The First Bancorp, parent company of First National Bank, announced April 29 that its board of directors has elected Cornelius “Connie” Russell as the board’s chair. Russell has served as a director of the company since 2014. During his tenure he has chaired the Nominating & Governance Committee, Trust Committee and Directors’ Loan Committee in addition to serving on the Compensation Committee, as well as the Asset/Liability Committee and the Executive Committee.
A resident of Rockport and a graduate of the University of Maine with a bachelor of science in resource economics, Russell is a second-generation hotelier. He began his career in 1987 and since 1999 has been the general manager of the Samoset Resort where he has overseen numerous multi-million-dollar capital improvement projects. He has served on several boards including as treasurer of Hospitality Maine, past president of New England Inns and Resorts Association, the American Hotel & Lodging Association Resort Committee, Maine Innkeepers Association, the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce as well as the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and past trustee of Penobscot Bay Hospital. He was awarded the 2016 Community Person of the Year by the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce and the 2010 Innkeeper of the Year by the Maine Innkeepers Association.
Russell succeeds Bruce Tindal who has served as the board’s chair since 2023 and retired from the board on April 29.
The First Bancorp, the parent company of First National Bank, is based in Damariscotta, Maine. Founded in 1864, First National Bank is a full-service community bank with $3.17 billion in assets. The Bank provides a complete array of commercial and retail banking services through eighteen locations in mid-coast and eastern Maine. First National Wealth Management, a division of the Bank, provides investment management and trust services to individuals, businesses, and municipalities. More information about The First Bancorp, First National Bank and First National Wealth Management may be found at www.thefirst.com.
