Chinelo Obikwelu serves as Senior Vice President and Regional Branch Manager at First Bank, where she oversees branch operations throughout the South New Jersey and Pennsylvania region. Based in the West Chester market, she is responsible for driving branch performance, operational excellence, team development, and customer service initiatives while supporting the Bank's growth and strategic objectives across the region.
Chinelo brings more than 22 years of banking experience to her position, with a background spanning branch operations, leadership, talent development, and regional management. She began her banking career as a Branch Teller with Bank of America and later spent more than two decades with Citizens, where she advanced through a variety of roles including Banker, Assistant Branch Manager, Learning and Development Specialist, Branch Manager, Multi-Site Branch Manager, and Regional Manager. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive expertise in branch leadership, employee development, customer relationship management, and operational performance.
Chinelo earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and a Master of Arts in Sustainable Development from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Her educational background provides a strong foundation in human behavior, social systems, and sustainable growth.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Chinelo is committed to community involvement and currently serves as Vice President of an African women's association dedicated to advancing education, leadership, and empowerment opportunities for girls and women in Nigeria.
