Robert Valentine

ESCANABA — Todd Maki, president and CEO, and Ben Zyburt Sr. vice president and manager of the Investment Management Group, First Bank, Upper Michigan, have announced Robert Valentine joined the bank’s Investment Management Group as the institutional investment officer.

Valentine had been with the city of Escanaba as treasurer for 28 years. He earned an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and his bachelor of science degree in finance from Northern Michigan University. As treasurer for the city of Escanaba, he has a depth of experience in pension plan administration and management of municipal surplus funds.

First Bank’s Investment Management Group has enhanced its capabilities in the areas of pension fund investment portfolio management, governmental cash management and surplus funds investing, with Valentine specializing in these areas.

“Bob brings extensive experience to this new position from his role at the city. He has managed pension plan portfolios and will be working with foundations, endowments, governmental agencies, and pension funds to structure investment portfolios to a client’s individual needs,” Maki said.

Valentine will be headquartered at First Bank’s 3rd Avenue North office in Escanaba, but will be available to meet with clients throughout the Upper Peninsula.

He and his wife, Lisa, reside in Escanaba and have three sons, two attending college and one at the Escanaba Area High School. He serves on the Boards of the Holy Name Scholarship Foundation, Wildlife Unlimited, St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish in Escanaba, and the Northern Initiatives Corporation in Marquette.

First Bank’s Investment Management Group provides services to individuals and organizations throughout the Upper Peninsula, including investment management, Trust Administration, retirement planning, 401(k) Plans, and Roth and Traditional IRAs.