James A. Bennett has served as Executive Director of External Affairs for First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company (First Citizens) in Columbia, South Carolina since January 2024, having previously served as South Region Mid-South Area Executive from January 2015 to January 2024, in addition to prior roles as Executive Vice President, Director of Public Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer.
Bennett has been actively involved with the Columbia Urban League for more than 35 years, serving previously as League Chairman.
Bennett currently serves as chair of the Midlands Business Leadership Group, as well as chair of the University of South Carolina Educational Foundation. He is a member of the board of directors of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina.
Bennett received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina and is a graduate of the South Carolina Bankers School.
