First Bank is pleased to announce that Bridget Welborn joined the bank this October as its new Chief Risk Officer and Head of Legal. Welborn brings more than 15 years of experience in legal, risk, privacy, and regulatory compliance, with a proven track record advising boards, CEOs, and executive management on critical initiatives.
Welborn most recently served as Senior Counsel, Banking, Privacy & Data Security at Wyrick Robbins, advising financial institutions, fintechs, and insurers on privacy, data security, and regulatory matters.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bridget to our executive leadership team,” said Adam Currie, CEO of First Bank. “Her strategic vision, deep expertise in risk management, and commitment to building strong legal and risk infrastructures will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate.”
Prior to her role at Wyrick Robbins, Welborn served as Chief Privacy & Risk Officer at State Employees’ Credit Union, the second-largest credit union in the United States with over $50 billion in assets. She also held senior leadership positions at First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company.
Welborn shared she was drawn to First Bank both because of its focus on community and its dedication to excellence as the enterprise continues to grow. “At First Bank, there’s a culture and commitment to doing the right thing and to doing it with safety and soundness as its center,” said Welborn. “I am excited to continue to build on that and to be working with this talented team.”
Peter Seitz, First Bank’s long-time Executive Vice President of Enterprise Risk, will work closely with Welborn until his retirement at the end of January 2026. “Bridget’s experience and understanding of the risks inherent in a growing bank make her the ideal leader for this role,” said Seitz. “I am confident she will guide the bank through the evolving risk and regulatory environment.”
A native of North Carolina, Welborn earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond and her Bachelor of Science in Public Health for Biostatistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is licensed to practice law in North Carolina, Virginia, and New York, and holds a CIPP/US Certification from the International Association of Privacy Professionals.
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