Founding director retires from The First

HATTIESBURG — David E. Johnson has retired from his positions as chairman of the board and as an active member of the board of directors of The First Bancshares Inc. and The First, A National Banking Association.

Johnson now serves as director emeritus upon his retirement.

Johnson served as chairman since 1998. He was also a founding director of the company and held the position of CEO from the company’s inception until Sept. 2009. The positions of chairman and CEO were separated in 2009 to provide improved corporate governance and oversight.

“We are forever indebted to David for the significant contributions to the Company he made in more than fifteen years of service. He was instrumental in the start-up of the bank, raising capital and building the image of the bank,” said M. Ray “Hoppy” Cole, president and CEO. “The entrepreneurial spirit he instilled in the Company as a founder and leader is a legacy to our growing organization. We truly wish him the very best in his retirement.”