Walter Reese is the new Vice President of Electronic Banking for First Reliance Bank, where he will be based in the company’s Charleston Operations Center. Reese brings over 30 years of experience into his new role, which focuses on managing and enhancing First Reliance’s digital and online banking technology and platforms.

Reese is responsible for ensuring First Reliance Bank delivers best-in-class digital experiences to its customers, maximizes its resources, and for contributing to the organizations business results and strategic objectives.

A banking industry veteran, Reese has worked both internally, and externally as a consultant, for financial institutions including Wells Fargo, Ridgewood Savings Bank, and most recently for CresCom Bank, where he served as Senior Vice President and Director of Operations. While with CresCom, Reese guided operations for multiple areas of the bank, including card services, online and mobile banking, and internal team management and performance measurement.

Reese has a BSBA in Accounting from Bucknell University, PA and an MBA from Fairfield University, CT.  In addition he is a graduate of America’s Community Bankers National School of Banking and the Senior Leadership Institute.

“Walter’s hire comes at a critical time, where more customers than ever are relying on digital and mobile tools for their banking needs,” said Rick Saunders, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Reliance Bank. “His industry expertise and insights in this in-demand service area are going to quickly benefit our company, and the businesses and individuals we serve – with personalized, innovative banking solutions that match the highly-personal customer service experience we’re known for.”

In his personal time, Reese enjoys giving back to the Charleston-area community through involvement with causes and organizations. In addition to past and current engagement with several banking-industry associations, he also serves as a board member for Interfaith Nutrition Network and Cure Mommy's Breast Cancer.