James T. Sartain

James T. Sartain is President and Chief Executive Officer of FirstCity, and also serves on the Company’s Board of Directors. Sartain joined J-Hawk Corporation [predecessor of FirstCity] in 1988, serving as Chief Operating Officer and President. In 1995, he assumed a Director’s role; and he has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2001. Sartain has overseen all aspects of the Company’s investments and operations for over 20 years, and has led FirstCity’s successful expansion into national and international markets; building strong relationships with capital and financing partners; and investing in a wide variety of asset classes. He has also forged the establishment of the company’s many successful business venture subsidiaries, such as Drive Financial Services, American Business Lending, and FirstCity Crestone. FirstCity and its subsidiaries currently manage a $12.5 billion portfolio, employing over 1,200 people in 6 different countries. Sartain has over 37 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to 1988, Mr. Sartain spent 17 years in executive management roles in commercial banking in Texas. Mr. Sartain holds a BBA degree from Baylor University, as well as a Certificate of Banking from the Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University; where he also serves as an instructor.