First Northern in California lines up next CEO

First Northern Community Bancorp in Dixon, Calif., is preparing for its next leader. 

The $1.9 billion-asset company said in a press release Friday that Louise Walker will retire as president and CEO on Dec. 31. 

Jeremiah Smith, First Northern’s chief operating officer, will succeed Walker on Jan. 1. 

Walker will remain the company’s board, while Smith will become a director when he is promoted. 

“After 12 years as CEO, navigating some of the most challenging times during my career, it seems about as right as it can be to make this transition,” Walker said in the release.

"Jeremiah has demonstrated over the years that his leadership abilities during crisis and steady state are exceptional,” Walker added. “Community banking is a people business, and he cares deeply about our employees.”