Henson leads expanded program

Wayne Henson will lead First Bank’s expanded SBA lending program headquartered in St. Louis

Designed to assist small businesses as well as drive economic growth and job creation, First Bank has consolidated its SBA lending program from Folsom California to its headquarters operations center on James McDonnell Blvd in St. Louis.

“We are excited about our new lending operation and expansion plans,” said Chris McLaughlin, Executive Vice President, Director of Retail Banking for First Bank. “Our renewed focus and expansion of SBA will enable us to help small business owners and entrepreneurs flourish by providing them with the capital and tools they need to successfully manage and expand their businesses.”  

Wayne Henson has been selected to lead First Bank’s expanded SBA lending program.  Henson joined First Bank in 2001, serving as a Regional Manager responsible for First Bank branches in the St. Louis West Region for the past five years.  He previously managed First Bank’s St. Louis small business lending department.

In his new role, Henson will be responsible for all nationwide processing, underwriting, servicing and promotional activities associated with First Bank’s SBA lending initiatives.

“Wayne is a strong leader who is passionate about small business lending,” said McLaughlin. “His expertise, experience and knowledge about the St. Louis market will be a real asset as we move forward with our expanded program.”

Henson, who joined First Bank in 2001, sees small business as the key component for an economic comeback in St. Louis and across the country.

“Small businesses are the heart of an economic recovery,” said Henson. “First Bank’s renewed focus on SBA lending will not only help add jobs in the St. Louis region but will stimulate the economy. This is a great opportunity for First Bank and a great resource for the region. I’m very excited to lead this effort.”  

Prior to joining First Bank, Henson served in a variety of leadership capacities for several local and national banks and financial institutions. He lives in Manchester, Missouri.

First Bank firstbanks.com is one of the largest privately owned banks in the country with $6.82 billion in assets and 149 locations in Missouri, Illinois, Florida, and California.