Business First (BFST) Chief Accounting Officer Padurean to Exit in 2026

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Business First Bancshares, Inc. reported that b1BANK Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer Scott Padurean has resigned to pursue another professional opportunity. The company stated his resignation is not due to any conflict or disagreement regarding operations, policies, or practices.

Padurean will continue to serve as Chief Accounting Officer until March 6, 2026, providing a short transition period. Business First has begun a search to identify its next Chief Accounting Officer to oversee the bank’s accounting and financial reporting functions.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): February 19, 2026

BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Louisiana	001-38447	20-5340628
(State of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
500 Laurel Street, Suite 101 Baton Rouge, Louisiana		70801
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (225) 248-7600

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share	BFST	NASDAQ Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company         ☐ 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act ☐ 

5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

(b)         On February 19, 2026, Business First Bancshares, Inc. (the “Business First”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, b1BANK, were notified of the resignation of Scott Padurean, b1BANK’s Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”). Mr. Padurean’s resignation is not due to conflict or disagreement with Business First or b1BANK on any matter relating to Business First’s or b1BANK’s operations, policies, or practices. Rather, Mr. Padurean’s resignation is a result of his decision to pursue another professional opportunity. Mr. Padurean will continue to serve as CAO until March 6, 2026. The Company has begun the search to identify its next CAO. 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: February 24, 2026

	BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
	By:	/s/ David R. Melville, III
		David R. Melville, III
		President and Chief Executive Officer

FAQ

What did Business First Bancshares (BFST) announce in this 8-K filing?

Business First Bancshares announced the resignation of b1BANK Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer Scott Padurean. The company explained he is leaving to pursue another professional opportunity and emphasized there is no conflict or disagreement regarding operations, policies, or practices behind his decision.

When is BFST’s Chief Accounting Officer Scott Padurean leaving his role?

Scott Padurean will continue serving as Chief Accounting Officer until March 6, 2026. This end date provides a defined transition window for Business First Bancshares and its subsidiary b1BANK as they maintain oversight of accounting and financial reporting while beginning the search for his successor.

Did BFST report any disagreement or conflict related to Scott Padurean’s resignation?

Business First Bancshares stated that Scott Padurean’s resignation is not due to any conflict or disagreement. The company specifically noted there were no issues regarding operations, policies, or practices, and that he is leaving solely to pursue another professional opportunity outside the organization.

Why is b1BANK Chief Accounting Officer Scott Padurean resigning from BFST?

According to Business First Bancshares, Scott Padurean is resigning to pursue another professional opportunity. The filing clarifies that his decision is voluntary and unrelated to disagreements, signaling a career move rather than a departure caused by internal disputes or business concerns at BFST or b1BANK.

How is Business First Bancshares (BFST) handling the transition after the CAO resignation?

Business First Bancshares has begun a search to identify its next Chief Accounting Officer. Scott Padurean will remain in his role until March 6, 2026, providing continuity while the company recruits a new CAO to oversee accounting and related financial responsibilities at its subsidiary b1BANK.

Who signed the BFST 8-K reporting the CAO resignation?

The 8-K report was signed by David R. Melville, III, who serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Business First Bancshares. His signature indicates the filing was authorized at the top executive level and formally represents the company’s disclosure of the leadership change.

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