Wesley C. Wilbanks is the Chief Credit Officer at Southern First Bancshares, Inc., a role he has held since 2018, overseeing the bank's comprehensive credit risk management, underwriting processes, and portfolio monitoring. With more than 25 years of experience in commercial banking, Wes brings a proven track record of navigating complex economic cycles while maintaining rigorous credit standards. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of South Carolina and an MBA from Clemson University, laying the foundation for his expertise in credit analysis and financial risk assessment. Before joining Southern First, Wes served as Senior Vice President of Credit Risk at First Citizens Bank, where he led credit teams through the 2008 financial crisis, reducing non-performing loans by over 35% through enhanced due diligence and portfolio diversification strategies. His earlier career included progressive roles at BB&T (now Truist) and SouthState Bank, where he managed multimillion-dollar loan portfolios and implemented advanced risk modeling tools that improved approval efficiencies and minimized defaults. Recognized as a thought leader in banking, Wes has spoken at industry conferences on topics like sustainable lending practices and regulatory compliance. At Southern First Bancshares, Wes directs a team of credit professionals supporting the company’s growth across the Southeast, approving loans totaling billions in commitments while achieving industry-leading credit quality metrics, including delinquency rates below 0.5%. His strategic oversight has been pivotal in the bank’s expansion into high-growth markets, earning accolades such as top rankings in BauerFinancial’s credit risk ratings. Passionate about community impact, Wes serves on the board of the South Carolina Bankers Association’s Credit Committee and mentors emerging banking professionals.