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First Bank

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Employees 315
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FY2022 Annual Report · First Bank
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G R O W T H   +   P R O G R E S S

G R O W T H   +   P R O G R E S S

2 O 2 2   A N N U A L   R E P O R T
2 O 2 2   A N N U A L   R E P O R T
2 O 2 2   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

G R O W T H   +   P R O G R E S S

We are pleased to report our strong performance in 2022, characterized by solid organic 

loan growth, revenue expansion, and outstanding asset quality metrics. Despite the 

uncertain economic environment, we are well positioned for 2023, with achievable goals 

for overall growth and progress in middle market commercial banking, digital loan 

generation, and small business portfolio expansion.

Our initial vision was to create a community and regional bank focused on relationship 

banking to small and mid-sized businesses, leveraging our existing relationships with 

customers and bankers in the New York City to Philadelphia markets. Today, we have 

19 branches, approximately $2.73 billion in assets, and industry-leading profi tability. 

We have achieved much success, and we will continue to refi ne and improve our 

traditional community bank operations while building on our existing strengths to evolve 

into a middle-market commercial bank.

Our goal is to maintain our relationship-based community banking roots while expanding 

specifi c products and services. Our Private Equity fund banking group has allowed us to

extend our service as commercially focused lenders. We plan to expand further into 

asset-based lending (ABL) and small and micro-business banking services to support our 

expansion goals. Our strategic evolution involves maintaining our commercial focus, 

building on our strengths to fi nd new commercial niches, and developing proactive digital 

banking strategies for effi  ciency and relevance in 2023 and beyond.

Contents
Letter to Shareholders 2   Performance Overview 6   Selected Financial Information 7   

Operations Review 8   Board of Directors 12   Market Area and Branch Listing 13   Executive Management  14    

Bank Officers 15   Investment Profile 16   Corporate and Shareholder Information 17

FAST FACTS A unique regional bank with branch locations in
New Jersey and Pennsylvania with approximately $2.73 billion in assets 
at the end of 2022

Highly attractive 
market with highest 
population density
in the country

Record diluted 
earnings per 
of $1.84% in 2022

Net income of 
$36.3M in 2022, 
setting a new record

Net Interest Margin 
improved to 3.75%
in 2022

Nonperforming 
assets to total assets 
of 0.23% at 12/31/22

19 customer facilities 
company-wide

ROAA of 1.40%
for the year ended 
12/31/22

241 company 
employees at 
12/31/2022

Total revenue of 
$112.4M in 2022

Bauer Financial 
5-Star rated bank 
(top ranking)

Kroll Bond Rating 
Agency Investment 
Grade Rating

1

To our shareholders, stakeholders, 
employees and friends:

Introduction 

Darwin’s theory of evolution focuses on mutation and natural selection as the drivers of change over time. 

In essence, in the natural world, what things become depends on what they start with, random changes or 

mutations that occur, and how those changes either help or hurt survivability over time. I believe evolution in 

business works in a similar fashion, with one key diff erence — organizations tend to make strategic decisions 

that drive mutation/change. While random events outside the control of the of the company do impact 

outcomes, in general, business leaders have a greater ability to aff ect change than species in the natural world. 

Despite this diff erence, the theory of evolution makes an instructive model to think about how organizations 

survive and thrive in the long run. Specifi cally, whether change is driven by random events or strategic 

decisions, the marketplace (much like the natural world) will assess the positive or negative impact of those 

changes and the organization will either thrive (grow and achieve strong operating results and profi ts), survive 

(do well enough to stay in business but struggle to perform at a high level), or fail (be forced out of business).

Creating the annual report is always a time for refl ection. We look back at the year that has gone by and we 

look forward and try to predict where we are headed. This year, while still examining recent history, I want to 

take a broader perspective. That is where this examination of evolution comes in. We (senior leadership and 

the board of directors) make strategic decisions regularly and then we compete and measure our results. 

I am proud to say that an examination of our near- and long-term results puts us clearly in the “thrive” 

category. We are growing at a strong, but manageable rate, and we are generating profi ts at levels well 

above peer averages. To date, our strong initial “DNA” and the strategic changes we have enacted have led 

to evolutionary success. But, of course, we also understand and believe the famous quote from the Greek 

historian and philosopher Heraclitus: “The only constant in life is change.” Said a little diff erently, we need to 

continue to evolve if we want to continue to thrive. That quest for continued growth, evolution, and progress is 

what I want to discuss in our letter this year.  

Historical Context

For those of you that have not been with us from the beginning, let me provide some quick historical context. 

Our “DNA” is traditional, community-bank DNA. We focus on taking deposits, making loans, providing 

great service, and building true, long-term relationships. While that may be true for many community banks 

operating today, it is important to note that we understand where we started and where we’re coming from. 

That DNA is the core of who we are, and it is why I’m focused on the concept of evolution, not revolution 

or transformation. Many organizations get into business to disrupt or tear-down the status quo. While those 

stories grab headlines and generate excitement, the models are fraught with risk and many more of them 

fail than succeed. We understand that the world is changing, but we want to leverage what is good about the 

current models rather than start over. Hence, we’re focused on evolution — modifying and changing, but 

building from the base, not starting over.  

2

First Bank was formed in 2007, and our team brought in fresh capital through a change-in-control 

recapitalization in 2008. Since then, the organization has evolved through a few distinct phases. In the early 

years from 2008 to 2012, we were in “start-up” mode. We had a very basic product set; we were focused on 

reconnecting with old friends and customers and getting up to profitability. This was the period where we built 

our base or foundation for future growth and development. Next came our quest to scale up. During 2013 

through 2018, using our existing lines of business and operating within our core markets, we looked to create 

better size and scale to help drive profitability. We did this through a combination of continued organic growth 

along with opportunistic acquisitions. During that period, we grew from approximately $350 million in assets  

to $1.71 billion, completing an initial public offering and three, whole-bank acquisitions. While successful in our 

drive for revenue growth, our strong loan production during that period put pressure on our funding sources. 

Hence, our next phase of development was focused on generating core, low-cost deposits. From 2019 

through 2022, we became laser-focused on improved profitability led by core deposit growth. Our results  

during this period reached new heights — net income and EPS doubled, ROA increased by 30 basis points and  

our tangible book value per share grew $4.39, or 46%. Importantly, our cost of deposits declined significantly, 

and our mix of lower-cost deposits also improved.  

In 2022, while achieving those super-strong operating results, we also made important strategic investments 

that will drive our next phase of evolution here at First Bank. Key investments in 2022 include the build-out of 

a Private Equity fund Banking group, creation of a digital banking focus, and key hires to grow core deposits  

and help build out a new Small Business (SMB) group. And, in early 2023, we’ve announced the creation of  

a new Asset-based Lending (ABL) group. Those investments will help propel First Bank on its evolutionary 

journey from small, traditional community bank, to a true, middle-market commercial bank. It will not happen 

overnight, and it will not involve losing our roots as relationship-based community bankers. Nevertheless, our 

strategic path is clear, and we will leverage our strengths to continue to grow, evolve, and thrive.

A Quick Look Back at 2022

Results in 2022 mirrored the changing interest rate landscape. Our bank is designed to make good money in  

a tough interest rate environment and really good money in a favorable interest rate environment. And that’s 

what happened. In Q1 our net interest margin (NIM) was 3.57% and we made $8.2 million in net income.  

In Q2, our NIM was 3.76% and we made $8.8 million. In Q3, our NIM got up to 3.97% and we made $10.2 million,  

and in Q4, our NIM came back down to 3.69% and we made $9.1 million. As the Federal Reserve moved short 

term rates higher in the first half of the year, we made more money because earning-asset yields moved 

higher, and deposit costs stayed flat. By the time we reached Q4, those increases in asset yields had tempered 

and deposit costs finally started moving higher in a meaningful way. We got caught a little bit flat-footed in  

Q4 as deposit costs moved up faster than anticipated and a nice surge in C&I loan demand forced us to  
get additional dollars at higher rates. In general, banks do not do as well when the yield earned on long-term 

assets is lower than the yield on short-term assets (i.e., an inverted yield curve), and that certainly played out 

3

in Q4. Despite the more challenging environment toward the end of the year, we still achieved a 1.35% return 

on average assets (ROA) during the fourth quarter, a very healthy level of profitability by historical industry 

standards. Another component of First Bank’s financial strength and profitability is our operational efficiency, 

where we continuously outperform our peers. For eight straight quarters our efficiency ratio has been below 

50%, proving our stability and positioning us to continue profitability throughout our evolutionary journey.

A Quick Look Ahead to 2023

Results in 2023 will largely be driven by the outcome of the current tug-of-war between bond investors and  

the Federal Reserve. The Fed is saying the battle with inflation is not over, and more rate hikes are coming.  

The Bond market is saying the Fed will need to blink, and stop raising rates, and that they will then need to start 

lowering rates to help out a softening economy. If that battle continues throughout most of 2023, and the 

yield curve stays significantly inverted, the rate environment for banks will remain challenging and margins 

will likely continue to move lower. Thankfully, they will be moving lower from historically high levels, so some 

margin compression can be realized and banks can still generate healthy returns.  

While margins drive incremental bank profitability, credit quality is always the existential threat. Banks can 

make decent returns, grow book value and grow capital in a low-margin environment. A level of economic 

stress that leads to loan charge offs and credit losses can be a different animal all together. Very few 

economists are predicting that level of economic stress and credit quality deterioration. The conversation 

or debate is between mild recession or modest growth. Either scenario should be fine from a credit quality 

perspective. The equation for understanding credit costs is not linear: economic output needs to deteriorate 

in a significant way and credit markets need to shut down in order for large scale losses to emerge.  

While anything is possible, most economic signals are not pointing to that type of environment in 2023.  

Our delinquencies ended the year at an all-time low, criticized and classified assets remained very low and 

actually declined as a percentage of capital, and charge offs remained very low.  

With the expectation that full-year margins will be a bit lower in 2023 compared to the 3.75% achieved in for 

the full year in 2022, the real question is whether or not we will make more money this year compared to last 

year. We believe the answer to that question depends upon our ability to generate core, low-cost deposits.  

With our stock trading slightly below our tangible book value on March 3, 2023, clearly the market is skeptical. 
While the current level of skepticism is frustrating given our historical track record of delivering best-in-class  

growth and earnings, we accept and embrace the challenge. For most of our existence, we have faced 

skepticism and we’ve pushed forward and delivered on the plans and goals we set for ourselves. 

As all good managers and leaders know, “hope is not a strategy.” Our ability to deliver quality deposit growth 

will be tied to several factors: i) great performance from our existing branches and sales teams, ii) deposit 

growth from our new SMB business unit, and iii) new business generated from key new hires taken from local 

banks that are in the process of being acquired. It won’t be easy, but as I have done since I helped get things 

started here back in 2008, I’ll be betting on our team!

4

The Future Beyond 2023

What gets me most excited (when I think about our future prospects) is this simple fact — most small and 

medium-sized business prefer to deal with relationship-focused community/commercial banks. It can 

sometimes be hard to fi nd them, and harder still to fi ght the inertia to get them to switch, but the fact is that 

we have what they want! It takes time, but “slow and steady” (i.e., evolution) wins the race.  

We will continue to evolve. Banking ten years from now will be diff erent from how it functions today. 

Customers will want more and better technology, added convenience, and tighter security. We are making 

investments in all of these areas. But let me be clear, our secret sauce will not be digital. It will remain 

relationship-banking. I believe banks that cannot reach point of parity with critical digital solutions will not 

survive. That is now part of our evolutionary mission. We’re also exploring opportunities to leverage our charter 

and back offi  ce to generate deposits and/or fee income through banking as a service (BaaS) partnership. 

The jury is still out regarding whether BaaS will be part of our evolutionary path, but we remain committed to 

exploring all viable options for creating long-term shareholder value.  

The other certainty in banking is continued consolidation. The overall number of banking institutions in 

the United States has been cut in half over the past 20 years, from 8,500 to 4,200. That’s a net decline of about 

215 per year. If the industry continued to decline at that pace, the number of banks will be cut in half again 

in ten years. This pace may slow, or accelerate, but the trends that are driving it (regulatory costs, investor 

pressure, management succession issues) are not going away. Will First Bank be around when the industry is 

down to 2,000 banks? Time, and natural/market selection will tell. We control our own destiny in the sense 

that our strategic decisions and our operating results (not random mutation) will dictate our future survival. 

The other key part of our DNA is a shareholder mindset. If we are still here, it will be because we have earned it 

through great performance and shareholder value creation. I am proud of what we have accomplished 

so far, but we hold ourselves to a very high standard. I am excited to see it our evolutionary path will allow us 

to achieve those elevated standards of success and survival.

Patrick L. Ryan
President and CEO

S A F E - H A R B O R   S T A T E M E N T 

NOTE This document contains forward-looking statements concerning the fi nancial condition, results of operations and business of the Bank. We caution that such statements are subject 
to a number of uncertainties, including but not limited to those set forth under the caption “Item 1A – Risk Factors” in the accompanying annual report on Form 10-K, as well as the continued 
eff ects of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in economic activity in our markets, changes in interest rates and changes in regulation and the regulatory environment. If one or more events 
related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if First Bank’s underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may diff er materially from what First Bank anticipates. 
Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and First Bank does 
not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. All forward-looking 
statements, expressed or implied, included in this communication are expressly qualifi ed in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in 
connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that First Bank or persons acting on First Bank’s behalf may issue.

5

Performance Overview

 Total Stockholders’ Equity

AT 12-31, $ IN MILLIONS

Average Total Earning Assets

FOR YEAR ENDED 12-31, $ IN BILLIONS

 2022

 2021

 2020

 2019

 2018

 2017

289.6

266.7

 238.1 

226.4

194.8

163.3

 2022

 2021

 2020

 2019

 2018

 2017

5-YEAR CAGR = 12.1%  

5-YEAR CAGR = 21.6%  

 Total Loans

AT 12-31, $ IN BILLIONS

 Total Deposits

AT 12-31, $ IN BILLIONS

 2022

 2021

 2020

 2019

 2018

 2017

2.34

2.1 3

2.05

1.72

1.46

1.23

 2022

 2021

 2020

 2019

 2018

 2017

5-YEAR CAGR = 13.8%  

5-YEAR CAGR = 14.5%  

 Total Net Revenue

FOR YEAR ENDED 12-31, $ IN MILLIONS 1

 Net Income

FOR YEAR ENDED 12-31, $ IN MILLIONS

 2022

 2021

 2020

 2019

 2018

 2017

97.5

89.6

75.9

62.4

58.4

41 .8

 2022

 2021

 2020

 2019

 2018

 2017

5-YEAR CAGR = 18.5%  

5-YEAR CAGR = 39.1%

1  Total net revenue is the sum of net interest income and non-interest income

6

2.47

2.30

2. 12

1.76

1.54

0.93

2.29

2. 1 1

1.90

1.64

1.39

1. 17

36.3

35.4

19.4

13.4

17.6

7.0

Selected Financial Information

IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT COMMON SHARE DATA

AT OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

2 02 2   

2 01 7  

5-YR CAGR

S E L EC T E D  BA L A N C E  S H E E T  DATA  
Total assets  
Total loans        
Allowance for loan losses 
Total deposits  
Total borrowings 
Total subordinated debentures  
Total stockholders’ equity  
Average total assets  
Average stockholders’ equity 

S E L EC T E D  I N CO M E  S TAT E M E N T  DATA
Interest and dividend income 
Interest expense  

Net interest income  
Provision for loan losses 

Net interest income after provision 
  for loan losses 
Non-interest income    
Non-interest expense 

Income before income taxes 
Income tax expense 

Net income 

CO M M O N  S H A R E  DATA
Diluted earnings per share  
Cash dividends paid 
Diluted weighted average  
  common shares outstanding 
Book value per common share 
Common shares outstanding 

S E L EC T E D  P E R F O R M A N C E  R AT I O S
Return on average assets 
Adjusted return on average assets1 
Return on average equity 
Adjusted return on average equity1 
Net interest margin, tax equivalent2 
Efficiency ratio1 

S E L EC T E D  A S S E T  Q UA L I T Y R AT I O S
Nonperforming loans to total loans3 

Allowance for loan losses  
  to nonperforming loans 
Net loan charge offs to average loans 

C A P I TA L  R AT I O S
Stockholders’ equity to assets 
Tier 1 leverage capital 
Common equity tier 1 capital 
Tier 1 risk-based capital 
Total risk-based capital 

$ 

$    

$ 

$ 

2,732,940 
 2,337,814  
25,474  
2,293,952  
 90,932  
 29,731  
289,562  
2,587,344  
 277,639  

 107,261  
14,888 

92,373 
2,872  

 89,501   
 5,120 
 46,733    

47,888    
  11,601   

$    

36,287   

$     

1,452,327  
1,227,413 
11,697 
1,167,098 
94,863 
21,748 
163,250 
1,218,699 
124,879 

51 ,198 
11 ,535 

39,663 
2,675 

36,988 
2,116 
24,684 

14,420 
7,427 

6,993 

$ 

 1.84      
 0.24  

$ 

  0.48  
 0.08      

19,716,661  
14.89   
 19,451,755    

 14,577,664 
 9.36 
17,443,173 

1.40% 
1.42% 
13.07% 
13.23% 
3.75% 
47.53% 

0.27% 

407.58%  
(0.05%) 

10.62%  
10.41 % 
10.40% 
10.40% 
12.49% 

0.57% 
0.72% 
5.60% 
7.01%
3.39%
55.27%  

0.43%

220.78% 
0.08%

11 .24% 
10.54% 
11 .05%  
11 .05% 
13.49%

1  This measure is not recognized under U.S. GAAP and is therefore a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure.  
  See our annual report on Form 10-K for a reconciliation of the 2022 calculation.
2  The tax equivalent adjustment is calculated using a federal income tax rate of 21% in 2021 and 34% in 2017.
3  Nonperforming loans consist of nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing.

1 3.5% 
13.8%  
16.8%   
14.5%    
(0.8%) 
6.5%   
12. 1 %  
16.3%   
17.3%   

15.9%    
5.2%   

18.4%  
1.4% 

19.3%  
19.3% 
13.6%  

27. 1 %  
9.3%

39.0%   

30.8%  
24.6%

6.2%   
9.7%   
2.2%

19.7%
14.6%

7

 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
    
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Evolution towards Middle-Market Commercial Banking

Poised to Expand with New Service Lines 
Asset Based Lending & Private Equity

First Bank is at an exciting inflection point, as we evolve into a true middle-market commercial bank while 

maintaining our foundations in community banking. With sixteen years of experience and a strong foothold in the 

community banking sector, we are identifying new opportunities for growth and progress in the middle-market 

commercial banking market.

To achieve our strategic goal, we are adding more complex products and services for larger businesses and 

gradually changing how we operate to serve small businesses more efficiently and effectively. 

Led by Ramzi Dagher, Senior Vice President of the Private Equity Group, our Private Equity fund banking group  

is set to provide innovative lending solutions to businesses in our communities. 

Our plan for evolving into a middle-market commercial bank includes several key tenants, starting with our  

focus on commercial lines of business. We will explore products and businesses that are closely connected to 

the things we already do well, while moving “up market” with our growth and lending limit expansion.  

Finally, we will focus on becoming more diversified, with new lines of business working to reduce concentration 

levels in other areas.

In 2023, we are expanding our Asset Based Lending (ABL) capabilities, a unique underwriting and monitoring 

project with immense growth potential. To lead this initiative, we have hired Mike Maiorino as President  

of Asset Based Lending. With Mike’s expertise and our growing digital capabilities, we plan to validate the ABL 

model before expanding beyond our current branch coverage area.

At First Bank, we are committed to expanding our capabilities and services to customers while staying true to  

our roots in community banking. By focusing on our key tenants and strategic initiatives, we are well-positioned 

to provide innovative lending solutions to businesses in our communities and beyond. As we continue  

to explore new technologies and partnerships that enhance our services and support our growth, we are 

confident in our ability to evolve into a true middle-market commercial bank.

“As a community bank, we are dedicated to supporting businesses in our region and providing convenient and  

efficient lending solutions. Our strategic initiatives reflect this commitment, and we are excited about the 

potential for growth and progress in the middle commercial banking market,” said First Bank CEO Patrick Ryan.

 “Expanding with new service lines  —  
Asset Based Lending and Private Equity  
Fund Banking.”

8

 “As President of Asset Based 
Lending at First Bank, I am excited 
to lead the expansion into 
this unique line of business with 
immense growth potential. 
Asset Based Lending provides a 
fl exible fi nancing option for 
businesses in need of short-term 
capital. With the support of 
First Bank's digital capabilities and 
expertise, we are well-positioned 
to grow the ABL business and 
expand our services beyond our 
current branch coverage area.” 

Michael Maiorino
Asset Based Lending President 
at First Bank

From left, Ramzi Dagher and Michael Maiorino 

 “Our focus on commercial lines of business and creation of a Private Equity Fund banking 
group are the fi rst steps in our plan to evolve into a middle-market commercial bank. 
By exploring new products and businesses and becoming more diversifi ed, we are 
well-positioned to provide innovative lending solutions to businesses in our communities 
and beyond.”

Ramzi Dagher
Senior Vice President of the Private Equity Group at First Bank

9

Enhanced Small Business Lending

Growing Our Digital Expertise

In late 2022, First Bank announced the implementation and roll-out of its small business initiative, which  
is set to simplify the borrowing process for small businesses in the region and enhance the Bank’s growth and 
progress in the community banking sector.

The small business initiative is a significant step towards providing innovative and convenient lending solutions  
to small businesses. Led by Michael Smith, who joined First Bank from Investors Bank, the initiative  
comprises several key components, starting with the creation of an automated small business portal to receive 
applications, make credit decisions, and open and fund commercial deposit accounts. This digital portal will 
leverage First Bank’s growing digital expertise and enhance the borrower experience for small businesses.

In addition to the digital portal, the Bank is also targeting the smallest/micro businesses and the underbanked 
through targeted product offerings and marketing strategies. By expanding its marketing reach and  
growing its digital expertise, First Bank is well-positioned to become a leader in providing innovative lending 
solutions to small businesses in the region.

“As a community bank, we recognize the importance of supporting small businesses in our region.  
We are excited to have Michael Smith lead this business unit and enhance our services to small business owners,”  
said First Bank CEO Patrick Ryan.  

“With the implementation of the small business initiative, we are well on our way to becoming a true middle-market  
commercial bank and providing convenient and efficient lending solutions to small businesses in our communities.”

First Bank’s commitment to providing innovative lending solutions to small businesses in its communities is reflected 
in its strategic initiatives. The Bank is exploring new technologies and partnerships that enhance its services  
and support its growth, prioritizing the needs of its customers. By leveraging its digital capabilities and growing its 
expertise, the Bank is set to achieve significant growth and progress in the community banking sector.

The small business initiative is a testament to First Bank’s dedication to serving 
businesses in its communities, and the Bank will continue to explore new 
opportunities that enhance its services and support its growth as it evolves into 
a true middle-market commercial bank.

 “The small business initiative is a significant step towards providing 
innovative and convenient lending solutions to small businesses. 
We’re excited to invest in next-gen digital technology platforms  
to enhance the borrower experience for small businesses.  
We want to be the leader in merging technology with traditional 
personal banking relationships. We think this is a winning formula  
for First Bank.” Michael Smith, Director of Small Business Banking 

10

Consistent Strategy Driving Enhanced Results

 Net Interest Income

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AT 12-31, $ IN MILLIONS

 Net Loan Charge Off  s/
Average Loans FOR THE YEAR ENDED AT 12-31

 2022

 2021

 2020

 2019

 2018

 2017

5-YEAR CAGR = 18.4%  

92.4

81.9

69.6

58.4

54.9

39.7

0.12%

0.15%

0.15

0.10

0.05

0.00

0.00%

0.05%

0.00%

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

 Return on Average Assets

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AT 12-31

 Return on Average Equity

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AT 12-31

 2022

 2021

 2020

 2019

 2018

 2017

1.40%

1.46%

0.87%

0.72%

1.09%

0.57%

 2022

 2021

 2020

 2019

 2018

 201 7

13.1%

14.0%

8.5%
6.5%

9.7%

5.6%

11

Board of Directors

Patrick M. Ryan 
CHAIRMAN
Owner of North Buffalo Advisors, LLC;  
former President and Chief Executive Officer of 
Yardville National Bank

D I R E C T O R   S I N C E  2011

BOARD COMMITTEES ASSET/LIABILITY,  
COMPLIANCE, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Leslie E. Goodman 
VICE CHAIRMAN 
LEAD INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Principal of The Eagle Group of  
Princeton, Inc.; Director of Wawa, Inc.

D I R E C T O R   S I N C E  2008

BOARD COMMITTEES ASSET/LIABILITY (CHAIR), 
COMPENSATION AND PERSONNEL  

Patrick L. Ryan 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
President and Chief Executive Officer  
of First Bank 

D I R E C T O R   S I N C E  2008

BOARD COMMITTEES ASSET/LIABILITY, 
COMPLIANCE, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Douglas C. Borden
Northeast President of CBIZ Borden Perlman 

D I R E C T O R   S I N C E  2017

BOARD COMMITTEES NOMINATING AND 
GOVERNANCE (CHAIR), COMPENSATION AND 

PERSONNEL, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Scott R. Gamble
Principal of Patriot Financial Partners, LP

D I R E C T O R   S I N C E  2020

BOARD COMMITTEES ASSET/LIABILITY, 
COMPENSATION AND PERSONNEL, AUDIT  

AND RISK MANAGEMENT, COMPLIANCE 

Deborah Paige Hanson
Principal, Executive Vice President  
and Fund Manager of The Hampshire Companies

D I R E C T O R   S I N C E  2016

BOARD COMMITTEES COMPENSATION AND 
PERSONNEL (CHAIR), NOMINATING AND 

GOVERNANCE, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Glenn M. Josephs 
Partner of Friedman, LLP; former Partner, Bagell, Josephs, 
Levine and Company, LLC

D I R E C T O R   S I N C E  2008

BOARD COMMITTEES AUDIT AND RISK MANAGEMENT 
(CHAIR), NOMINATING AND GOVERNANCE, 
COMPENSATION AND PERSONNEL 

Peter Pantages
Former Chairman, President and  
Chief Executive Officer of Grand Bank

D I R E C T O R   S I N C E  2019

BOARD COMMITTEES COMPLIANCE, 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Michael E. Salz
President of Linden Bulk Transportation Co., LLC

D I R E C T O R   S I N C E  2017

BOARD COMMITTEES INFORMATION 
TECHNOLOGY (CHAIR), AUDIT AND RISK 

MANAGEMENT, ASSET/LIABILITY,  

COMPENSATION AND PERSONNEL

John E. Strydesky
Certified Public Accountant; Owner of Strydesky  
& Company, CPAs/Business Consultants

D I R E C T O R   S I N C E  2010

BOARD COMMITTEES COMPLIANCE (CHAIR), 
AUDIT AND RISK MANAGEMENT,  

ASSET/LIABILITY

12

All directors also serve on the Strategic Planning  
and Board Loan Committees.

First Bank Locations

ADMINISTRATIVE

2465 Kuser Road
Hamilton, NJ 08690
877 821 2265

1395 Yardville-Hamilton Square Rd
Hamilton, NJ 08691
877 821 2265

RANDOLPH
1206 Sussex Turnpike
Randolph, NJ 07869
973 895 5800 

SOMERSET
225 DeMott Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873
732 649 1999

WILLIAMSTOWN
1020 North Black Horse Pike
Williamstown, NJ 08094
856 728 3400 

PENNSYLVANIA

DOYLESTOWN
200 South Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215 230 7533

TREVOSE
4956-66 Old Street Road
Trevose, PA 19053
267 984 4537

WARMINSTER
356 York Road
Warminster, PA 18974
215 441 4118

WEST CHESTER
849 Paoli Pike
West Chester, PA 19380
484 881 3800

First Bank Market Area 

First Bank's 19-branch franchise serves highly desirable markets in 
New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, offering a full range of deposit 
and loan products to individuals and businesses. With total assets 
of $2.73 billion at year-end 2022 the bank’s unique value proposition 
includes providing a superior customer experience, access to 
decision makers, and competitive interest rates and fees.

On December 14, 2022, First Bank announced the signing of a 
defi nitive merger agreement to acquire Malvern Bancorp. 
Subject to the receipt of regulatory and shareholder approvals, the 
merger is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023 and 
will add nine locations, primarily in eastern Pennsylvania with one 
location in northern New Jersey and one in Palm Beach, Florida. 
This strategic transaction is another example of what we believe is 
a high-quality and low-risk transaction 
that we are using to build size and 
scale, solidify our market position 
and expand our service area.

SUSSEX

WARREN

MORRIS

ESSEX

UNION

NYC

HUNTERDON

HUDSON

SOMERSET

MIDDLESEX

BUCKS 

MERCER

MONMOUTH

MONTGOMERY

PHILADELPHIA

CHESTER

DELAWARE

OCEAN

BURLINGTON

GLOUCESTER

CAMDEN

FIRST BANK 
REGIONAL STRUCTURE

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY REGION

CENTRAL NEW JERSEY REGION

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA REGION 

★

HEADQUARTERS & FIRST BANK BRANCH

FIRST BANK BRANCH 

FIRST BANK BRANCH & REGIONAL BANKING CENTER 

MALVERN BANCORP BRANCH

13

NEW JERSEY

CINNAMINSON
506 US Route 130 North
Suite #1
Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
856 303 8899

CRANBURY
2664 US Route 130
Cranbury, NJ 08512
609 642 1064

DELANCO
615 Burlington Avenue
Delanco, NJ 08075
856 461 0611

DENVILLE
530 East Main Street (Route 53)
Denville, NJ 07834
973 625 1407

EWING
1340 Parkway Avenue
Ewing, NJ 08628
609 643 0470

FAIRFIELD
330 Passaic Avenue
Fairfi eld, NJ 07004
973 840 1110

FLEMINGTON
334 Highway 31 North
Flemington, NJ 08822
908 751 0318

FLEMINGTON
224 South Main Street
Flemington, NJ 08822
908 751 1003

HAMILTON
2465 Kuser Road
Hamilton, NJ 08690
609 528 4400

LAWRENCE
590 Lawrence Square 
Boulevard South
Lawrence, NJ 08648
609 587 3111

MONROE 
1600 Perrineville Road
Concordia Shopping Center
Monroe Township, NJ 08831
609 642 1238

PENNINGTON
3 Tree Farm Road
Pennington, NJ 08534
609 281 5808

Executive Management

Patrick L. 
Ryan 
PRESIDENT 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE  
OFFICER 

Peter J. 
Cahill 
EXECUTIVE 
VICE PRESIDENT 
CHIEF LENDING  
OFFICER 

Andrew L.
Hibshman 
EXECUTIVE 
VICE PRESIDENT
CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER

Maria E.
Mayshura 
EXECUTIVE
VICE PRESIDENT
CHIEF RISK  
OFFICER

John F.  
Shepardson 
EXECUTIVE  
VICE PRESIDENT 
CHIEF OPERATING  
OFFICER

14

Joseph R.  
Calabro
PENNSYLVANIA  
REGIONAL PRESIDENT 

Gabriel K.  
Dragos 
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY  
OFFICER

Kimberly  
Cerasi
DIRECTOR OF  
HUMAN RESOURCES

Darleen  
Gillespie  
CHIEF RETAIL 
BANKING OFFICER

Anthony F.  
DeSenzo
MARKET EXECUTIVE 

Michael  
Maiorino  
ASSET BASED 
LENDING PRESIDENT

Marianne E. 
DeSimone 
LENDING GROUP
MANAGER 

David J.  
DiStefano
NEW JERSEY 
REGIONAL 
PRESIDENT 

Arlene S.  
Pedovitch
CHIEF CREDIT 
OFFICER

Parwinder 
Virk
CHIEF 
ACCOUNTING
OFFICER

Bank Officers

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS
Scott A. Bachman  
Team Leader  

Belinda L. Blazic 
Loan Administration Manager 

Joseph F. Browarski  
Loan Workout Officer 

Scott W. Civil 
Market Executive

Michael B. Cook 
Manager Investor Real Estate

Tiffany Craddock 
Credit Officer

Ramzi Dagher 
Team Leader 

Gregory Dittrich 
Director of Government Banking

Jason Fischer  
Team Leader/Market Executive 

Denise Goetting 
Regional Branch Manager NJ

Paula Huergo  
Strategic Planning and Operations Officer

Robert Kim 
Director of SBA Lending

Sriramulu Krishnamurthy 
SBA Manager

Larry F. Lee    
Loan Workout Manager 

Lauretta Lucchesi 
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager  

David Hill Marx 
Team Leader

Gregorio Perri, Jr. 
Consumer Lending Manager

Frank P. Puleio  
Business Development Officer/Government Banking

Michael Rist  
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

George Robostello 
Credit Officer

Megan Schlessinger 
Small Business Banker/Team Leader

Stacy L. Schwartz  
Head of Deposit Operations

Michael Smith 
Director of Small Business & Corporate Development

Donald Theobald, Jr. 
Controller 

Casi L. Tiernan 
Head of Cash Management 

Richard Tocci 
Manager Investor Real Estate

Gregory Weckel  
Director Information Technology Operations 

Caryn Wilson    
Head of Retail Branch Administration

 FIRST VICE PRESIDENTS

Joseph Ball 
Market Manager

Robert Goldzman   
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Jose Jurado 
Construction Lending Manager

Christopher M. Kelly   
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Elizabeth Scozzari 
Market Manager

VICE PRESIDENTS

Rosemarie  Abate 
Portfolio Manager

Nadine D. Barron  
Credit Manager 

Thomas P. Bay  
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Donna Bencivengo  
Executive Assistant and Corporate Secretary

Keysha Berry 
Branch Manager

Stephen Bohmert 
Business Development Officer

Sharon E. Bokma  
Branch Manager

Michael R. Borkowski  
Branch Manager

Linda Bransfield 
Senior Credit Underwriter

Richard L. Burzynski  
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Michael P. Cahill  
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Marjorie A. Callahan  
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Edward Caporellie 
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Joseph Cavalchire  
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Louis A. Ciarlante  
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Joan S. Costa  
Loan Administration Assistant Manager

Cori Cubberley  
Lending Data Integrity Manager

Douglas D’Aulerio  
Branch Manager

Samantha Dayton 
Loan Accounting Manager

Jessica DiRocco 
Branch Manager

Alan Dolnick 
Portfolio Manager

Ryan D. Earley  
Business Banker

Derrick Futch  
Branch Manager

Arnaldo F. Galassi  
Lending Project Manager

Michael Giacobello  
Market Development Officer

Robert C. Gossenberger  
Branch Manager

Michele M. Green  
SBA Portfolio Manager & Senior Underwriter

Philip M. Heberling  
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Stephen Helhowski  
Commercial Real Estate Administrator

Joseph Kerr 
Business Banker

Jason M. Koenigsberg  
Branch Manager

Brett Lawrence  
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Andrea Lazarus 
Branch Manager

Darcy Lowe  
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Christina Maguire 
Branch Manager

Patricio Martins 
Branch Manager

William J. Mellon  
Senior Credit Underwriter

Kahla Miscavage  
SBA Relationship Manager

Carol Monaghan  
Branch Manager

Sarah M. Pearson  
CRA Officer

Ruth Powell  
Branch Manager

Anubha Raj 
Sales & Training Manager

Steven Rash 
Branch Manager

Adam Regnery  
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

David Roskowsky 
Branch Manager

Katherine M. Rowley  
Retail Escrow Rent Security Specialist

Sandra K. Ryan  
Branch Manager 

Terrence Ryan 
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Patricia L. Schofield  
Branch Manager

Eugene Slickers 
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Diane L. Smith  
Senior Credit Underwriter

Kyle Smith  
Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Joseph Stefans 
Business Development Officer

Traci L. Sundberg  
BSA Officer

John M. Thompson  
Treasury Management Sales Officer

Andrew Varsallona 
System Application Administrator

Jennifer Wallace-Dressner  
Assistant Controller

15

Investment Profi le AT 3- 3 -23

L I S T I N G

S YM B O L

S H A R E   P R I C E

M A R K E T   C A P I TA L I Z AT I O N

P R I C E /2022  E A R N I N G S  

P R I C E / TA N G I B L E   B O O K

A N N U A L I Z E D   D I V I D E N D

D I V I D E N D   Y I E L D

52- W E E K   H I G H

52- W E E K   LO W

AVERAGE DAILY TRADING VOLUME 

S H A R E S   O U T S TA N D I N G

Nasdaq

FRBA

$13.60

$264.5 M

 7.35 X

0.97 X

$0.24

1.76%

$16.76

$12.93

 48,873

19.5 M

Investment Highlights

Solid and consistent book 
value per share growth

Strong performance 
metrics refl ect our 
commitment to sound 
fi nancial management 
and eff ective risk 
management practices

Revenue growth and 
non-interest expense control 
driving stronger operating 
leverage

Strong balance sheet with 
very solid asset quality

Addition of high-quality 
banking talent 

Record of organic 
and acquired growth with 
strong profi t metrics

16

Corporate and Shareholder Information 

CORPORATE 
HEADQUARTERS

FIRST BANK
2465 Kuser Road
Hamilton, NJ 08690
877 821 2265
fi rstbanknj.com

ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER 
MEETING INFORMATION

The Annual Shareholders’ 
Meeting will be held at 
April 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. EST

The Stone Terrace
2275 Kuser Road 
Hamilton, New Jersey 08690

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Shareholders seeking 
information about us may 
obtain press releases 
and FDIC fi lings by visiting 
fi rstbanknj.com.

Additional inquiries can 
be directed to:
Chief Financial Offi  cer
2465 Kuser Road
Hamilton, NJ 08690
or by calling 609 643 0058

SHAREHOLDER 
ACCOUNT INQUIRIES

Shareholders who wish to change 
the name, address or ownership 
of their stock or replace lost 
certifi cates or require additional 
services should contact our Stock 
Registrar and Transfer Agent.

STOCK REGISTRAR 
AND TRANSFER AGENT
FIRST CLASS/REGISTERED/
CERTIFIED MAIL
Computershare Investor Services
P.O. Box 505000
Louisville, KY 40233-5000

COURIER SERVICES
Computershare Investor Services
462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600
Louisville, KY 40202

SHAREHOLDER 
SERVICES NUMBER 
1 800 368 5948

INVESTOR CENTER PORTAL
computershare.com/investor

STOCK LISTING

First Bank’s common stock 
is traded on the NASDAQ Global 
Market under the symbol FRBA.

ANALYST COVERAGE 

The following analysts published 
research on First Bank in 2022:

David Jason Bishop
Hovde Group, LLC
804 318 0969
dbishop@hovdegroup.com

Nicholas Cucharale
Piper Sandler
212 466 7922
nick.cucharale@psc.com

Manuel Navas
D.A. Davidson & Co. 
212 223 5405
mnavas@dadco.com

First Bank is a member of the FDIC, an Equal 
Opportunity Employer and an Equal Housing Lender.

17

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1 3 9 5   YA R D V I L L E - H A M I L T O N   S Q U A R E   R D           H A M I L T O N ,   N J   0 8 6 9 0         8 7 7   8 2 1   B A N K 

F I R S T B A N K N J . C O M         F I R S T B A N K PA . C O M         N A S D A Q :   F R B A