Community First Bank has built its reputation on one clear idea: people come first. Walk into any branch and the feeling is immediate. Customers are greeted as neighbors, not account numbers, and every interaction reflects the belief that strong relationships are the true foundation of great banking.

Community First Bank began in 1999 when a group of seasoned bankers and business leaders recognized the need for a true community bank in Acadiana. What started in a modular building with just 10 employees has grown into nine branches across seven communities with more than 130 employees. The reason for this growth is simple. The bank pairs competitive financial products with an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service.

The Lafayette branch on Pinhook Road opened in February 2022 and brings together a team with an impressive collective 254 years of banking experience. Business Development Officer Mary Desormeaux leads the efforts in connecting with the Lafayette community. Inside the branch, residents will find a full-service retail division, along with commercial and consumer lending specialists. The retail team includes Sarah Joiner, Margaret Melancon, Tammy Robin, and Linda Romero. The lending team includes Robert “Bobby” Musso, Kenny LeJeune, Bennette Rawls, Reenae Guillory, Amber Morris, Holly Stevens, Jana Grissom, and Michele Hebert.

President and CEO Dirk Trahan sums it up well. “We are proud to have assembled a team of dedicated bankers who work diligently to exceed our customers’ expectations. I encourage you to visit any of our banking centers to see why our clients say, ‘Community First Bank, that’s my bank!’”

The team at Community First Bank takes pride in knowing their customers and understanding their goals. They believe banking is more than accounts and transactions. It is about walking beside people through every chapter, whether someone is planning for college, purchasing a first home, or launching a business. Their mission is to offer the personal service every customer deserves and the trust that makes long-term relationships possible.

Choosing the right bank is one of the most important financial decisions a person can make. Community First Bank encourages residents to look for a banking partner who is local, trustworthy, and accessible. Their location on Pinhook Road is close to River Ranch, offering convenience along with competitive banking products and personalized service.

Many people assume that all banks operate the same way, but Community First Bank takes pride in being locally owned. Deposits stay in Acadiana and directly support local businesses, youth programs, and community growth. Loan decisions are made by people who know the area and understand the needs of its residents. Customers benefit from a level of responsiveness and local insight that large national institutions cannot match.

Community involvement is not a marketing slogan for Community First Bank. It is a core value that has shaped the bank since day one. For more than twenty years they have been an Investor of One Acadiana, with Mary Desormeaux previously serving as treasurer and now continuing as an Ambassador.

The bank also supports and partners with many organizations including United Way of Acadiana, Gifting Grace, The Hub Urban Ministries of Lafayette, Connection’s Networking for Women, and Junior Achievement of Acadiana. The team volunteers time, sponsors events, collects school supplies and winter apparel, packs backpacks, and teaches financial literacy to adults and students.

Their guarantee is simple. Customers can count on quality service and a team they can trust with every aspect of their banking needs.

Whether you are new to River Ranch or searching for a bank that will grow with you, the team at Community First Bank invites you to stop by and experience why so many residents proudly say, “Community First Bank, that’s my bank.”