First Bank, which announced recently that it would be moving its lending center from California to its Hazelwood location, is promoting a Hazelwood resident.

Xavier Gardner has been promoted to private banking representative at the Creve Coeur office located on Olive Boulevard. Gardner previously served as an administrative assistant in the private banking department.

Gardner will be responsible for supporting the commercial, corporate and commercial real estate lending teams in private banking for prospective clients.

Gardner has more than 15 years of banking experience including 13 at First Bank.