Meet the team
Primis All‑Stars
We champion passionate employees to build relationships,
creating better value for customers and shareholders alike. Finally a bank that truly gets it — and gets it right.
The Executive Team
We’re committed to technology, new digital solutions, a “wow” customer experience, ambitious leadership, and building a brand that’s innovative, inviting, and primed to grow.
- READ MORE
Dennis J. Zember Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Dennis doesn’t fit the typical banker stereotype. He thinks—and acts—way outside the suit-and-tie-wearing baseline, and his gregarious charm and good humor feel more down home than multibillion dollar banker. As a child, his mom incessantly reminded him he could be anything he wanted, but that maybe lawyer or doctor would be better than race car driver or musician… After graduating from college, Dennis was a public accountant and then worked in the private sector for ten years before landing at Ameris Bank. He initially served as CFO before becoming CEO, helping to take the bank from $1 billion to nearly $17 billion in total assets. In that successful span, Dennis led the company in dozens of acquisitions, strategic development and leadership concepts that drove the company’s ability to quickly integrate acquired organizations or develop new ideas rapidly into needle movers. As CEO, Dennis is very aware of the company’s culture […]
- READ MORE
Rick Fulk
President
Look up the definition of a seasoned vet in the dictionary and you’ll find a smiling photo of Rick Fulk. With over 25 years of experience at our bank, he’s seen it all when it comes to our customers. He’s a community man through and […]
- READ MORE
Matthew Switzer
EVP, Chief Financial Officer
Matthew Switzer brings an intensity to both life and work. That’s probably why he holds not one but two degrees: Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia and an MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. That intensity also allowed him to lead a banking team at […]
- READ MORE
Julia Fredricks
EVP, Chief Risk Officer
Julia might just be the sharpest knife in our drawer. Her admirable work ethic and determination to succeed could be traits formed from over 25 years of experience as a financial professional, but if you ask her she might say it’s just a result of […]
- READ MORE
Ann-Stanton Gore
EVP, Chief Marketing Officer
Ann-Stanton does it all. Yes, she’s our resident brand and marketing guru; diligently using both sides of her brain with a close eye on the numbers and the creative output. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. As Primis evolves, so has she. Ann-Stanton […]
- READ MORE
Marie Leibson
EVP, Chief Credit Officer
For someone who has a plaque that reads, “It is what it is,” Marie’s career path has been a testament to this reality in the banking industry. Winding her path through community and regional banks across Virginia, her long tenure in the industry means that […]
- READ MORE
John Owens
CEO – Primis Mortgage
John is a master of many trades. He has the uncanny ability to blend his “your family is my family” philosophy and passion for growing communal corporate cultures with more than three decades of experience leading some of the mortgage industry’s most successful and innovative […]
- READ MORE
Tyler Stafford
Primis EVP, Panacea Financial CEO & Co-Founder
Tyler has always had a drive for personal improvement and growth. So much so, his favorite quote when encouraging himself and others is by Bertrand Piccard who says “If we want to innovate and achieve impossible goals, we have to understand that the only obstacle […]
- READ MORE
Susan Williamson
EVP, Director of Regulatory Relations
A person who is staunchly devoted to family, it’s no surprise that Susan Williamson has been loyal to the banking world, as she’s been steeped in compliance for the past two decades in various roles at community banks across Virginia. It’s also no wonder that […]
- READ MORE
Cheryl Wood
EVP, Chief Administrative Officer
Cheryl joined Primis back in 2000 and has given the bulk of her career to this bank—learning the ins and outs and deeply investing in its people and operations. She has graced many departments with her talents over the years but currently oversees corporate investor […]
The Board of Directors
You’ll appreciate the confidence, care, and expertise that our Board of Directors brings to the table.
- READ MORE
W. Rand Cook
Chairman of the Board of Directors
What happens when you combine the steady tempo and easy-going attitude of a bluegrass musician, the no nonsense pragmatism of a banker, and the sharp wit of an attorney? Well… you get William Rand Cook (or “Randy” as we call him). An enigma-or perhaps just […]
- READ MORE
Dennis J. Zember, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Primis Financial Corp.
Dennis doesn’t fit the typical banker stereotype. He thinks—and acts—way outside the suit-and-tie-wearing baseline, and his gregarious charm and good humor feel more down home than multibillion dollar banker. As a child, his mom incessantly reminded him he could be anything he wanted, but that […]
- READ MORE
John Biagas
Board of Directors
From an early age, John F. Biagas knew he wanted to be a CEO. While other kids were dreaming about elite sports, he saw himself at the head of an elite executive table and started training to be an electrician by the time he stepped […]
- READ MORE
Robert Clagett
Board of Directors
Robert has been practicing law for nearly 55 years and was the former president and CEO of a community bank for over 30 years. His passion for law began when his father, who was a practicing attorney, took him to the law library at the […]
- READ MORE
Deborah Diaz
Board of Directors
If most people had nine lives, they still wouldn’t have the impressive roster of titles and accolades that follow Deborah Diaz around. Her glowing resume includes Chief Technology Officer at NASA and Chief Information Officer for Science and Technology at the Department of Homeland Security— […]
- READ MORE
John Eggemeyer
Board of Directors
John M. Eggemeyer isn’t just a proponent of community banks, he has literally invested his career in them. As Founder and Managing Principal of Castle Creek® Capital, LLC he enables community banks across the country to thrive, having invested over a billion dollars in their […]
- READ MORE
Fred “Skipper” Garrett III
Board of Directors
Affectionately dubbed “Skipper” by his friends and family, Fred L. Garrett III is a marina owner and fifth generation oyster planter who has spent his entire life learning about the landscape surrounding his native Rappahannock River in Essex County, VA. An avid boater and salt […]
- READ MORE
Eric Johnson
Board of Directors
Board members not only lend broad experience and strategic thinking to Primis, they are also able to step back and see the forest through the trees. Eric Alan Johnson is no exception. For over 45 years, he’s been in the real estate business, most recently […]
- READ MORE
Dr. Allen Jones, Jr.
Board of Directors
Dr. Jones is described by his team members as ambitious and full of energy—and one would need to simply ooze these attributes in order to soar at his level of accomplishment. Not only is he a renowned physical therapist, a successful business owner, and a […]
- READ MORE
Charles Kabbash
Board of Directors
Charles Kabbash, or “Charlie” as we call him, has devoted the last 50 years of his life to real estate. He’s seen and done it all: from buying and selling, to financing, to renting and land lording; and has helped everyday people realize their dreams […]