In the early 1970s, two middle-class kids from Colerain Township met in a church youth group. They married in 1980 while in college — Archie Brown was 19; his bride, Sharen, had just turned 21 — and then completed their degrees at the University of Georgia.
Since then, “We have been blessed beyond anything we could have ever imagined,” said Archie, President and CEO of First Financial Bank. “So, we want to give back.”
And give back they have — with both time and resources — in supporting numerous organizations, including United Way of Greater Cincinnati. In recognition of their generosity, United Way presents them with the Tocqueville Award.
Sharen said their philanthropy is rooted in their Christian faith. “You can’t outgive God. We’ve always found that to be true. Anytime we committed money . . . we never suffered for it. We actually gained from it.”
Archie agreed, while noting they are also driven by a desire to strengthen the community. “We live here. We raised our kids here. We want this to be a fabulous community. And we’ve got to lift up areas that need help.”
That understanding began to take shape early in Archie’s banking career, which began in the early 1980s as a manager trainee for First Financial. Within a year, he was assigned to Butler County United Way’s campaign as a loaned executive.
Like Sharen, Archie came from a humble but comfortable background. “We didn’t have a real sense for the deeper needs (some people face),” Archie said. “Being a loaned executive gave me a different sense for what’s out there and how a lot of folks are truly struggling in many ways.”
At the time, the Browns had two young children and little spare cash. But in addition to their church, they supported United Way, a commitment that continues to this day.
As Archie’s career advanced and he took leadership roles with banks in other cities, he became heavily involved with United Way campaigns. “If you’re going to lead,” he said, “you need to lead by example.” To his teams, he championed the idea that by pulling together, they could make a positive impact on their community.
In 2018, Archie was named President and CEO of First Financial after its merger with MainSource Financial Group. A year later, he led the United Way of Greater Cincinnati campaign, helping raise $50 million.
“We know our company benefits from having strong communities,” he said. “We want to make a difference. And we want to be local in what we do. It’s been an incredible ride at First Financial. For what our associates do — how they come together — I couldn’t be prouder. They buy into making a difference.”
That buy-in is evident: In 2024, First Financial ranked No. 4 among United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s corporate campaigns in total giving – behind only three companies many times its size.
United Way is just one piece of the Browns’ philanthropy. They are ardent supporters of their church and global mission work, having traveled on mission trips to India, Haiti and Jamaica.
“It’s incredibly important we provide mission support in other parts of the world,” Archie said. “But it’s also incredibly important that we do something locally, where we live.”
Sharen said she is grateful for the Tocqueville Award but acknowledges being uneasy with the recognition. “I don’t give to be in the spotlight,” she said. “I give to help people.”
That, too, is a hallmark of their faith.
“The way I reconcile that,” Archie said, “is that it’s important for (community members) to see people lead and set an example for others. People need to know that they need to act.”
The Browns’ actions speak loudly: Through decades of giving, they are living proof that generosity, grounded in faith, can uplift communities and inspire others to do the same.
