Headshot of David Dannemiller on a gold tessellated background
Headshot of David Dannemiller on a gold tessellated background

A message from your market president

This is Northeast Ohio—known for its friendly, hardworking people and the grit of its businesses and industries. Your local First Financial Bank team has deep experience in a variety of sectors and a commitment to nurturing the roots of our region. We are committed to delivering the right solutions to meet the full banking needs of our clients, helping their businesses thrive. Find the team below and reach out today to discuss how we can grow your business.

David Dannemiller
Commercial Regional Market President
Northeast Ohio

Hear from our clients

Meet Rob Stutz – Co-founder and Senior Managing Partner, WR Valuation

WR Valuation's owners were buying themselves out from an international financial institution. First Financial was able to support this major milestone, setting them up for a seamless launch so they would be immediately functional.

Learn more
Headshot of Rob Stutz, Co-founder and Senior Managing Partner, WR Valuation

I like the fact that First Financial recognizes it’s a handshake and an agreement that we will do business together. Relationships matter, and I like that.
–Rob Stutz, Co-founder and Senior Managing Partner, WR Valuation

Featured deals

$200K
  • Equipment Finance Loan

Heating and Cooling Company

$8.6MM
  • Acquisition and Recapitalization Support

Local Family-Owned Office

$20MM
  • Deposit and Liquidity Support

International Manufacturing Company

View all deals

Community philanthropic initiatives

Building Hope in the City logo
  • Cleveland, OH

Building Hope in the City

An organization that is transforming the neighborhoods of Clark-Fulton and Stockyards through creating opportunity, dignity, and employment by equipping small business entrepreneurs with coaching, learning, and support. Their work pays special attention to lifting Cleveland's refugee and immigrant communities. First Financial Bank personnel serve in positions of leadership on the Board, as well as providing financial support for the organization through charitable giving and the First Financial Foundation.

The City Mission: Reaching Hearts | Changing Lives
  • Cleveland, OH

The City Mission

Since 1910, The City Mission has empowered men, women, and children in crisis to overcome their unique, complex paths to homelessness. First Financial is proud to support their individualized, comprehensive programs to assist residents in building stabilized and independent futures.

Meet the team

Meet our team serving Northeast Ohio's commercial businesses.

David Dannemiller Headshot
David Dannemiller
Commercial Regional Market President
David Dannemiller has more than 31 years of banking experience nationally, including more than 25 years in Northeast Ohio. With a focus on corporate and commercial banking growth, he is responsible for the bank’s commercial and industrial client...
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Cleveland, OH 1215 Superior Ave.,  Cleveland, OH 44144
Christian Athey Headshot
Christian Athey
Senior Commercial Relationship Manager
Christian has been working in the banking industry for more than 20 years. He has a strong history supporting merger & acquisition transactions, as well as C&I and Owner-Occupied real estate lending. He takes pride in his consultant-style approa...
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Cleveland, OH 1215 Superior Ave.,  Cleveland, OH 44144
Joseph Calabrese Headshot
Joseph Calabrese
Senior Business Development Specialist
With more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry, Joseph is passionate about the growth of Northeast Ohio and guiding clients on their business journey. He believes that the region has a bright future attracting new companies and gr...
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Cleveland, OH 1215 Superior Ave.,  Cleveland, OH 44144
Mike Kerr Headshot
Mike Kerr
Senior Commercial Relationship Manager
Mike has more than twenty-five years of experience in the banking industry. He’s held a variety of roles through his career, including leadership positions at the Vice President level. He joined First Financial Bank because he is passionate abou...
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Cleveland, OH 1215 Superior Ave.,  Cleveland, OH 44144
William Rodriguez Headshot
William Rodriguez
Senior Corporate / Specialty Banking Portfolio Manager
William has more than a decade of commercial banking experience in a variety of roles including financial sponsor relationship management, foreign exchange trading and sales, underwriting, and portfolio management. Born and raised in Cleveland, ...
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Cleveland, OH 1215 Superior Ave.,  Cleveland, OH 44144
Kathy Vidakovics Headshot
Kathy Vidakovics
Senior Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS #850002
Kathy has nearly thirty years of experience providing home mortgages. She takes great pride in helping clients explore their specific mortgage needs and exhibits dedication and care when assisting them in selecting the best financing option tail...
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Cleveland, OH 1215 Superior Ave.,  Cleveland, OH 44144
Bill Welsh Headshot
Bill Welsh
Senior Credit Officer
Bill has more than twenty years of experience in the banking industry. He’s held a variety of roles through his career, including leadership positions at the Director and Vice President level. He joined First Financial Bank in 2022, eager to bri...
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Cleveland, OH 1215 Superior Ave.,  Cleveland, OH 44144