Huntsville, Alabama, October 11, 2025
News Summary
FirstBank has appointed John Edward Propst ‘J.E.P.’ Buchanan as the Market President in Huntsville, Alabama. With over 35 years of banking experience and strong local ties, Buchanan aims to enhance FirstBank’s operations and strengthen community connections. His commitment extends beyond banking, as he is actively involved in civic organizations. This appointment aligns with FirstBank’s strategy to focus on local leadership for better community service.
Huntsville, Alabama – J.E.P. Buchanan Appointed Market President of FirstBank
FirstBank has announced the appointment of John Edward Propst “J.E.P.” Buchanan as the Market President in Huntsville, Alabama. Buchanan’s appointment aims to drive local growth by leveraging his extensive banking experience and strong connections to the Huntsville community.
Buchanan, who has lived in Huntsville for most of his life, brings over 35 years of experience in the banking industry. His track record includes various leadership roles such as Chief Credit Officer, Senior Lender, and Market President, showcasing his capability to enhance FirstBank’s operations within the region. Grant Lauderdale, senior vice president and head of metro banking for FirstBank, expressed confidence in Buchanan’s ability to strengthen the bank’s teams and drive long-term growth.
Prior to joining FirstBank, Buchanan was an original team member at Progress Bank, which was founded in 2007 and was later acquired by United Community Bank. His deep understanding of the local banking landscape positions him uniquely to address the needs of Huntsville customers.
Buchanan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Auburn University and graduated from Huntsville High School. His commitment to serving the community extends beyond banking; he has served on numerous civic boards and nonprofit organizations and is actively involved in the Huntsville Rotary Club. He is passionate about building strong and lasting relationships with customers, emphasizing FirstBank’s commitment to local decision-making.
As Market President, Buchanan intends to connect with customers and serve the Huntsville community, ensuring that FirstBank remains an integral part of local economic development. His personal interests include golfing, bird hunting, and spending quality time with his wife and their three children.
FirstBank, a subsidiary of FB Financial Corporation based in Nashville, Tennessee, operates 93 full-service branches with approximately $16.0 billion in total assets. The bank is dedicated to enhancing financial services in the communities it serves while remaining committed to growth and innovation.
Background Information
FirstBank has been providing banking services for various communities across the country and aims to strengthen its presence in Huntsville with Buchanan at the helm. The appointment aligns with the bank’s strategy to focus on local leadership and decision-making to better meet the needs of the diverse customer base within the region.
Buchanan’s extensive experience and deep local roots are anticipated to enable FirstBank to accelerate its growth and deepen its community connections, fostering an environment that prioritizes customer relationships and trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was appointed as Market President of FirstBank in Huntsville? John Edward Propst “J.E.P.” Buchanan was appointed as Market President in Huntsville, Alabama.
- What experience does J.E.P. Buchanan bring to FirstBank? Buchanan has more than 35 years of banking industry experience and has held various leadership roles, including Chief Credit Officer, Senior Lender, and Market President.
- Where did Buchanan work before joining FirstBank? Before joining FirstBank, he was part of the original team at Progress Bank, which was founded in 2007 and later acquired by United Community Bank.
- What educational qualifications does Buchanan have? He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Auburn University and graduated from Huntsville High School.
- How is Buchanan involved in the community? He has served on numerous civic boards and nonprofit organizations and is actively involved in the Huntsville Rotary Club.
- What are Buchanan’s interests outside of work? Buchanan enjoys golfing, bird hunting, and spending time with his wife and their three children.
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Additional Resources
- Business Alabama
- MarketScreener
- Huntsville Business Journal
- Wikipedia: Banking in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Banking
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
