on personal relationships and tailored offerings could lead to an uptick in market share as consumers prioritize trust and personalization in their banking experiences.
As First National Corporation continues to expand its footprint in Virginia and North Carolina, stakeholders should monitor Layne's initiatives closely. His success could translate into improved stock performance and investor confidence, making FXNC an interesting watchlist candidate in the community banking sector.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
STRASBURG, Va., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First National Corporation (the “Company” or “First National”) (NASDAQ: FXNC), the bank holding company of First Bank (the “Bank”) is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Layne as Senior Vice President, Regional Market Executive for Richmond. Chris will be responsible for all lines of business banking and business development in the Richmond market.
“We’re proud to welcome Chris to the First Bank team as our new market leader for the greater Richmond region. His deep roots in the community and proven leadership will strengthen our commitment to local relationships and personalized service,” said Scott C. Harvard, CEO of First National Corporation and First Bank. “At First Bank, we believe in the Power of One – one community, one team, one trusted partner – and Chris embodies that spirit.”
Chris has over two decades of experience in commercial banking, operational transformation, and strategic growth in the greater Richmond market with area regional and local banks. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of La Verne, a Master of Business Administration from Averett University, and is a graduate of the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
“As we continue to grow in key markets, it’s essential we have the right leadership in place to support our customers and empower our employees,” Joe Shearin, President of the Greater Richmond Market, which includes Southside Virginia into northern North Carolina, commented. “Chris brings the experience, vision, and collaborative spirit that will enhance the strong teams we already have in place. Those teams will play a pivotal role in deepening relationships and expanding our presence across the region.” Chris will report to Joe, ensuring strong alignment within our market leadership structure.
A proud veteran of the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve with over 20 years of service, Chris brings the values of integrity, discipline, and service to every aspect of his leadership. He is deeply committed to community impact and currently serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of ChamberRVA, and as Chair of the Board of Trustees for St. Joseph’s Villa. He is also a member of the 2025 Class of Lead Virginia. He has held prior leadership roles with the Metropolitan Business League, Swift Creek YMCA, Capital Area Health Network, and Junior Achievement of Central Virginia. In addition, Chris co-founded and led TEAM KRL, a nonprofit organization based in his hometown of Huntington, West Virginia. Alongside two business partners, TEAM KRL helped mentor both male and female youth from low-to-moderate income environments, providing guidance, support, and positive role models to help shape their futures.
“I’m honored to join First Bank and build on its legacy of deep, personal relationships with our customers. My focus is on delivering responsive, high-quality service and working collaboratively with our team to meet the unique loan, deposit, and treasury needs of businesses and individuals across our market,” Chris stated. “Together, we are committed to being the one partner you can trust in every stage of your financial journey.”
Chris and his team stand prepared to meet the banking needs of small businesses, corporations, real estate investors, individuals, municipalities, and non-profits alike.
First National Corporation (NASDAQ: FXNC) is the parent company and bank holding company of First Bank, a community bank that first opened for business in 1907 in Strasburg. The Bank offers loan and deposit products and services through its website, www.fbvirginia.com , its mobile banking platform, a network of ATMs located throughout its market area, three loan production offices, a customer service center in a retirement community, and thirty-three bank branch office locations located through the Shenandoah Valley, the south-central regions of Virginia, the Roanoke Valley, the Richmond MSA, and in northern North Carolina. In addition to providing traditional banking services, the Bank operates a wealth management division under the name First Bank Wealth Management. First Bank also owns First Bank Financial Services, Inc, which owns an interest in an entity that provides title insurance services.
CONTACTS
Scott C. Harvard
President and CEO
(540) 465-9121
sharvard@fbvirginia.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/530c802a-1b5c-42dd-bef0-4918c71b9b2f
FAQ**
How do you anticipate the addition of Chris Layne as Senior VP will impact First National Corporation FXNC's growth strategy in the competitive Richmond banking market?
What specific initiatives will Chris Layne implement as part of First National Corporation FXNC's commitment to offering personalized service to local businesses?
In what ways will Chris Layne's community involvement strengthen First National Corporation FXNC's reputation and customer relationships in Richmond and surrounding areas?
How does First National Corporation FXNC plan to leverage Chris Layne’s extensive experience in operational transformation to enhance banking services and product offerings?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about First National Corporation (NASDAQ: FXNC).
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