October 13, 2025

New Area Executives Appointed at First Citizens Bank

News Summary

First Citizens Bank has appointed Justin Rice and JP Connell as Area Executives for South Carolina and Georgia. Rice will oversee the South Carolina Lowcountry and Savannah, while Connell will lead operations in the Charleston region. Both executives aim to enhance the bank’s operations and community engagement amidst a growing Southern coastal economy.

South Carolina

First Citizens Bank has announced the appointment of Justin Rice and JP Connell as new Area Executives for South Carolina and Georgia. Rice will take charge of the South Carolina Lowcountry region and Savannah, Georgia, while Connell will lead operations in the Charleston, South Carolina region and its surrounding areas. Both executives will oversee business, commercial, and branch banking operations, managing teams within their designated regions.

Leadership Roles and Responsibilities

In their new positions, Rice and Connell will play integral roles in enhancing the bank’s operations within their respective territories. Rice, who joined First Citizens Bank in 2006 and has been a prominent figure in the Lowcountry market since then, brings nearly 20 years of experience in the region. Since 2015, he has served as the Market Executive, overseeing four branches and actively participating in local community initiatives, including his role as Chairman of the University of South Carolina Education Foundation and service on the boards of the Hilton Head-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity.

Connell, who began his career with First Citizens Bank in 2018 in Denver, Colorado, has experience in various banking sectors, most recently serving as the Business Banking Manager for the Southern Coastal area. He holds an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina, which he earned in 2022, along with a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina.

Expansion and Growth

The appointments come at a time when the Southern coastal economy is experiencing notable growth, creating increased demand for financial expertise. Shan Teel, the South Regional Executive Vice President for First Citizens Bank, noted the bank’s commitment to meet this growing demand through local leadership that understands the communities they serve. First Citizens Bank operates 17 branches in the Charleston and Lowcountry regions and is dedicated to offering a range of banking services, including Business, Commercial, and Wealth banking.

Established Presence and Client Services

First Citizens Bank has had a significant presence in South Carolina for over 75 years, employing approximately 1,000 associates and managing over 100 branches statewide. The bank serves diverse client segments, focusing on personal, business, commercial, and wealth clients to help them build lasting financial strength. It is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is recognized as a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. Additionally, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. is listed among the Fortune 500 companies.

Location and Community Engagement

The bank’s Savannah branch is located at 110 West St. Julian St., further extending its reach and services in the region. With the leadership of Rice and Connell, First Citizens Bank aims to deepen its involvement within the local community while enhancing its business strategies in response to evolving economic conditions.