News & Press

National Recognition Reflects the Bank’s Commitment to Building a High-Performing Culture Where Teammates Thrive

RICHMOND, Va. — Primis Bank is proud to share that it has earned eight 2026 Top Workplaces awards, through a nationally recognized workplace excellence program based entirely on teammate feedback.

Primis received Top Workplaces recognition in the following categories:

Culture Excellence Awards

• Top Workplaces for Appreciation 
• Top Workplaces for Compensation & Benefits 
• Top Workplaces for Employee Well-Being 
• Top Workplaces for Innovation
• Top Workplaces for Leadership 
• Top Workplaces for Professional Development 
• Top Workplaces for Work-Life Flexibility

Industry Awards

• Financial Services Top Workplaces 

The results were driven by exceptionally strong teammate engagement, with 56% participation in the survey and extremely positive feedback across key areas.

“These recognitions mean a great deal because they came directly from our teammates,” said Ann-Stanton Gore, chief strategy officer at Primis. “As we continue to grow, we’ve been intentional about protecting the culture that makes Primis special. We believe people do their best work when they feel appreciated, supported, challenged and connected to a larger mission.”

At Primis, culture is deeply tied to strategy. The company has made deliberate investments in leadership development, teammate recognition, professional growth, flexibility and well-being to create an environment where people can thrive personally and professionally.

The recognition also reinforces Primis’ broader commitment to building a modern banking company that feels different from traditional financial institutions. One where leadership is accessible, teammates feel empowered and strong culture fuels strong performance.

“Reputation and culture are critical pillars of our strategy,” Gore added. “These awards validate the kind of company we’re working hard to build.  One where great people want to stay, grow and make an impact.”

As Primis continues to expand nationally, the company remains focused on strengthening the foundation behind its momentum: its people.

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Charlotte, N.C. – Primis Mortgage is proud to announce the addition of Lee Williamson as its new business development manager. With nearly three decades of experience in banking, mortgage, and business development, he has built a career focused on scaling with intention and fostering long-term relationships  

Before transitioning into the mortgage space, Williamson developed a foundation rooted in discipline and teamwork as a former NFL quarterback for the Houston Oilers. His team-first mindset continues to shape his business approach today, strongly valuing collaboration and accountability.  

“Lee is the type of strategic thinker and relationship builder that makes an immediate impact,” said Chris Blevins, national sales director at Primis Mortgage. “His extensive experience across business development and talent-focused growth aligns perfectly with our vision.” 

In his new role, Williamson will drive thoughtful expansion by supporting recruiting initiatives and strengthening industry relationships, while maintaining a focus on Primis Mortgage’s culture and values.  

“Primis Mortgage continues to attract leaders who understand that growth is about putting people first,” said John Owens, CEO of Primis Mortgage. “Lee’s background, leadership style, and relationship-driven philosophy fit seamlessly with our passion for customer obsession. We’re thrilled to welcome him — he’ll play an important role in our team’s next chapter.” 

For Williamson, joining Primis Mortgage meant aligning his experience with purpose.   

“This company truly understands the value of teamwork and shared success,” said Williamson. “I’m excited to hit the ground running, accelerating growth and building meaningful relationships.”  

Primis Mortgage looks forward to the positive impact Williamson will have as the company continues to expand its national footprint.  

To learn more about Primis Mortgage, visit our website today!

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FRISCO, Texas — Primis Warehouse Lending today announced the addition of Ron Wood as vice president, senior relationship manager, further strengthening its rapidly growing warehouse lending platform. 

Wood brings more than 45 years of diversified experience across mortgage banking, consumer lending, correspondent lending, title insurance and the broader financial services industry. A respected industry leader, he is known for his ability to lead through growth, manage complex operational and marketing challenges, and build strong, customer-focused relationships across organizations. 

“With the momentum our Warehouse Lending team continues to experience, adding talent like Ron is critical,” said Drey Roberts, president of Warehouse Lending at Primis. “His depth of experience, strategic thinking and relationship-first approach fit exactly with how we operate. We’re extremely excited to welcome him to the team and believe his leadership will be invaluable as we continue to scale.” 

Most recently, Wood served as vice president, senior relationship manager at Flagstar Bank, where he spent 15 years as a leader within the relationship management department. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in redesigning and re-launching Flagstar’s warehouse lending platform, converting the business from a captive model to a traditional warehouse offering. That transformation helped drive growth from approximately $300 million to more than $13 billion in commitments. 

Throughout his career, Wood has demonstrated a strong ability to balance operational excellence with responsive, relationship-driven service. His analytical, conceptual and interpersonal skills, paired with a collaborative leadership style, have consistently helped teams deliver results while meeting the evolving needs of clients and the organization. 

Wood joins Primis at a time of significant growth for the Warehouse Lending team, which continues to expand its national footprint and invest in experienced talent to support independent mortgage bankers across the country. 

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Recognition from SCHEV Highlights Continued Impact of Primis Works Program 

RICHMOND, Va. — Primis Bank has been named a 2026 “Top Employer for Interns” by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), marking the fourth consecutive year the bank has received this recognition for its commitment to meaningful workforce development. 

The annual award honors employers across the commonwealth that provide work‑integrated learning opportunities through structured mentorship, engagement with senior leadership and professional development experiences. 

Primis earned the distinction through Primis Works, a four‑month, full‑time, paid internship program designed for single mothers seeking to build sustainable careers. The program combines classroom education, mentorship, personal and professional development, and hands‑on job training across multiple departments within the bank. 

Now in its 10th cohort, Primis Works is supported by nearly 50 Primis team members who actively mentor and guide interns throughout the program. 

Since launching, Primis Works has graduated 26 women. Of those graduates, 12 have received full‑time offers from Primis, with eight currently employed at the bank. 

Nearly 50 community partners support participating families by providing wraparound services such as child care resources, transportation assistance and financial education throughout the internship experience. 

Primis extends its appreciation to team members across the organization — especially Markeia Johnson and Diane Beirne — as well as its community partners who dedicate their time and expertise to making Primis Works a success. 

“We are grateful to every Primis team member and community partner who has helped make Primis Works what it is today,” said Diane Beirne, director of corporate social responsibility at Primis Bank. “It takes a collective effort to create meaningful opportunities for these mothers and their families, and we’re proud of the role this program continues to play in building confidence, skills and career pathways for each participant.” 

Primis Works remains a core part of the bank’s commitment to strengthening the communities it serves by expanding access to professional development and long‑term career opportunities. 

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RICHMOND, V.a. — Appomattox Regional Governor’s School earned first place in the fifth annual Sheflett Memorial STEM Challenge, presented by Primis Bank, with each student team member receiving a $500 scholarship for their innovative use of artificial intelligence to solve a real-world banking challenge.

Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School and Largo High School tied for second place, with each student on those teams receiving a $250 scholarship.

Named in memory of former Primis Chief Information Officer George “Cody” Sheflett Jr., the annual STEM Challenge brings together students from across Virginia to tackle complex problems facing today’s financial institutions using emerging technologies like AI and machine learning.

This Year’s Challenge

Students were tasked with developing an AI-powered system capable of automating user access provisioning based on job descriptions within an organization — a critical component of modern information security.

By leveraging machine learning and natural language processing (NLP), teams designed systems that could analyze job descriptions and automatically provision appropriate access to organizational systems. These solutions aimed to strengthen security while improving operational efficiency in access management.

Throughout the competition, Primis teammates coached student teams during collaborative sessions to brainstorm and refine their solutions. The challenge culminated in final presentations at Primis Bank’s newly renovated headquarters in Richmond, where teams were evaluated on:

• Accuracy and efficiency of their access provisioning systems
• Strength of their machine learning models
• Ethical considerations in AI implementation
• Quality of technical documentation
• Clarity of presentation

Judges included John Biagas, president of Bay Electric Co. and chairman of the Primis board of directors; Amanda Gravely, senior vice president and director of in-market banking at Primis; and Dennis Zember, CEO of Primis Bank.

“What these students accomplished throughout this challenge was nothing short of inspiring,” said Dennis Zember, CEO of Primis Bank. “By applying advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to real-world security challenges, they’re not only building solutions — they’re building the future. Investing in these young, brilliant women and their passion for innovation is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen our communities and create long-term opportunities for success.”

In recognition of their dedication to advancing STEM education, all participating schools also received a $5,000 donation from Primis Bank, helping ensure more students have access to opportunities like this in the future.

The Sheflett Memorial STEM Challenge reflects one of Primis’ core community engagement focus areas: advancing STEM opportunities for women and minorities. Through meaningful academic partnerships and hands-on learning experiences, Primis continues to empower students with the real-world skills needed to drive innovation across industries.

Learn more about Primis’ community initiatives at primisbank.com/community.

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Recognized as the Best High-Yield Checking Account

Primis is proud to share that its standout digital account, Primis Premium Checking, has been named to WalletHub’s list of the Best Online Checking Accounts for 2026, earning the designation of Best High‑Yield Checking Account. This is the third year in a row that Primis Premium has been included in WalletHub's Best Awards.

WalletHub—one of the most trusted authorities for comparing financial products—recognized Primis Premium Checking for its highly competitive interest rate, modern digital features, and customer‑first approach. WalletHub’s 2026 rankings are based on an independent evaluation of interest rates, fee structures, account benefits, and real customer reviews.

In its analysis, WalletHub noted that Primis Premium Checking “offers one of the strongest APYs available nationwide, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high‑yield checking account with exceptional value.”

Primis Premium Checking is available to consumers across the United States and delivers one of the nation’s leading interest rates along with a full suite of benefits, including:

• One of the nation’s top high‑yield interest rates
• No overdraft fees—ever
• Free nationwide ATM use
• Only a $1 minimum deposit to open and earn interest
• Early direct deposit for faster access to paychecks
• Advanced digital banking tools and intuitive account management
• And much more

To learn more about Primis Premium Checking or to open an account, visit https://primisbank.com.

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TAPPAHANNOCK, Va. — After 45 years of dedicated service to customers and communities across Virginia, Patricia Gallagher, senior vice president at Primis Bank, will retire at the end of March. Gallagher’s remarkable career spans decades of leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to clients and civic engagement. 

Beginning her journey at Southside Bank, Gallagher transitioned through Eastern Virginia Bankshares, SonaBank, and ultimately Primis Bank, serving in roles that touched nearly every facet of banking—from customer and corporate services to marketing, finance, strategic planning, and business development. Her influence has shaped the bank’s growth and strengthened its ties to the communities it serves. 

“While retirement from my bank is with mixed emotions, a new season emerges,” Gallagher said. “I have been blessed beyond measure with a rewarding career that provided me with a sense of purpose each and every day I had the opportunity to serve families across this service region and special community.” 

F.L. “Skipper” Garrett, longtime board member, reflected on her impact: “Patricia’s unwavering dedication to the bank and our community will be missed by her bank family, the board, and the community. We wish her all the best and happiness in her new chapter.” 

Primis Bank CEO Dennis Zember and President Rick Fulk added: “Patricia has represented the bank and served our clients with care, compassion, and the utmost professionalism. She always had her eye on what the community needed from its community bank.” 

Gallagher’s legacy extends beyond banking. A passionate advocate for education, health, and the arts, she has served on numerous boards and organizations, including the Virginia Bankers Association Government Relations Committee, University of Richmond Dean’s Advisory Council, VCU Health, local chambers of commerce, Rotary, and more. 

While Gallagher’s leadership will be deeply missed, Primis remains steadfast in its commitment to the Northern Neck and central Virginia. The Primis branch teams across the Northern Neck and Richmond regions are committed to providing the same level of care, attention, and exceptional service that Patricia’s customers have come to know and love. 

Gallagher invites customers to visit her office before March 31 so she can personally express her gratitude. In retirement, she plans to enjoy reading, cultural activities, time on the river, and cherished moments with family and friends. 

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Appointment builds on strong 2025 performance and reinforces disciplined growth strategy.

McLean, Va. — January 12, 2026 — Primis Bank recently announced the promotion of Ann-Stanton Gore to Chief Strategy Officer, a move that builds on the bank’s strong performance in 2025 and reinforces its focus on disciplined growth, operating leverage, and long-term value creation.

In her expanded role, Gore will lead the development and execution of Primis’ enterprise strategy, translating long-term priorities into actions that accelerate core deposit growth, unlock new growth opportunities, improve operating efficiency, and align the organization as the bank scales.

“Ann-Stanton has helped define our strategy and push our thinking forward for a long time,” said Dennis Zember, Chief Executive Officer of Primis Bank. “She is deeply strategic, intensely committed, and never satisfied with the status quo. This promotion reflects the trust I place in her leadership as we continue to build a stronger, more scalable bank.”

Gore joined Primis in 2021 as Chief Marketing Officer and has played a key role in shaping the bank’s brand, growth strategy, and market positioning, while also providing executive leadership across the development and expansion of the bank’s digital platform, loan and deposit operations, and the transformation of its customer care operations during a period of meaningful growth. Prior to Primis, she spent more than 14 years at Ameris Bank, where she was instrumental in supporting the company’s growth from approximately $2 billion to more than $20 billion in assets. During that time, she helped lead marketing and communications efforts for 17 mergers and acquisitions and supported the integration and brand evolution of a rapidly scaling institution.

As Chief Strategy Officer, Gore will be responsible for translating long-term objectives into actionable, results-driven plans across the bank, while evaluating strategic opportunities and managing strategic risks. Her role is designed to directly support sustainable revenue growth and continued improvement in operational efficiency.

“We had a strong year, and this role is about building on that momentum with intention,” said Gore. “My focus is on helping Primis grow in the right ways: strengthening our core bank, expanding stable deposits, and aligning our teams around a clear, executable strategy that creates long-term value for our customers, shareholders, and communities.”

This appointment underscores Primis Bank’s continued investment in leadership, strategy, and execution as the organization advances its long-term growth objectives.

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Media Contact

Mandi Gilbert
SVP, Director of Marketing
803.391.6216
[email protected]
www.primisbank.com

Strengthening leadership as Primis continues its momentum and growth.

RICHMOND, Va. (Dec. 3, 2025) — Primis Bank recently announced the appointment of Don Savino as its new chief risk officer, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to strong governance, disciplined growth and industry-leading risk management.

Savino brings more than 20 years of banking experience, having served in senior leadership roles across enterprise risk, compliance, internal audit, product evaluation and regulatory strategy. Most recently, he served as chief enterprise risk officer at First Foundation. His background also includes significant leadership roles at Pacific Western Bank, Square 1 Bank and American Community Bank.

“For years now, we have been building an ambitious team at Primis that cares about customer growth with innovative solutions.  With the momentum the Company is experiencing, it is important to have strong Risk Management leadership at the table.  Having Don on the team at this time is crucial as his expertise spans every key area of enterprise risk and compliance”, said Dennis Zember, CEO of Primis Bank.

In previous roles, Savino led the design and execution of enterprise risk management programs, including governance structure, risk appetite development, board committee oversight, risk-assessment frameworks, and regulatory exam management. He also played a key role in mergers and acquisitions due-diligence efforts, helping institutions evaluate risk and readiness during periods of strategic expansion.

Savino holds a Master of Science degree in banking from Mercy University, is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School, and is a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) through the American Bankers Association.

Savino’s appointment follows the interim leadership of Susan Williamson, who served as Interim CRO during the transition. Williamson will continue in her role as chief regulatory officer, where she has been advancing key regulatory initiatives and supporting the bank’s forward-looking growth strategy.

“I feel very fortunate to be part of this team.  The culture at this bank is different. You can sense an attitude here that is rooted in ambition and leadership and doing things differently.  But better.  I’m excited to get started.”

About Primis

Primis Bank (Member FDIC) is a high-growth, forward-thinking bank committed to building a better banking experience for consumers, businesses, and communities. With industry-leading digital tools, a relentless focus on customer care, and a culture built around doing things the right way—not the easy way—Primis continues to invest in growth, innovation, and people.

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Media Contact

Mandi Gilbert
SVP, Director of Marketing

803.391.6216
[email protected]
www.primisbank.com

RICHMOND, Va. — Primis Bank announced the graduation of its ninth Primis Works cohort, a one-of-a-kind program designed to open doors for single mothers and women re-entering the workforce—equipping them with the skills, confidence, and stability to thrive in their careers. Since launching in 2021, Primis Works has become a model for career empowerment, earning recognition as a Top Employer for Interns by the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership for three consecutive years.

This fall’s graduating class includes Mitya Tembele, who has accepted a full-time role in the Primis Customer Care Center beginning December 1. Across nine cohorts, 27 women have completed the program, with 46% receiving full-time job offers and eight currently employed at Primis.

Interest in the program continues to grow. Primis received 52 applications for this cohort alone, underscoring the demand for accessible, skills-based career opportunities. Applications for the tenth cohort—beginning February 2026—are now open.

Primis Works provides participants with full-time employment and comprehensive benefits from day one, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with employer match, paid time off, and full childcare support. Associates rotate through departments such as Loan Servicing, Customer Care, Deposit Operations, Compliance, Retail Banking, Digital Banking, and BSA, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to multiple career paths. The program also incorporates mentorship, professional development workshops, and mental wellness support.

“Congratulations to Mitya—we’re incredibly proud of her accomplishment and excited to see her continue her journey at Primis, ” said Markeia Johnson, Primis Works Manager. “Watching our associates grow in confidence and capability throughout the program is inspiring. By the time they graduate, they’re equipped not just with new skills—but with the belief that they can build the future they want for themselves and their families.”

Since its inception, Primis Works has helped women achieve financial stability and meaningful career momentum while empowering Primis teammates to engage in impactful community service. Applications for the next cohort are available now: https://primisbank.com/primis-works/

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Bean to bring proven strategies from Customer Care Center to company-wide employee development programs 

RICHMOND, V.a. — Primis Bank is happy to announce that McLean Bean has been promoted to director of customer care and talent development. 

Bean will continue to lead the customer care team while expanding talent development programs across the organization. Since joining Primis just over two years ago, he has transformed the bank’s 24/7 Customer Care Center into a high-performing, talent-ready division and will now bring those best practices to the broader company. 

“McLean has been an incredible leader for our Customer Care Center, and his promotion reflects the impact he’s made in a short time,” said Ann-Stanton Gore, chief marketing officer of Primis Bank. “We’re excited to see how his vision for talent development will strengthen our culture and position us for continued success.” 

The talent development strategy will focus on two areas: job function development, which provides structured, function-specific training to elevate customer experiences, and soft skills development, which builds leadership, communication, and supervisory capabilities. 

This promotion reflects Primis’ commitment to developing talent that drives excellence across the organization. Bean’s leadership in customer care and talent development will help ensure employees have the skills and support to deliver exceptional experiences for customers. We congratulate him on this well-deserved advancement and look forward to the impact he will make in his expanded role. 

RICHMOND, V.a. — Primis Bank is happy to announce that McLean Bean has been promoted to director of customer care and talent development. 

Bean will continue to lead the customer care team while expanding talent development programs across the organization. Since joining Primis just over two years ago, he has transformed the bank’s 24/7 Customer Care Center into a high-performing, talent-ready division and will now bring those best practices to the broader company. 

“McLean has been an incredible leader for our Customer Care Center, and his promotion reflects the impact he’s made in a short time,” said Ann-Stanton Gore, chief marketing officer of Primis Bank. “We’re excited to see how his vision for talent development will strengthen our culture and position us for continued success.” 

The talent development strategy will focus on two areas: job function development, which provides structured, function-specific training to elevate customer experiences, and soft skills development, which builds leadership, communication, and supervisory capabilities. 

This promotion reflects Primis’ commitment to developing talent that drives excellence across the organization. Bean’s leadership in customer care and talent development will help ensure employees have the skills and support to deliver exceptional experiences for customers. We congratulate him on this well-deserved advancement and look forward to the impact he will make in his expanded role. 

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WARSAW, Va. – Primis Bank is partnering with Rappahannock Community College to offer a free, in-depth fraud prevention course as part of the college’s Lifelong Learning Program.

The class, Fraud Prevention: How Bankers, Customers, and Law Enforcement Can Work Together to Protect Our Community, will be held Wednesday, Oct. 15, and Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. at RCC’s Campus—52 Campus Drive in Warsaw, Virginia. A hybrid option will also be available for those who wish to attend virtually.

With fraud and cybercrime on the rise, criminals are increasingly targeting older adults. This interactive course will introduce participants to the latest tactics used by scammers, how to spot warning signs, and what steps individuals, banks and law enforcement can take to safeguard personal and family finances. Attendees will learn how to monitor accounts, use bank tools designed for extra protection, and recognize the most common types of fraud.

The course will be led by Casie Taylor, Primis Bank senior vice president and associate director of in-market banking; Patrick Brown, Primis vice president of fraud prevention and detection; Diane Beirne, Primis director of corporate social responsibility; and Alison Martin, assistant commonwealth’s attorney for Henrico County. Together, this unique public-private partnership brings expertise from banking, prosecution and law enforcement to one classroom.

“Protecting our neighbors from scams and fraud takes a team effort,” said Taylor. “By bringing together experts from across the community, we can share practical steps to help people stay safe.”

This program reflects Primis Bank’s ongoing commitment to its service pillar of “Sharpening Minds for All Generations,” which focuses on empowering communities through education and resources. To learn more about Primis’ community programs and other efforts, visit primisbank.com/community.

The class is free and open to the public. To register, call 804-333-6707 or email [email protected].

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Sam Yoo has helped transform the bank’s treasury function since joining in 2020. 

RICHMOND, Va. – Primis Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Sam Yoo to Treasurer. 

A standout since joining the bank in 2020, Yoo has played a pivotal role in modernizing and streamlining the bank’s treasury operations. A University of Virginia graduate, he first joined Primis as a Financial Analyst and quickly made a name for himself with his keen insight, tireless work ethic and leadership under pressure. 

When the previous Treasurer departed, Yoo immediately stepped into the role, taking on additional responsibilities while continuing to lead in his existing capacity. His impact was felt across the organization, offering timely and strategic guidance to every line of business. 

“Sam’s talent and dedication have consistently impressed everyone around him,” said Matthew Switzer, Chief Financial Officer at Primis Bank. “He understands both the mechanics and the mission of Primis, and that’s a powerful combination. His leadership, judgment and work ethic have earned the trust of our entire team.” 

As Treasurer, Yoo will continue to lead all aspects of the Bank’s treasury function, including balance sheet management, funding strategy, liquidity planning and pricing. 

“Primis has given me incredible opportunities to grow and contribute,” said Yoo. “I’m honored to step into this new role and continue supporting our mission to be the bank that gets things done for our customers and communities.” 

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RICHMOND, Va. — Primis Bank is proud to share the promotion of Casie Taylor to Associate Director of In-Market Banking.

Casie has been a vital member of the Primis team since 2009, where she started as a banker in the Northen Neck and worked her way up the ladder and evolved into a standout leader—someone who truly embodies what it means to know and serve people well. Her ability to build authentic, lasting relationships has left a mark on both customers and teammates across the bank.

"Casie leads with heart, and she leads by example," said Amanda Gravely, Senior Vice President and Director of In-Market Banking. "She's known for her ability to handle big challenges with a calm confidence and for always putting people first. This is a well-deserved step forward for someone who has been instrumental in shaping our culture and future."

In her new role, Casie will support Market Center leadership and also work closely with the V1BE team to further expand its influence across the bank’s footprint. While her scope is growing, her focus remains the same: helping people succeed both inside and outside the organization.

This move is part of Primis’ broader effort to strengthen leadership and continue evolving the way the bank serves teammates, customers and communities. Casie’s promotion reflects not just her incredible track record, but the trust and respect she’s earned over the years.

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ASHLAND, Va. — Primis Bank proudly congratulates Amanda Gravely, senior vice president and director of in-market banking, on being named to Independent Banker magazine’s 2025 40 Under 40 list. This annual award celebrates emerging community bank leaders who are making an outsized impact on their institutions and the communities they serve.

Gravely was recognized for her leadership in risk mitigation and fraud prevention—work that has significantly strengthened Primis Bank’s operational defenses. In response to rising fraud activity, she implemented a daily manual check review and spearheaded the creation of the “Watch Dog” program, which rewards team members for identifying and stopping fraud attempts.

“At Primis, we don’t just react to challenges—we get ahead of them,” said Gravely. “Fraud prevention isn’t just about policy; it’s about creating a culture of vigilance and accountability. Our team is empowered to speak up, act quickly and protect our customers.”

According to Independent Banker, Gravely and other honorees on this year’s list have demonstrated a sharp eye and proactive approach to reducing risk exposure—work that ultimately protects the financial health of their banks and the communities they serve.

Rick Fulk, president of Primis Bank, praised Gravely’s contribution to the bank’s mission and culture.

“Amanda’s work ethic is unmatched. She brings clarity, urgency and purpose to every challenge—and she inspires the team around her to do the same,” said Fulk. “She’s not just a leader in our risk strategy; she’s a leader in our culture. We’re a stronger, smarter bank because of her.”

With a deep-rooted and growing presence throughout Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., Primis continues to push boundaries in technology, service and leadership. Gravely’s recognition highlights the bank’s commitment to investing in forward-thinking leaders who champion both innovation and integrity.

Read the full 40 Under 40 list at Independent Banker, and learn more about Primis’ commitment to fraud protection on their website.

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COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. — After nearly 23 years of dedicated service at Primis, Mark Zuskin, senior vice president and commercial relationship team lead, is retiring. Known for his selflessness and unwavering commitment, Zuskin has been a driving force behind the success of the commercial banking team, leaving a lasting impact on the bank, his team, clients and the community.

Throughout his career, Zuskin was dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals, building trusted relationships and serving as a true partner in their success. His genuine care for his clients and steadfast leadership will be felt at Primis for years to come.

“Primis has been more than just a place of work — it’s been a family,” Zuskin said. “It’s grown quite a lot since my first day, and I’m very proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish in my time here. I’m incredibly grateful for the talented team I’ve had the privilege to work alongside and for the trust our clients have placed in me over the years. It’s been an honor to help businesses in our community grow and thrive.”

“Mark’s impact on Primis is immeasurable,” said Rick Fulk, Primis Bank president. “Having been colleagues for over 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and passion he brings to his work. His leadership, mentorship and genuine care for both his team and his clients have made him a cornerstone of our bank. I wish him all the best in this next chapter of life and thank him for his extraordinary contributions.”

To celebrate Zuskin’s remarkable career, Primis invites the community to a retirement reception at its Colonial Heights location (3012 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia) on Tuesday, April 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature light refreshments and food, offering an opportunity for colleagues, clients and friends to express their appreciation and well wishes.

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Kate Craig joins Primis to strengthen relationships with area businesses. 

RICHMOND, V.a. – Primis Bank is thrilled to announce the hire of Kate Craig as vice president, commercial relationship manager serving the bank’s Eastern Virginia market. 

Craig brings over 15 years of banking experience to the Primis team, with stops at BB&T (now Truist), Union Bank and Village Bank along the way. Most recently, she was a vice president on the commercial banking side at M&T Bank based out of Richmond, Virginia. 

“Our team is very excited to have Kate on board,” Primis senior vice president Mark Zuskin said. “As the Primis brand grows nationally, it’s a main priority of ours to keep our roots and work together to form impactful relationships with local businesses. The experience she brings is vital, but it’s her passion to help others that is second to none.” 

Craig’s roots grow deep in Eastern Virginia. As a longtime resident of James City County and an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Toano, she is passionate about helping local businesses thrive in her community. 

“Being able to work with businesses in my community means a lot to me,” Craig explains. “It’s not hard to notice that the bigger banks tend to overlook community businesses. Primis feels like the best of both worlds, where we can offer products that rival the industry giants but still have that personal touch that community banks are loved for.” 

To connect with Kate and learn more about all the offerings that Primis has to help your business thrive, visit her LinkedIn or send her an email at [email protected]. 

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Largo High School Takes Top Prize for AI-Powered Customer Retention Solution

RICHMOND, V.a. – Primis Bank has wrapped up its fourth rendition of the Sheflett Memorial STEM Challenge, an initiative that united high school and college students from across Virginia and Maryland to tackle a complex, real-world banking problem using artificial intelligence and data science. The competition, named in memory of the late George “Cody” Sheflett Jr., who served as the bank’s chief information officer and was a tireless advocate for advancing technology education, continues to highlight Primis’ commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators—especially women and minorities pursuing STEM careers.

In this year’s challenge, students were asked to design and present a machine learning solution to help banks predict and prevent customer churn—an issue that costs financial institutions significantly more in acquisition than retention. Over several weeks, teams collaborated across institutions to analyze customer data, score churn probability, map customer journeys, and build ethical, AI-driven retention strategies. Their work was evaluated by a panel of Primis executives and technologists.

“This challenge is the perfect representation of what we stand for at Primis,” said Diane Beirne, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility. “We’re passionate about creating real opportunities for women and minorities in STEM, and we couldn’t be prouder of the innovation, collaboration and drive these students brought to the table. They embraced the challenge with professionalism and purpose—and it was inspiring to witness.”

Three student teams earned top honors at the event’s final presentation showcase:

• First Place: Largo High School – Awarded $500 scholarships per student
• Second Place: Appomattox Regional Governor’s School & Virginia State University – $250 scholarships per student
• Third Place: Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School & Rappahannock Community College – $100 scholarships per student

Students and faculty from Largo High School (Upper Marlboro, Maryland) celebrate their first-place finish at the Sheflett Memorial STEM Challenge, pictured with Dennis Zember, Deborah Diaz, Al Pearson and other Primis team members.

In recognition of their dedication to STEM advancement, Primis is also awarding $2,000 to each of the five participating schools, totaling $10,000, to support ongoing STEM programming and resources.

“At Primis, our mission is to provide unrivaled solutions—for our customers, our communities and our future,” said Dennis Zember, CEO of Primis. “That starts with investing in people. These students didn’t just learn—they led, and we’re honored to support their continued growth.”

The Sheflett Memorial STEM Challenge reflects one of Primis’ core community engagement pillars: advancing STEM opportunities for women and minorities. By creating meaningful academic partnerships and challenges, Primis is helping students gain real-world experience and drive change through technology and innovation.

For more on Primis’ community initiatives, visit primisbank.com/community.

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