On Friday, May 8, First Reliance Bank launched its “You Can Make A Difference” Food Bank Drive to assist those in need during the COVID-19 health crisis by restocking its local food banks. With the goal of accumulating 2,000-canned goods across all First Reliance Bank locations, each branch has partnered with a local food bank to serve as a designated drop off to collect donations until Friday, May 22.

First Reliance Bank has partnered with NewSpring Church, First Presbyterian Church, and Helping Florence Flourish in order to expand its resources and increase the amount of food collected for Harvest Hope Food Bank at its Florence Main and Second Loop branch locations. First Reliance Bank will make donations collected to 6 different charities for markets it does business in:

• Harvest Hope Food Bank – Florence Main and Second Loop branches
• Mission Lexington – Lexington and Sunset Boulevard branches
• Lowcountry Food Bank ...

Mark Brady has joined First Reliance Bank as Market President for Lake Norman, North Carolina. Brady is responsible for the strategic market expansion of First Reliance Bank’s footprint in the Laken Norman Market, and he will oversee sales management and community development throughout that footprint.

Brady has more than 40 years of professional banking experience with a strong blend of expertise in marketing, sales, operations and finance. The East Carolina University graduate has served in critical sales and financial management roles at several financial institutions, including as Vice President of Fidelity Bank and Senior Vice President of Pinnacle. During his tenure, Brady has a demonstrated history of leadership in new business development, budgeting, strategic business planning, forecasting, and general business practices.

“Mark brings over four decades of high-level experience working in the banking industry, and we are thrilled to have someone of his caliber joining our team,” said Rick Saunders, President ...

Newly launched Charleston Hospitality Group campaign, “Full Belly, Full Hearts” has provided over 2,500 meals to those affected by the current crisis. 

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, April 9, 2020 — Sam Mustafa, CEO of Charleston Hospitality Group (CHG) proudly welcomes First Reliance Bank to join his nationwide movement to feed unemployed hospitality workers, their families, and healthcare responders through the COVID-19 health crisis. Over 2,500 meals have been donated through delivery or pickup service with another 2,000 full-service Easter holiday meals being prepared for this Sunday. 

Since the start of the “Full Belly, Full Hearts” campaign, Mustafa has been vocal in urging others to get involved in this movement across America and partner together to help make a difference. 

First Reliance Bank, a privately-owned bank with 14 locations across the Carolinas, responded to this request to support their communities and encourage other financial institutions and restaurants to get involved and do ...

First Reliance Bank is offering $100,000 in affordable housing grants to eligible teachers and educators who work for Florence One Schools.  Up to 13 $7,500 awards will granted during the program time frame through the Hometown Heroes program to assist in the revitalization and stabilization of local communities with a primary focus on encouraging home purchases by teachers.

“First Reliance Bank has access to funds for the Hometown Heroes program through grants from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Program,” said Rick Saunders, president and CEO of First Reliance Bank. “Teachers are the fabric of our community and contribute to the education of our future leaders.  We think it’s important for our community bank to provide support and help educators with home ownership.” 

“This partnership allows us to attract and recruit new teachers to Florence One Schools.   We’re excited to be able to offer these grant proceeds ...

March 16, 2020, Florence, S.C. — Frank Bullard has joined First Reliance Bank as Market President for Charleston, SC. Bullard is responsible for the strategic market expansion of First Reliance Bank’s footprint in the Charleston market, and he will oversee sales management and community development throughout that footprint.

Bullard has over 37 years of experience in the banking industry. He began his career in BB&T’s Management Development Program in 1981 and has served in retail and commercial banking roles in both Carolinas. He was Market President for the Charleston/Coastal markets prior to his retirement in 2019. 

“Frank has had an incredible banking career, and we are honored that he is willing to come out of retirement to assist First Reliance Bank as we continue our progress in the Charleston region,” said Rick Saunders, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Reliance Bank. “His leadership experience and banking relationships will ...

January 28, 2020, Florence, S.C. — Brenton “Brent” Mackie has joined First Reliance Bank as Regional Executive Midlands, South Carolina. Mackie is responsible for the strategic market expansion of First Reliance Bank’s footprint in the Midlands Region as well as oversee sales management and community development throughout that footprint.

January 7, 2020, Florence, S.C. — Robert Dozier has joined First Reliance Bank as Chief Banking Officer. Dozier is responsible for corporate strategy and the strategic market expansion of First Reliance Bank’s footprint throughout the Carolinas. In addition, he will oversee commercial sales management and community development for all markets.

January 3, 2020, Florence, S.C. — Robby Hill is now a member of First Reliance Bank’s Board of Directors. Hill brings strong perspective and expertise in the information technology arena which is a fast changing area in the banking industry. He has more than 20 years of business experience, primarily as CEO/President of HillSouth a privately-held technology consulting firm.

McDowell was serving as Senior Vice President and City Executive for the Winston-Salem, NC market.  In his new role, he will be responsible for continuing to build the First Reliance Bank team, develop banking relationships with business owners, grow the bank in our defined markets and promoting the bank’s brand throughout the North Carolina market.  McDowell brings more than 30 years of banking experience to the position, most of which has been in leadership positions in the Winston-Salem area.

“I am excited to be leading this team of exceptional banking professionals,” said McDowell.  “North Carolina is a great market to be doing business in, and I look forward to sharing the First Reliance Bank brand and delivering on our purpose to make the lives of our customers better.”

“We really value what Andy has been able to do in his previous role with First Reliance, implementing and providing leadership in ...

Banking veteran brings more than 30 years of experience to his new role in leading the commercial growth strategy for the Greenville market.

Kyber’s extensive banking experience spans more than 30 years.  Kyber has held numerous banking positions with several banks in the Upstate and Midlands regions of South Carolina.

“As we continue to look for expansion opportunities throughout the Southeast and determine how we can bring value to new markets, like Greenville, it’s important to have experienced leaders like Neal at the forefront,” said Rick Saunders, president and CEO, First Reliance Bank. “He shares our values and understands what community banking is all about. Neal has a proven track record for developing commercial teams and growing business banking in the Greenville area.” 

“Greenville is a fast-growing area with a vibrant, supportive community,” said Kyber. “For more than two decades, I’ve been a part of this area’s growth and I’m ...