Nice People, Stale Environment - Marketing Specialist First Bank (Alaska) Employee Review

Wonderful people committed to the communities that make up Southeast Alaska.

The longevity of the employee’s at First Bank and limited market growth in Southeast Alaska can limit opportunities for advancement for our newer employees.

First Bank is one of the last remaining local community banks where the employees know the customers by name and the President knows all of his employees. There is something to be said for being able to pick up the phone, call the CEO and tell him your problems. Additionally, First Bank has a rapidly ageing senior management cadre, many of whom are withing 5 years of retirement. This opens up many possibilities for advancement for the new generation of officers, of whom there are not too many, so competition for promotions should be minimal.

Compensation is not in line with some other banks in Southeast Alaska. As best I can tell, it is an average of 10% lower than what you might make in a comparable job at Wells Fargo or First National Bank of Anchorage. Top management is getting old and somewhat out of touch with changing customs and norms. Technology is not the priority it should be, so as a result, our online bankin website (for example) is not up to par with other banks' websites.