New Senior Leader to Facilitate Additional Growth

First Reliance Bank has hired longtime banking industry executive F. Justin Strickland to serve as President of First Reliance Bank as it continues to expand its presence throughout North and South Carolina. The bank has recently invested heavily in tenured leadership who have spent their careers in the Carolinas and have built reputations as leaders in the industry. 

Mr. Strickland will serve as President of First Reliance Bank, where he will oversee the bank's commercial platform. The latest executive hire in CEO Rick Saunders’ growth strategy, Strickland joins a robust leadership team that is dedicated to further positioning First Reliance Bank for transformational growth. 

Rick Saunders, CEO of First Reliance Bank, said the following regarding the new hire, “Justin’s expertise, industry knowledge and reputation as a commercial banker are unparalleled. As the last hire in our long term growth strategy, Justin will not only help our team accelerate the bank’s growth while continuing to emphasize the high level of customer service and attention that has allowed us to be successful thus far, but will be part of allowing First Reliance Bank to become a legacy business that is sustainable long into the future. I am excited to welcome Justin on board and look forward to his success.”

Strickland, a Walterboro native, has worked in the banking industry in South Carolina since 1985. He first began his career with C&S National Bank and quickly rose to become Midlands Market President for Carolina First Bank. Most recently he was with Southern First Bank where he served as President since 2006.

Strickland also serves in leadership roles on several regional and statewide boards in South Carolina, including as Committee Chairman of the Board of Financial Institutions and on the Executive Committee of the Lexington Medical Foundation. His past civic experience includes Chairman of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Palmetto Health Foundation and as a member of the South Carolina Bankers Association.

First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (OTC:FSRL), the holding company for First Reliance Bank, reported record net income and earnings in the 3rd Quarter 2020. “Our record performance this last year is based upon conservative fiscal strategy and a continued commitment to our customers,” Saunders added. “We will work to provide more offerings to our customers through unmatched customer service and across new markets. This is our recipe for success and growth across both South and North Carolina.”