Board Members

Michael Pell

Mike graduated from Morehead State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and brings more than 30 years of banking experience to his role. Mike joined First State Bank in 2006 and is the President and CEO. Prior to First State Bank, Mike acted as a Vice President at Fifth Third Bank for more than two decades. Mike is very involved in the local community and currently serves on several boards including: First State Bancorp, Ohio Bankers League, Southern State Community College, Hospice of Hope, and Leadership Adams. Additionally, Mike serves as an Elder at the Winchester Church of Christ in Christian Union. In his free time, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and five children, golfing, hunting, fishing and serving with his church.

John Lawler

Born in West Union, Ohio.  Attended West Union High School.  Obtained Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from University of Cincinnati 1982.  Worked for Dayton Power and Light Company, Dayton, Ohio, as financial and accounting analyst, 1982-1984.  Former CPA, now inactive.  Obtained Juris Doctor degree from West Virginia University College of Law, 1987.  Worked for Jackson & Kelly, Charleston, West Virginia, as associate attorney, 1987-1992.  Served as intern in the West Virginia State Senate, regular session 1989-1990.  Returned to West Union, Ohio, March 1992 and have continuously maintained a private law practice since then.  Licensed stock broker and registered investment representative for HD Vest since 2005.  Also served as Adams County Prosecuting Attorney from 1997 through 2000.  Treasurer, board of directors, past chairman, Hospice of Hope, Maysville, KY. Resides with wife, Anita, in West Union.  Two sons, Andrew Hizer (grandson Brandon), in West Union and Justin, in Stamford, CT.

John Condon

John is a semi-retired businessman in Adams County and a graduate of Miami University. John has a background in banking and finance and was formerly President of Fifth Third Bank of Southern Ohio.

Kent Gulley

Kent is a semi-retired businessman who earned a BBA degree from Ohio University and an MBA degree from Xavier University. Kent has worked in management positions at Procter and Gamble, Kroger/SuperX and the Dayton Power & Light Companies.

Paul Worley

Paul Worley is a graduate of Peebles High School, Bowling Green State University, and has an MBA from Xavier University. He was formerly a Captain in the US Army and an Adams County Commissioner. Paul is currently the Adams County Economic Development Director.

Linda Stepp

Linda Stepp invested 30 years working for the Adams County/Ohio Valley School District.  She served as a teacher, a principal, and in various administrative roles.  After retirement in 2007, she worked 10 years as a State Support Team Consultant for Region 14/Hopewell Center serving school districts in Adams, Brown, Clinton, and Fayette Counties.  From 2017 to 2020 she worked for Region 15 as a School Improvement Consultant and her major assignment was working with the Scioto Valley Local School District in Pike County.

Mrs. Stepp was born in Adams County and has spent most of her adult life in Adams County except for a few years residing in Scioto and Highland Counties.  She and her husband, Steve, live near Cherry Fork.  She actively serves her community as a member of the Adams County Public Library Board of Trustees and as a member of the Adams Brown Community Action Board.  She previously served as a member of the Adams County Board of Development Disabilities.  She is a member of Adams County’s own, Liberty Cornet Band.