b1BANK Promotes Jerry Vascocu to President

Rhea-AI Summary

b1BANK, the banking subsidiary of Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BFST), has announced the promotion of N. Jerome "Jerry" Vascocu Jr. to the position of president. Vascocu, who joined b1BANK in 2022 as chief administrative officer, will report to Jude Melville, who retains his role as chairman and CEO.

Vascocu's responsibilities include overseeing banking, operations, risk, and credit functions. He has also led correspondent banking, wealth management, human resources, and marketing, introducing new products and technology. With a 30-year career in banking, Vascocu previously worked at First Horizon Bank and IBERIABANK, holding leadership positions across Louisiana and Arkansas.

The appointment aims to leverage Vascocu's extensive experience as b1BANK continues to grow its impact across its operating regions. Vascocu expressed excitement about the opportunity and remains committed to community development, economic growth, education, and healthcare initiatives.

Positive

• Promotion of experienced banking executive Jerry Vascocu to president
• Vascocu's 30-year career and broad-based banking experience
• Introduction of new products and technology under Vascocu's leadership
• Continued growth and momentum across b1BANK's markets and business units

Negative

• None.

BATON ROUGE, La., Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- b1BANK, the banking subsidiary of Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BFST), announced today that N. Jerome “Jerry” Vascocu Jr. will be the bank’s new president, reporting to Jude Melville, who will retain the title of chairman and CEO.

Vascocu, who joined b1BANK in 2022 as chief administrative officer, oversees the coordination of banking, operations, risk and credit functions for the bank. He has also led several functions for the bank including correspondent banking, wealth management, human resources and marketing, where he recruited additional strong teammates, developed new products and introduced new technology.

“With an extensive and varied 30-year career, Jerry’s proven leadership and broad-based banking experience is especially relevant to the challenges and opportunities we anticipate facing as we continue to grow our impact on behalf of clients across the regions in which we operate,” said Jude Melville, chairman and CEO of b1BANK. “Most important, he’s a good person and I look forward to partnering with him in this new role.”

Before joining b1BANK and relocating to Baton Rouge, La., Vascocu led the development and implementation of client-focused strategies for commercial banking teams across the Southeast at First Horizon Bank. During his 17-year career at IBERIABANK and First Horizon, he also served as market president in multiple markets across Louisiana and Arkansas. Vascocu started his banking career immediately after earning his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Vanderbilt University.

“b1BANK continues to build momentum in all our markets and across our various business units. This is a direct result of our teams’ dedication to our clients and to the communities we serve,” said Vascocu. “I am fortunate to be part of a great organization and thankful for the opportunity to serve in an expanded leadership role. I am excited about what is ahead for b1BANK.”

Vascocu remains focused on community development, economic development, education and healthcare, having served in board leadership roles across Louisiana most recently for One Acadiana, Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital and Foundation, University of Louisiana at Lafayette College of Business and Athletic Foundation.

About Business First Bancshares, Inc.

As of June 30, 2024, Business First Bancshares, Inc., (Nasdaq: BFST) through its banking subsidiary b1BANK, had approximately $6.7 billion in assets, $6.1 billion in assets under management through b1BANK’s affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW) (excludes $0.9 billion of b1BANK assets managed by SSW) and operates Banking Centers and Loan Production Offices in markets across Louisiana and Texas, providing commercial and personal banking products and services. Commercial banking services include commercial loans and letters of credit, working capital lines and equipment financing, and treasury management services. b1BANK was awarded #1 Best-In-State Bank, Louisiana, by Forbes and Statista and is a multiyear winner of American Banker’s “Best Banks to Work For.” Visit b1BANK.com for more information.

Misty Albrecht
b1BANK
225.286.7879
Misty.Albrecht@b1BANK.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6f3fe29c-03e2-468c-afd8-4ed162d7727e

FAQ

Who is the new president of b1BANK (BFST)?

N. Jerome "Jerry" Vascocu Jr. has been promoted to president of b1BANK, the banking subsidiary of Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BFST).

What was Jerry Vascocu's previous role at b1BANK (BFST)?

Jerry Vascocu joined b1BANK in 2022 as chief administrative officer before being promoted to president.

What are Jerry Vascocu's responsibilities as president of b1BANK (BFST)?

As president, Jerry Vascocu oversees the coordination of banking, operations, risk, and credit functions for b1BANK. He also leads correspondent banking, wealth management, human resources, and marketing.

Where did Jerry Vascocu work before joining b1BANK (BFST)?

Before joining b1BANK, Jerry Vascocu worked at First Horizon Bank and IBERIABANK, holding leadership positions across Louisiana and Arkansas during his 17-year career with those institutions.