Individual Awards
Dedicated to meeting the unique needs of our clients
Shaping the future of exceptional banking
Our commitment to putting customers first is more than a value—it's the foundation of everything we do. These exceptional individuals have been recognized for their dedication to understanding and meeting the unique needs of our customers, fostering trust and creating meaningful connections. Their hard work, creativity and unwavering focus on excellence inspire colleagues and set new standards for service across our organization and industry as a whole.
Awards and Recognition
Excellence at every level
Corporate Office
Hope Bryant
Vice Chairwoman
American Banker's Most Powerful Women to Watch 2024
Hope Bryant was included on American Banker's list of Most Powerful Women to Watch in 2024. As a result of her key role in First Citizens' acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank, Bryant was named to the top of the list among all the honorees who helped lead their institutions to success during a rigorous year.
Learn more about her recognition from American Banker, Opens in a new tab.
Frank Holding Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Barron's Top CEOs of 2023
Frank Holding Jr. was featured on Barron’s list for Top CEOs of 2023. The acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank in 2023 hallmarked Holding's consistent focus on expansion and financial stability for First Citizens and demonstrated the strategic and operational excellence of his leadership.
Learn more about why Barron's named Frank Holding a top CEO, Opens in a new tab.
Ravi Kumar
Head of CIT Bank
Los Angeles Business Journal's Leaders of Influence 2024
Ravi Kumar was recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as a Leader of Influence in Banking & Finance 2024 for his exceptional contributions to the finance sector.
Commercial Finance
Chris Niederpruem
Group Head of Real Estate Finance
Commercial Observer's Power Finance 50, #42 for 2024
Chris Niederpruem was named to Commercial Observer's Power Finance 50 ranking for his impactful leadership during the last year. Under his direction, First Citizens has successfully navigated the real estate market and secured significant financing deals—from office to multifamily and construction.
Chris Esposito
Managing Director of Asset-Based Lending
AFB Journal's Icons Award – Legend 2024
Chris Esposito was recognized by ABF Journal with the Icons Legend Award. In his career spanning more than 3 decades, Chris has made remarkable contributions to both the industry and individuals within it.
Learn more about why Chris was chosen and his influence on the industry, Opens in a new tab.
Darrin Beer
Manager with CIT Commercial Services
Los Angeles Business Journal's Leaders of Influence 2024
Darrin Beer was recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as a Leader of Influence in Banking & Finance 2024 for his exceptional contributions to the finance sector.
Matthew Rheem
Senior Underwriter, CIT Commercial Services
SFNet's 40 Under 40 Awards 2024
Matthew Rheem was recognized with SFNet's 40 Under 40 Award for his contributions to the secured finance industry as an emerging leader demonstrating exceptional expertise, leadership and commitment to innovation in the sector.
Learn more about Matthew's ranking, Opens in a new tab.
Equipment Finance
Mike Jones
President of Equipment Finance
Monitor Daily's Icons Award – Veterans 2024
Mike Jones was awarded Monitor Daily's Icon Veteran Award for 2024. Over his extensive career, Mike has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, mentorship and servant leadership.
Learn more about Mike's achievement and his legacy, Opens in a new tab.
Jessica Bragdon
Principal Human Resources Business Partner, Equipment Finance
Monitor Daily's Top Women in Equipment Finance 2024
Jessica Bragdon was recognized as one of the Top Women in Equipment Finance by Monitor Daily.
Learn more about why Monitor Daily recognized Jessica, Opens in a new tab.
Nicole White
Director of Business Analysis, Equipment Finance
Monitor Daily's Next Gen 40 Under 40 2024
Nicole White was named one of Monitor Daily's 40 Under 40 for 2024. Her impactful contributions leading key initiatives, including a multimillion-dollar systems conversion affecting more than 700 employees across 15 functional groups, are testaments to her ability to navigate challenges in stride and be an active player in the industry.
Learn more about Nicole's ranking and her successful career, Opens in a new tab.
Wealth
Art Saldivar
Director for First Citizens Wealth
Los Angeles Business Journal's Leaders of Influence 2024
Art Saldivar was recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as a Leader of Influence in Banking & Finance 2024 for his exceptional contributions to the finance sector.
