David “Jude” Melville III serves as President and CEO of b1BANK and as chairman of Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BFST). While listing publicly under Jude’s leadership, b1BANK has grown to $6.9 billion in assets by expanding its footprint across Louisiana and Texas, including the completion of multiple whole-bank acquisitions. Under his leadership, the b1 FOUNDATION launched in 2021. To date, the Foundation has counseled hundreds of small business owners, helping them gain access to over $18.5 million in capital. Prior to becoming a community banker, Jude served as a captain in the United States Air Force. He holds degrees from Harvard College, the London School of Economics and the LSU Graduate School of Banking.