Nikki Roser to deliver Romain College of Business Commencement Ceremony address

The speaker for the Romain College of Business Ceremony is Nikki Roser, a 1994 Bachelor of Science in Accounting and 1998 Master of Business Administration graduate. She is also a Certified Public Accountant and a 2006 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Currently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank, headquartered in Carmi, Illinois, Roser leads a community-focused financial institution dedicated to serving Southern Illinois and Southern Indiana. In this role, she provides strategic leadership to ensure the bank’s long-term sustainability and growth. Her responsibilities include setting the organization’s vision, cultivating shareholder relationships, leading all board activities for both the bank and its holding company and developing succession plans for the executive leadership team and board of directors.

In parallel, Roser serves on several boards and committees, reflecting her commitment to community and industry advancement. She is a member of the Board of Directors for First Bank, Ferrell Hospital, Pekin Insurance and the Absher Charitable Foundation. Additionally, she contributes her expertise as a member of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois Innovation Committee and serves on the Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. These roles underscore her dedication to strengthening community banking and supporting regional economic development.

Roser’s professional journey at First Bank spans over two decades. Prior to her appointment as President and CEO in 2019, she held several leadership roles, including Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and earlier in her career, Internal Auditor and Compliance Officer. Throughout her tenure, she has played an instrumental role in driving innovation, ensuring regulatory compliance and fostering a culture of integrity and excellence within the organization.

Beyond her academic and professional accomplishments, Roser is deeply invested in the well-being of her community. She actively supports initiatives that promote healthcare access, local philanthropy and financial literacy. Her leadership philosophy centers on empowering others, whether by mentoring emerging leaders within the banking industry or supporting community development projects that create
lasting impact.

Roser’s career is a testament to her belief in the importance of servant leadership, strategic collaboration and community engagement. Her work continues to shape the future of community banking in Southern Illinois and Southern Indiana, driven by a passion for fostering economic growth and improving the lives of those she serves.