Eagle Bancorp Board Appoints Stephen Curley Chief Executive Officer
Rhea-AI Summary
Eagle Bancorp (NASDAQ:EGBN) appointed Stephen Curley as president and chief executive officer of Eagle Bancorp and EagleBank, effective July 6, 2026; he will also join the board. The board highlighted his experience in commercial banking, core deposit growth, capital allocation and risk-adjusted returns.
Susan G. Riel remains CEO through July 5, 2026, will join the board if reelected on May 14, 2026, and then serve as consultant for 12 months, supporting an orderly CEO transition.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Positive
- Appointment of experienced banker Stephen Curley as CEO effective July 6, 2026
- CEO transition plan includes 12-month consulting role for outgoing CEO
- New CEO brings background in commercial relationships and core deposit growth
- Board emphasizes focus on shareholder returns, balance sheet optimization and risk management
Negative
- Leadership transition as long-tenured CEO Susan G. Riel retires in July 2026
- Change in executive leadership may introduce short-term execution and integration risk
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
EGBN was down 2.81% pre-announcement. Sector peers showed mixed moves (e.g., SPFI -2.49%, HIFS -2.9%, HTBK +1.74%, MOFG +1.61%), and only one peer in momentum (SMBC down sharply). This points to stock-specific factors rather than a uniform regional bank trade.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 22 | Earnings & dividend | Positive | -2.7% | Return to quarterly profitability with Q1 2026 net income and small dividend. |
| Apr 08 | Earnings call notice | Neutral | +2.8% | Announcement of scheduling and access details for Q1 2026 earnings call. |
| Mar 24 | Board nomination | Positive | +1.5% | Nomination of major shareholder Trevor Montano to support board refresh process. |
| Jan 21 | Earnings & dividend | Positive | +16.0% | Q4 2025 profit after prior loss, improved credit costs, and token cash dividend. |
| Jan 12 | Credit facility deal | Positive | -1.3% | EagleBank participates in $80M SolaREIT revolving credit expansion as syndication partner. |
Recent news often skewed positive (profitability, board refresh), yet price reactions have been mixed, with some constructive updates met by selling.
Over the last six months, Eagle Bancorp reported a sharp turnaround in profitability, with Q4 2025 net income of $7.6M and Q1 2026 net income of $14.7M ($0.48/share), plus token $0.01 dividends. The company has been repositioning its balance sheet and lowering CRE concentration while refreshing its board, including nominating Trevor Montano on Mar 24, 2026. Today’s CEO appointment continues that governance and leadership transition theme following the previously signaled 2026 succession.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement details a planned CEO succession, with Stephen Curley assuming the role on July 6, 2026 and outgoing CEO Susan Riel supporting a structured transition and then consulting for 12 months. The move follows earlier disclosures about 2026 succession and board refresh. Investors may watch how Curley executes on lending, deposit growth and risk management, and how performance metrics evolve after the leadership change.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
BETHESDA, Md., May 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eagle Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: EGBN), the Bethesda-based holding company for EagleBank, one of the largest community banks in the Washington, D.C. area, today announced that the board of directors appointed Stephen Curley as president and chief executive officer of Eagle Bancorp, Inc. and EagleBank, effective July 6, 2026.
He will also serve as a director on the board commensurate with his start date. The appointment follows an extensive board evaluation and search of internal and external candidates.
Board Chair Commentary
“The board’s CEO search focused on identifying a leader with experience and strategic judgment required in today’s challenging banking environment,” said James A. Soltesz, Eagle Bancorp’s independent board chair.
“Long-term shareholder value requires execution across lending, deposit growth, capital allocation, and risk management. Our priorities remain focused on improving shareholder returns, diversifying our funding profile, optimizing the balance sheet and delivering sustainable profitability.
“Stephen Curley brings hands-on experience executing those priorities. He has built commercial banking relationships, expanded core deposits, allocated capital prudently and maintained a strong focus on risk-adjusted returns,” Mr. Soltesz continued. “He also understands the value of relationship-driven community banking — combining local decision-making, and specialized expertise that differentiates EagleBank from other institutions.
“His personality and leadership style aligns with EagleBank’s Relationship FIRST culture, strategic direction and operating approach. He is well positioned to strengthen profitability, enhance franchise value and deliver consistent long-term performance for shareholders,” Mr. Soltesz concluded.
Background and comments Stephen Curley
Stephen Curley is a seasoned banking executive with more than 25 years of experience leading diversified business lines and delivering growth and strong operational performance.
At Western Alliance Bank in Phoenix, Arizona, Curley served as chief banking officer for national business lines and division president of Alliance Association Bank. He revitalized branch banking and small business lending, improved branch profitability, and enhanced service for middle-market commercial clients. He also built several new businesses that helped diversify the company’s lending assets and grow high quality core operating deposits.
On his appointment, Mr. Curley said, “EagleBank is a strong commercial franchise, with a respected market position and solid operating foundation. Leveraging those strengths will lead to improving performance, expanding the business and delivering value for clients, employees and shareholders. “
Mr. Curley continued, “My experiences in banking have been centered on growth, operational accountability and consistent execution. I will strive to bring that experience and leadership to Eagle and the communities it serves to achieve our strategic objectives.”
Background and comments on Susan G. Riel
Susan G. Riel will remain president and chief executive officer through July 5 to support an orderly and smooth transition. She will commence service as director of Eagle Bancorp and EagleBank on May 14, 2026, if reelected to the board at the upcoming annual meeting. Her retirement was announced in November 2025. Ms. Riel will continue as a consultant to the bank for 12 months following her retirement in July.
Ms. Riel served as president and chief executive officer of Eagle Bancorp and EagleBank since 2019. Previously, she was chief operating officer, with a tenure dating back to 1998.
During her term, she led the company with a disciplined approach to execution and expense management and a steady hand during times of challenge and transition. She maintained a consistent focus on enhancing risk management and controls, client service, reinforcing long-standing relationships while strengthening operations and positioning Eagle Bancorp for stability and growth.
“Susan’s tenure at EagleBank has been defined by steady and devoted leadership and maintaining a “Relationship First Culture” that defines our values,” said Mr. Soltesz. “She played a central role in strengthening the operating framework, enhancing risk management and maintaining strong client relationships through multiple cycles. Her contributions leave the company with a strong franchise and solid foundation that well positions the bank for long-term growth and profitability.”
To view a discussion with Steve Curley, click here.
About Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
Eagle Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for EagleBank, which commenced operations in 1998. The Bank is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and operates through twelve banking offices and four lending offices located in Suburban Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. It focuses on building relationships with businesses, professionals and individuals in its marketplace, and is committed to a culture of respect, opportunity, belonging and inclusion in both its workplace and the communities in which it operates.
Caution About Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements of goals, intentions, and expectations as to future trends, plans, events or results of Company operations and policies and regarding general economic conditions.
These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Because of these uncertainties and the assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based, actual future operations and results in the future may differ materially from those indicated herein. Readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.
For details on factors that could affect these expectations, see the risk factors and other cautionary language included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and other filings with the SEC. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements contained in this release.
Contact: Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
Investors
Eric R. Newell
Chief Financial Officer, Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
240.497.1796
ENewell@eaglebankcorp.com
Media
Vikki Kayne
SVP, Chief Marketing Officer
240.497.2954
VKayne@eaglebankcorp.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/78c1d9fe-1ff2-49d6-b9a5-f319138b6bc3
