Five Star Bank Hires Gregory Helmer as First Vice President, Commercial Banking

Five Star Bank has appointed Gregory Helmer as First Vice President of Commercial Banking to lead growth initiatives across the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes regions. Helmer brings nearly 30 years of industry experience to the role, where he will focus on originating credit solutions and expanding the bank's commercial client base. This strategic hire underscores Five Star Bank's commitment to strengthening its commercial lending presence and revenue initiatives within its core New York markets.

Five Star Bank, a subsidiary of Financial Institutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: FISI), announced the appointment of Gregory Helmer as First Vice President, Commercial Banking. Based at the Five Star Bank Plaza in downtown Rochester, Helmer is tasked with driving commercial growth throughout the Greater Rochester Metropolitan and Finger Lakes regions. His primary responsibilities include originating and structuring credit solutions, managing complex client relationships, and supporting the institution’s broader strategic revenue goals.

Helmer joins Five Star Bank with nearly three decades of experience in the commercial and business banking sectors. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Commercial Lending at Canandaigua National Bank. His extensive background also includes a 22-year tenure at M&T Bank, where he held various roles of increasing responsibility, following the start of his career at Citibank. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Patrick Keating, Five Star Bank’s Rochester Regional President, highlighted Helmer’s deep understanding of commercial lending and his proven track record of advising business clients in competitive markets. Keating noted that Helmer's expertise in delivering tailored financial solutions will be instrumental as the bank continues to expand its commercial footprint. Beyond his professional role, Helmer is active in the community, serving as co-founder of the Victor Challenger Sports program and treasurer for the Victor Baseball Booster Club.

As of March 31, 2026, Financial Institutions, Inc. reported approximately $6.3 billion in assets. The company provides a range of banking and wealth management services through Five Star Bank and its affiliate, Courier Capital. Five Star Bank operates numerous locations across Western and Central New York, along with a commercial loan production office in the Mid-Atlantic region, focusing on serving individuals, municipalities, and businesses.