First Northern Bank and First Northern Community Bancorp CEO Louise Walker Announces Retirement – Jeremiah Smith to Take the Reins

Louise Walker, Chief Executive Officer of First Northern Bank and First Northern Community Bancorp (OTCQB: FNRN), has formally announced her retirement, effective December 31, 2022. With unanimous support of the Board, Ms. Walker announced today that Jeremiah Smith, currently Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will be promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank effective January 1, 2023, as her successor. Ms. Walker will remain on the boards of the Company and the Bank; upon succeeding to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Smith will join both Boards as a director.

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Louise A. Walker, President & CEO (Photo: Business Wire)

“It has been an absolute privilege and honor to serve First Northern Bank’s customers, employees, and community members for over 43 years. After 12 years as CEO, navigating some of the most challenging times during my career, it seems about as right as it can be to make this transition. I am proud to have had the opportunity to uphold First Northern Bank’s purpose of building long-lasting relationships by addressing specific financial needs on a personalized basis, providing opportunities for our employees, and being committed and passionate about making a difference in our communities.”

“After Jeremiah’s 19 years of service to the Bank, I am confident that he will continue to lead First Northern as a purpose-driven organization, and the Bank will continue to adapt and grow through his strong and thoughtful leadership. Jeremiah has demonstrated over the years that his leadership abilities during crisis and steady state are exceptional. Community banking is a people business, and he cares deeply about our employees. He is an incredible community banker who is committed to our customers and understands how important the Bank’s role is to the communities it serves.”

Mr. Smith commented, “I am honored and humbled by this opportunity. Louise has done an outstanding job of leading First Northern over the past 12 years. I am fortunate to have Louise as a mentor, and I look forward to carrying on the great work she has done for our shareholders and the communities we serve.”

Mr. Smith earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from California State University, Sacramento. Mr. Smith received a graduate certificate from the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. Mr. Smith currently serves as a Board member on the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Western Bankers, West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, and West Sacramento Rotary, and serves on various policy committees for American Bankers Association and California Bankers Association. He is also a senior fellow of the American Leadership Forum.