Meet The Leadership Team

Leadership That Goes The Distance

Our leaders set a high bar, stay close to the work and keep climbing toward what’s next, for our customers, our teams and our shareholders.

The Board of Directors

You’ll appreciate the confidence, care, and expertise that our Board of Directors brings to the table.

John Biagas

John Biagas

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

From an early age, John F. Biagas knew he wanted to be a CEO. While other kids were dreaming about elite sports, he saw himself at the head of an elite executive table and started training to be an electrician by the time he stepped foot in elementary school. His road there might have taken some twists and turns—from almost becoming a priest to earning a master electrician certification—but the head of the table is where he sits today, as the Founder of Bay Electric Co., Inc.

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Dennis Zember

Dennis Zember

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dennis doesn’t fit the typical banker stereotype. He thinks—and acts—way outside the suit-and-tie-wearing baseline, and his gregarious charm and good humor feel more down home than multibillion dollar banker. As a child, his mom incessantly reminded him he could be anything he wanted, but that maybe lawyer or doctor would be better than race car driver or musician…

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W. Rand Cook

W. Rand Cook

Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors

What happens when you combine the steady tempo and easy-going attitude of a bluegrass musician, the no nonsense pragmatism of a banker, and the sharp wit of an attorney? Well... you get William Rand Cook (or "Randy" as we call him). An enigma-or perhaps just a man of many diverse talents-Randy has focused his career on law, but is no stranger to sitting on boards of financial institutions. In fact, Primis is the fourth one he's been active on, following his stints as Chairman of the Board at both Southside Bank and EVB.

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Deborah Diaz

Deborah Diaz

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

If most people had nine lives, they still wouldn’t have the impressive roster of titles and accolades that follow Deborah Diaz around. Her glowing resume includes Chief Technology Officer at NASA and Chief Information Officer for Science and Technology at the Department of Homeland Security— where she was responsible for all global defense as well as research system infrastructure and manufacturer delivery to support a $1B portfolio.

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John Eggemeyer

John Eggemeyer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John M. Eggemeyer isn’t just a proponent of community banks, he has literally invested his career in them. As Founder and Managing Principal of Castle Creek® Capital, LLC he enables community banks across the country to thrive, having invested over a billion dollars in their success. Prior to founding Castle Creek®, John spent nearly 20 years as a senior executive with some of the largest banking organizations in the U.S.

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Scott Gamble

Scott Gamble

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Scott has dedicated nearly four decades to the banking industry, building deep experience across commercial banking, retail banking, and business development. He currently serves as a Principal at Patriot Financial Partners, L.P., where he works closely with financial institutions and management teams to support long-term growth and strategic initiatives.

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Fred Skipper Garrett III

Fred Skipper Garrett III

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Affectionately dubbed “Skipper” by his friends and family, Fred L. Garrett III is a marina owner and fifth generation oyster planter who has spent his entire life learning about the landscape surrounding his native Rappahannock River in Essex County, VA. An avid boater and salt of the earth entrepreneur, Skipper has owned and operated Harborside Storage, a boat storage company for many years, and is also an award-winning realtor with Shaheen, Ruth, Martin & Fonville.

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Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board members not only lend broad experience and strategic thinking to Primis, they are also able to step back and see the forest through the trees. Eric Alan Johnson is no exception. For over 45 years, he’s been in the real estate business, most recently as President and Principal Broker with Mason Realty Inc. But his experience doesn’t stop there. He also owned and operated successful grocery and building supply businesses, and manages over 4,000 acres of timberlands.

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Dr. Allen Jones

Dr. Allen Jones, Jr.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Jones is described by his team members as ambitious and full of energy—and one would need to simply ooze these attributes in order to soar at his level of accomplishment. Not only is he a renowned physical therapist, a successful business owner, and a Primis board member, but Dr. Jones has also been appointed to several statewide positions, including his current role as Chairman of the Virginia State Board of Physical Therapy. To top it off, he operates a working farm complete with chickens, horses, turkeys, and a pride of ever-flashy peacocks.

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Brock Saunders

Brock Saunders

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Brock has spent his career navigating global financial markets and building investment strategies across a wide range of asset classes. He currently serves as Managing Partner at Mattock Capital, a Richmond-based family office focused on alternative investments. Prior to Mattock, Brock was President and Chief Investment Officer at James River Capital Corp. and previously served as a Partner at Pleasant Lake Partners, a New York-based hedge fund.

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Margaret Weichert

Margaret M. Weichert

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Margaret has built a distinguished career at the intersection of financial services, technology, and transformation, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience across banking, government, startups, and global enterprises. Throughout her career, she has led strategy, marketing, operations, and business performance initiatives in complex organizations, helping drive growth and innovation at scale.

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