Republic First Bancorp, Inc. announced leadership changes. Thomas (“Tom”) X. Geisel has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Geisel has a diverse financial services background, including leadership experience growing regional banks for more than twenty years– most recently as President, Corporate Banking, at Webster Bank (formally known as Sterling National Bank).

Mr. Geisel is a seasoned and innovative leader with more than two decades of experience in the banking industry. Prior to joining Republic First, Mr. Geisel held senior executive positions at Webster Bank Corporation, formerly known as Sterling Bancorp. Mostly recently, Mr. Geisel was President of Corporate Banking where he led the strategic, innovation and execution activities of the Corporate Bank.

His focus was centered on driving a culture of success with great teamwork, accountability and innovative problem solving. He created a dynamic and robust organization, which delivered leading financial results. Prior to Webster Bank, Mr. Geisel was President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Sun Bancorp, Inc., where he led and helped stabilize the bank, played a vital role in improving revenue and margins and positioning the bank for growth during an economic recession.

Prior to Sun Bancorp, Mr. Geisel was at KeyCorp, including serving as President of the Northeast Region where he was responsible for the strategic growth and execution of the $20 billion asset businesses within seven states to include commercial, consumer and private banking. He also helped to build the company's general M&A investment banking practice in the East and West regions. Mr. Geisel received a B.S. from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Republic First founder Harry Madonna will step down from the Interim CEO role, which he has held since August of this year, and will remain as Chairman of the Company during the transition to new leadership.