Blue Ridge Bankshares, the holding company of Blue Ridge Bank and BRB Financial Group, appointed Judy C. Gavant as president and director of the bank. Gavant will also continue in her current capacity as CFO of the bank, and executive vice president and CFO of Blue Ridge. In her new role as bank president, Gavant will lead the commercial banking efforts and oversee bank operations, including policies and practices, in addition to a variety of strategic initiatives and responsibilities.

“I am excited to announce the promotion of Judy to president of Blue Ridge Bank,” Brian K. Plum, CEO of Blue Ridge Bank, said. “She is an exceptional, experienced and knowledgeable leader and is a key player in the company’s operational decision-making and strategy. Judy will be an even greater asset to Blue Ridge in this expanded role.”

“I have the honor of working with an exceptional group of talented bankers and am excited to broaden my leadership role,” Gavant said. “As we continue to execute our growth strategies, I will remain focused and committed to maintaining our strong financial position. In my expanded role, I look forward to continuing to contribute to the success of the bank.”

Gavant joined Blue Ridge upon its January 2021 acquisition of Bay Banks of Virginia and its subsidiary, Virginia Commonwealth Bank. Prior to joining Bay Banks, Gavant served as chief accounting officer of Xenith Bankshares and its subsidiary, Xenith Bank (now Atlantic Union Bankshares), and in a variety of leadership finance roles with both start-up businesses and Fortune 500 corporations, including Owens & Minor, Tredegar, Dominion Energy and a start-up industry-owned technology company.