John Lindley has joined First Reliance Bank as Vice President, Bank Operations Manager. Lindley is responsible for overseeing multiple aspects of the bank’s operations, and he will provide senior management oversight to create and implement many process improvements to drive operational efficiency.

As a results oriented senior manager with over 20 years of banking experience, Lindley has a proven track record in developing and executing strategy, implementing efficiency improvements, and inspiring high performance in many environments. Most recently, Lindley served as Vice President, Director of Bank Operations at BankSouth, where he provided senior level support to numerous aspects of operations including loan origination, document preparation, core processing, and construction lending administration. He holds his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Erskine College, and is a graduate from the South Carolina Bankers School and the OMEGA Commercial Lending School.

“John is an incredible banking professional, and we are thrilled to ...

First Reliance Bank and First Reliance Bancshares has announced the Board has unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. C. Dale Lusk as Chairman of the Board.  Dr. Lusk was one of the original organizers of First Reliance Bank and has served as a Director of First Reliance Bank since August 1999 and as Chairman of the Audit Committee.  He is the third board Chairman over the banks twenty-one year history.  “His tenure and long standing service gives him an abundance of institutional and industry knowledge and makes him uniquely qualified for this role” said Rick Saunders, First Reliance Bank CEO and President.

Presently, Dr. Lusk is employed by McLeod Physician’s Associates since February 1996. Dr. Lusk became a partner of Adams, O’Dell, Davidson, & Lusk OB/GYN PC from July 1993 until February 1996. He was appointed to the position of Chief Medical Officer for both McLeod Health and the McLeod ...

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 ...

Below is a comparison of the two SBA relief programs that are available in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. This is intended to be a high-level, easy-to-understand comparison.

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 ...

Every year, millions of seniors fall victim to financial fraud. Studies show elder financial abuse costs seniors approximately $2.9 billion each year. In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, First Reliance Bank is urging older customers and their trusted caregivers to safeguard all personal information and stay alert to the common signs of financial abuse. “Fraudsters often prey on seniors experiencing cognitive decline, limited mobility and other disabilities that require them to rely more heavily on others for help,” said Rick Saunders, President and CEO. “Appointing someone you know and trust to handle your financial matters aids tremendously in the fight against these crimes.” First Reliance Bank is offering the following tips:

• Plan ahead to protect your assets and to ensure your wishes are followed. Talk to someone at your financial institution, an attorney, or financial advisor about the best options for you.
• Carefully choose a ...