First Choice Bank appointed Nicole Swain as chief banking officer, reporting to CEO Robert Franko.

Swain, a 25 year banking veteran, has served as senior vice president of Business Development since joining First Choice Bank in 2013. She will now oversee the bank’s Private and Commercial Banking sales groups. She will be charged with increasing the bank’s core deposits and lending activities, both through her own efforts and those of the professionals who will report to her.

“Nicole’s leadership and banking expertise, along with her attention to the overall client experience, have had a tremendous impact on the success of our business,” said the Pete Hui, the bank’s founding chairman.

Robert Franko, the bank’s president and CEO, added, “Nicole’s promotion acknowledges her many contributions to First Choice Bank, but also reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to deliver extraordinary service to all of our clients.”

Swain stated, “For my entire career, I believe my success has come from making every one of my clients feel like he or she is my only client. Now I hope to help my colleagues share that same feeling with all of our First Choice Bank clients. I am looking forward to many wonderful years ahead.”

Cerritos, CA-based First Choice Bank serves consumers and commercial clients and specializes in loans to small businesses.