TownBridge Bank Announces Promotion of Nicole Perry to President of CannaFirst Financial
TownBridge Bank Announces Promotion of Nicole Perry to President of CannaFirst Financial
Experienced Cannabis Banking Leader to Guide Strategic Growth, Industry Partnerships, and Continued Expansion of Specialized Financial Services
PASCAGOULA, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TownBridge Bank today announced the promotion of Nicole Perry to President of CannaFirst Financial, the Bank's specialized cannabis banking division.
Perry's promotion reflects her leadership, extensive industry expertise, and commitment to advancing accessible, compliant financial services for cannabis-related businesses across the United States. Since joining CannaFirst Financial in March 2025 as Director of National Sales, Perry has played an important role in supporting the organization's strategic vision, strengthening industry relationships, and expanding its national presence.
As President, Perry will lead CannaFirst Financial's strategic direction, business development initiatives, and continued efforts to deliver innovative banking solutions tailored to the unique needs of the cannabis industry. Her leadership will be instrumental in positioning CannaFirst for long-term growth while navigating an evolving regulatory and financial landscape.
"Nicole has demonstrated the leadership, industry knowledge, and strategic vision necessary to guide CannaFirst Financial into its next chapter," said Jeffery Trammell, Chief Operations Officer of TownBridge Bank. "Her understanding of the complexities of cannabis banking, combined with her ability to build meaningful partnerships and identify opportunities for growth, makes her exceptionally well-suited for this role. We are excited about the future of CannaFirst under her leadership."
With more than two decades of experience in financial services, Perry has established herself as a respected leader in specialty banking, business development, and cannabis financial services. Prior to joining CannaFirst Financial, she served as Cannabis Banking Program Manager at Credit Union 1, where she led efforts to restructure and expand its cannabis banking program. She also held leadership positions at The Dart Bank, contributing to the growth of its national cannabis and hemp banking program, and Fifth Third Bank, where she focused on leadership development, operational performance, and revenue growth.
Perry holds several specialized industry certifications, including Certified Cannabis Banking Professional (CCBP), Cannabis Banking Professional Executive Certification (CBPE), Certified Treasury Manager (CTM), PBC Certified Professional Certificate (PBC-CP), Cannabis Lending Professional Certification (CLP), and Certified Risk Specialist Certificate (CRT). She earned a Master of Science in human resources management from Central Michigan University and a bachelor's degree in business administration management from Davenport University.
"I am honored to step into the role of President of CannaFirst Financial and continue building upon the strong foundation our team has established," said Perry. "The cannabis industry continues to evolve, and with that comes an increasing need for trusted financial partners who understand the regulatory complexities and operational challenges businesses face. I look forward to working alongside our talented team to expand our reach, strengthen our partnerships, and ensure CannaFirst remains at the forefront of compliant, innovative cannabis banking solutions."
As the cannabis industry continues to mature, access to reliable financial services remains essential to the success and sustainability of cannabis-related businesses. Under Perry's leadership, CannaFirst Financial will continue its mission of bridging the gap between traditional banking and the cannabis industry through relationship-driven service, specialized expertise, and a commitment to regulatory compliance.
About CannaFirst Financial
CannaFirst Financial provides specialized banking solutions designed to meet the unique financial needs of cannabis-related businesses. With a focus on compliance, security, and relationship-based service, CannaFirst helps businesses navigate the complexities of cannabis banking while supporting sustainable growth. CannaFirst Financial is powered by TownBridge Bank, Member FDIC.
For more information, visit CannaFirst.com.
About TownBridge Bank
TownBridge Bank is a Mississippi-chartered community bank and wholly owned subsidiary of Merchants & Marine Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: MNMB). Through its Family of Brands, TownBridge combines the local leadership, relationships and community focus of great community banks with the resources, capabilities and expertise of a larger regional banking organization.
TownBridge serves communities across the Gulf South through its locally led banking divisions—Merchants & Marine Bank in Mississippi and Coastal Alabama, Mississippi River Bank in Southeast Louisiana, and Farmers-Merchants Bank in Louisiana's Acadiana region—as well as specialized financial services brands including Canvas Mortgage, Voyager Lending and CannaFirst Financial. Its Community of Resources brand provides shared operational, risk and support capabilities across the organization.
Originally founded as Merchants & Marine Bank in 1899, the bank adopted the TownBridge Bank name in 2026 to provide a shared charter identity for its growing Family of Brands while allowing its community banking and financial services brands to retain the local identities, leadership and relationships that make them distinctive.
For more information about TownBridge Bank and its Family of Brands, visit TownBridge.bank.
Contacts
Media Contact
Casey Hill
Chief Financial Officer of TownBridge Bank
Casey.hill@townbridge.bank
