Richard Whitsell - President & CEO

Mr. Whitsell brings over 38 years of banking experience to Fresno First Bank.  He was employed by Bank of America in 1970 and later became the Senior Vice President and District Manager for 12 branches.  Mr. Whitsell moved into community banking in 1994 and became the President and CEO of Capitol Valley Bank, a business bank focused on Small Business and Real Estate Development and Construction.  In 2002, he joined Legacy Bank as their President and CEO.  Mr. Whitsell’s background and vast experience fit ideally with the goals and business plan of Fresno First Bank

Steve Canfield - Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Canfield brings over 26 years of commercial and retail banking and finance experience to Fresno First Bank.  A Fresno native, Mr. Canfield began his banking career in the corporate systems division of Guarantee Savings & Loan. In 1984, he joined Regency Bank to head up their original systems division.  In 1988, Mr. Canfield was named the bank’s Chief Operating Officer and subsequently the corporation’s Chief Financial Officer, a position he held until the bank’s sale to California Bank & Trust in 1999.  Following the acquisition of Regency Bank, Mr. Canfield joined with a venture capital backed group to form Pacific Wireless Technologies Inc. where he served as CFO and subsequently President.  In 2002, the group successfully sold PWT to Nextel Communications.  Most recently Mr. Canfield has served as Senior Vice President Finance/CFO of Fresno County Federal Credit Union.   Mr. Canfield is a 1981 graduate of CSUF’s Craig School of business and is a 1993 graduate of BAI’s bank management program at Duke University.

Kenneth Herron - SVP, Senior Loan Officer

Mr. Herron began his banking career in 1983 when he joined the Bank of America Officer Training Program.  Since 1986, he has worked exclusively for local community banks where his creative problem-solving skills are best suited.  He joined Regency Bank in 1991 and remained there through the sale of the bank to California Bank & Trust in late 1999.  In early 2000, he and a group of former Regency bankers joined Clovis Community Bank and established the bank’s first full-service branch in Fresno.  In September 2005, he left to help form Fresno First Bank.  Mr. Herron is a 1982 graduate of CSUF’s Craig School of Business and a 1989 graduate of the California Banking School. He is Founder/President of Opportunity Through Education, Inc., a nonprofit organization that operates a preschool in Selma serving low-moderate income families.

Evangelina Gonzalez - SVP, Senior Operating Officer

Ms. Gonzalez began her banking career in 1980 with Kings River State Bank working in the area of Operations. She eventually became the Data Processing Manager with Kings River State Bank and worked closely with the CFO, later becoming the Vice President/Cashier where she was responsible for managing the Operations Center, implementing various systems and programs for the bank.  Kings River State Bank merged with Valley Independent Bank in 2001. Ms. Gonzalez later sought new opportunities with Kaweah National Bank.  Ms. Gonzalez has obtained a wealth of banking knowledge over the years and is currently the SVP, Senior Operating Officer for Fresno First Bank. She is also responsible for the Bank’s Compliance and Information Systems.

Debbie Cameron - VP, Executive Assistant

Ms. Cameron has been in the banking industry for over 30 years.  In 1978, she began employment in the operations department with Crocker Bank.  In 1987, as a result of the merger with Wells Fargo Bank, she joined Regency Bank, a local community bank in Fresno opening new accounts for the business development team.  In 1995, Ms. Cameron moved into administration and soon after became executive assistant to the bank president.  After the merger between Regency Bank and California Bank & Trust, she supported CB&T’s regional sales team, assisted with Human Resources and was responsible for the public relations and special events for the bank. Over the years, Ms. Cameron has developed a vast knowledge of various areas of banking and was asked to join Fresno First Bank as Executive Assistant.

Lanny Chan - VP, Personal Banker

Mr. Chan recently joined Fresno First Bank as Vice President/Personal Banker.  He brings over 30 years of banking experience to the bank with the last 20 years focused on servicing the banking needs of the medical profession, accounting and legal communities in the Greater Fresno area.  He is recognized for his personal commitment to providing the highest level of customer service for his clients, which reflect the Bank’s commitment to excellence.

Teresa Palsgaard - VP, Commercial Relationship Manager

Ms. Palsgaard began her banking career with Lloyds Bank in 1976. During her 31 years of banking, of which 19 years have been dedicated to working with local community banks, she was employed by Fresno Bank of Commerce, Regency Bank and Central Valley Community Bank. Ms. Palsgaard has been committed to serving the banking needs of a variety of businesses and professionals throughout the Central Valley. She recently joined Fresno First Bank as Vice President/Commercial Relationship Manager. She is also Past President of the American Heart Association and an active community leader.

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