First Bank recently announced the promotion of Chesley Allen Blake to assistant vice president in its branch administration department.

Blake has worked for First Bank for more than seven years.

"Chesley's enthusiasm for First Bank combined with his analytical skills have made him a valuable asset from the start," said Donna Ward, senior vice president and manager of First Bank's branch administration department. "We're happy to have the opportunity to reward his hard work."

A Montgomery County native, Blake graduated from Appalachian State University in 2001 with a degree in accounting. After graduating, he was hired at First Bank and served as a branch manager in Candor for two years.

He transferred to the bank's training department in 2005 and joined the branch administration team in 2007. He is currently attending the North Carolina School of Banking.

Blake lives in West End with his wife, Laura. The couple attends the First Baptist Church in Pinehurst, where he serves on the Finance and Buildings and Grounds committees.

First Bancorp is a bank holding company headquartered in Troy. It owns and operates First Bank, a state-chartered community bank that has 98 branches.