Background

Ken Cox, Jr., Executive Vice President of Mortgage Banking joined First Reliance Bank in June of 2005. In addition to his role as a member of the bank's executive management team, his responsibilities include developing, implementing and overseeing mortgage initiatives that increase market share while focusing on loan quality and customer service within the footprint of First Reliance Bank for both retail mortgage and correspondent mortgage lending.

Prior to joining First Reliance Bank, Mr. Cox was Vice President and Market Manager for SouthTrust Mortgage in Columbia, S.C. where he was responsible for retail mortgage production. Upon the consummation of the merger with SouthTrust and Wachovia, Mr. Cox was named Vice President and Mortgage Banking Leader for the Columbia, SC market. During his duration of employment at SouthTrust and Wachovia, Mr. Cox was recognized as President's Club level in mortgage production.

Preceding this, Mr. Cox was Senior District Director for Ginger Mae in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, where he successfully developed and managed correspondent lending relationships with retail, commercial and community development banks. During this time, he also implemented mortgage and cross sales training programs for correspondent banks and performed due diligence for bulk sale transactions.

Throughout Cox's 23 year career in mortgage banking, he has also worked in risk management, lending compliance, loan servicing, secondary marketing, investor relations and loan operations.

Education

Mr. Cox is a 1985 graduate of Bob Jones University, School of Business, in Greenville, SC where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He has also earned numerous professional certifications in sales training, compliance and has obtained underwriting certification for DU (FNMA) and LP (Freddie Mac).

Memberships

Mr. Cox is a long time, active member of several industry related organizations. He is an active member of the Mortgage Bankers Association of the Carolinas currently serving as the MBAC Vice President. He has also been an active member of the MBAC legislative committee in South Carolina.

Mr. Cox is a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America and has volunteered for Harvest Hope Food Bank, Dixie Youth Baseball, Oliver Gospel Mission and other community projects through his local church.