Southern First Bancshares, Inc., holding company for Southern First Bank, announces its expansion to Greensboro, N.C. and the greater Triad market. The bank intends to establish a full-service retail office upon regulatory approval.

The expansion to the Triad market will be led by Joe DePasquale, executive vice president and Triad regional executive. DePasquale provides more than 30 years of banking experience in the Greensboro and Triad market. DePasquale is a graduate of Appalachian State University, where he also recently served on the Advisory Board for the Departments of Finance, Banking, and Insurance. He is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

Melissa Beane, senior vice president, will join the Southern First leadership in the Triad market. Beane is a graduate of the North Carolina School of Banking in Chapel Hill and has more than 30 years of banking experience in the Triad area, including commercial and business banking, retail banking, and private banking services.

Justin Combs, senior vice president, will also be joining the Southern First leadership team in the Triad market. Combs has more than 16 years of banking experience in the Winston Salem/Forsyth County market with a commitment to building long term relationships. Combs is a graduate of the UNCW Cameron School of Business and is currently enrolled in the North Carolina Banker’s Association School of Banking in Chapel Hill.