A message from your market president

A seasoned corporate finance executive, Chris has significant experience in business development, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, debt placement, equity placement, and deal execution. He joined First Financial Bank in 2025, bringing with him more than 30 years of experience.

Throughout his career, Chris has held leadership positions with a variety of institutions. He has a proven track record of success across specialties and is highly knowledgeable about capital markets, investment banking, financial modeling, corporate development, business relationship management, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial banking. His vast background, entrepreneurial spirit, and genuine care for community contribute to his leadership at First Financial.

Living the First Financial value of being Proudly Local, Chris has been a member and ambassador for the Jandernoa Entreprenurial Mentor program for over a decade

Chris has earned degrees from both Northwood University and Aquinas College with emphasis in Finance and Economics. He has extended studies with The Wharton School of Business and was recognized with the Alumni Achievement Award by Northwood University.

An accomplished commercial banking professional with 18 years of experience in relationship management, Mike has a proven record of exceeding sales targets. His expertise spans various sectors, including commercial & industrial, healthcare, and government, where he focuses on driving profitable growth and delivering exceptional client service.

Mike transitioned to First Financial Bank in early 2025 as a commercial team lead. In this role, he is dedicated to building and leading a high-performing team to support middle-market companies. His approach involves leveraging his extensive experience in credit management and capital markets to create customized financial solutions that align with clients' needs and objectives.

Previously, Mike served as a Commercial Relationship Manager at Fifth Third Bank, overseeing a diverse portfolio with annual revenues ranging from $20MM to $2B. He successfully generated new relationships and drove significant deposit and fee income growth through effective client education and strategic financial guidance. His tenure at SunTrust, Bay Bank and M&T Bank further strengthened his skills in business development, treasury management, and credit quality, consistently achieving and surpassing sales goals.

Mike holds a Doctor of Law and bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Detroit Mercy School. He is passionate about fostering strong client relationships and actively contributing to community initiatives.

Jonathan Ford Combs is a highly accomplished wealth management advisor and investment strategist with a proven track record of delivering holistic advisory services to high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and multigenerational families. His expertise lies in developing comprehensive financial strategies, fostering deep client relationships, and structuring tailored solutions. Throughout his career he has worked in private banking, wealth and asset management, structured finance, and private equity. His Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designation illustrates his commitment to excellence and knowledge in the industry.

With more than 15 years of experience, Jonathan has overseen a $500 million book of business, with $450 million in invested assets and $50 million in deposits. He led a specialized team of portfolio managers, private bankers, trust officers, insurance specialists, and wealth strategists to provide white-glove, concierge-level financial solutions to entrepreneurs, second- and third-generation inheritors, and complex trust and foundation clients.

Previously, Jonathan has also focused on sell side M&A advisory for International and Domestic clients, as well as international and cross border finance. He has structured over $170 million in financing commitments for mid-cap public companies across the globe.

Jonathan is an active community member, serving as Chairman of the Investment Committee for the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation and holding board roles at several acquisition and investment firms. He is a Villanova University graduate and former varsity football player. His spare time is spent with his family enjoying the Michigan outdoors.

With more than seventeen years of business experience, Colleen’s career includes nearly ten years in business banking. Her portfolio of clients has ranged from local start-ups to businesses with revenue over $100 million, and in industries ranging from global manufacturing to “main street” small businesses. No matter the client, Colleen is known for delivering a best-in-class client experience, taking pride in contributing to the success of her local business community.

Beginning her career as a Business Account Representative, Colleen gained a deep understanding of the inner workings of small and medium businesses. After achieving leadership positions including Vice President, she pivoted for a few years to focus on motherhood. Colleen reentered the workforce as a Business Consultant with a data company, then transitioned into Business Banking in 2017 where she quickly moved into roles with increasing responsibility, once again reaching the Vice President level.

Colleen’s commitment to her clients has earned frequent recognition, including multiple top performer awards and a Customer Champion Award in 2019. She is a graduate of DePaul University of Chicago.

Living the First Financial Bank value of being Proudly Local, Colleen sits on the boards for Cornerstone Alliance and the Portage Education Foundation, and she serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Salvation Army of Kalamazoo. She has been active in her community from as a youth sports coach and is also highly engaged in planning events and fundraisers for her church and schools.

When not delivering personalized banking solutions to her clients, Colleen enjoys time with her two active teenagers, reading, running, and seeing concerts.

An experienced and results-oriented treasury sales consultant, Norberto has strong record working with companies, government institutions, and not-for-profit organizations in Michigan.

Norberto joined First Financial Bank in 2025, bringing with him more than fourteen years of experience in banking, including a strong foundation in treasury and payment solutions and working capital analysis for mid- to large-size companies. He is known for his dedication to providing exceptional client service and his proven track record of consistent high sales performance. His areas of expertise include Cash Management, Fraud Prevention, Liquidity Management, Commercial Card Programs, Client/Portfolio Management, and Credit Skills Background.

Living the First Financial value of being Proudly Local, Norberto supports his local community by volunteering at Kids Food Basket, a community-powered organization dedicated to achieved a hunger-free West Michigan for all children. He also previously served as a Board Member on the Forest Hills Public School Chinese Immersion Parent Advisory Council.

Norberto studied Economics at Michigan State University, College of Social Science.

Sean is the Managing Director of The ESOP Finance Group at First Financial Bank. His focus is on advising company owners and bankers on the benefits of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) and understanding the complex issues surrounding these transactions.

Sean has 30+ years’ experience in commercial banking working with complicated financing transactions and problem solving. Throughout his career, he has led multiple teams in national and regional bank’s Commercial Real Estate Lending Group, Special Assets Group, Credit Group, Structured Finance Group, Transportation Group and ESOP Finance Group. His real estate experience includes financing land developers, home builders and all types of commercial properties. During the height of the last financial downturn, he was called upon by the bank to help clients maneuver the unchartered financial waters of the recession. The specialty lending groups in Structured Finance, Transportation and ESOP have allowed Sean the experience to work with and advise companies across many different industries. His experience and background have led to a track record of high performing teams across the country with a strong influence in change management. Sean takes pride in the nimble, “boutique” quality of First Financial.

Sean’s current role as Managing Director of the ESOP Finance Group at First Financial Bank allows him the opportunity to work directly with business owners and bankers to give them a complete understanding of / and the best options available to them for their ownership transition questions. He serves as a trusted advisor to a broad range of clients across the country, from billion-dollar clients to smaller local companies, from coast to coast and in every industry.

Sean’s quality performance has twice earned him recognition in the Annual Leaders Circle. He is also a member of the National and Regional ESOP Associations, the ESOP Associations Finance Committee and The National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO). When not delivering top-tier client service, he enjoys traveling, cheering for Chicago’s, Notre Dame’s, and Purdue’s sports teams, as well as watching movies with his family.