BayFirst Financial Corp., parent company of BayFirst National Bank, announced its Board of Directors appointed Thomas Zernick as Chief Executive Officer and named Robin Oliver President and Chief Operating Officer. As previously announced, retiring Chief Executive Officer Anthony N. Leo will remain a director of the Company and will also serve as a part-time consultant for strategic matters.

Zernick was made a director of the company and joined the Board in February 2023 when he was appointed successor Chief Executive Officer. He has served as President of the Company since February 2022, and previously served as President of its CreditBench Division, which provides government-guaranteed lending to businesses throughout the nation. Zernick joined the Company in 2016.

Oliver has held the role of Chief Operating Officer of BayFirst since 2022 and has been a key player in the Company’s operational decision making and strategy since joining the team in 2018.

“It is my great pleasure to announce these two promotions and acknowledge the exceptional commitment and results both Tom and Robin have demonstrated over the course of their careers at BayFirst,” said Anthony Saravanos, Chairman of the Board. “With proven track records of success, I am confident Tom and Robin will lead the Company to continued growth and profitability in the years to come.”