AgFirst Appoints Kellie Bickenbach Chief Risk Officer

COLUMBIA, S.C. – AgFirst Farm Credit Bank announced that Kellie Bickenbach has been named Chief Risk Officer, effective June 1. 

Bickenbach brings extensive experience in enterprise risk management and a proven record of leading through complex, highly regulated environments. Most recently, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operational and Technology Risk Officer at First Citizens Bank, where she played a key leadership role in strengthening risk frameworks during a period of significant growth and integration. 

Bickenbach also has held senior leadership roles at Fannie Mae, Finastra, U.S. Bank and Bank of America. She is widely recognized for her ability to translate complex risk concepts into practical, business-focused strategies while building and leading high-performing teams. Her expertise spans operational, technology, compliance and enterprise risk management. Her experience also includes enterprise-wide risk governance across capital, liquidity, operational and strategic risk management within large, complex financial institutions. 

“Kellie is a thoughtful and highly respected leader with deep expertise in risk management and a strong track record of delivering results,” said Marion Harris, AgFirst President and Chief Executive Officer. “She brings a collaborative approach, sound judgment and an ability to navigate complexity that will serve our organization well. Kellie’s focus on transparency, strong controls and talent development aligns closely with our long-term strategy and our commitment to supporting our association partners and rural communities.” 

Bickenbach is based in Columbia, S.C.