MICHAEL EDENS JOINS FIRST RELIANCE BANK AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Industry veteran brings more than two decades of experience to new role

Michael Edens recently joined First Reliance Bank as senior vice president and private banker. Based in Columbia, S.C., Edens will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with business customers and providing counsel on a variety of services, including personal and business deposit accounts, loans, treasury management services and investments available through First Reliance Wealth Strategies.

“Michael is a seasoned private banking professional, and he brings a wealth of experience to our team in Columbia,” said Rick Saunders, CEO of First Reliance Bank. “His business-savvy approach to banking will serve our clients and their interests well.”

Edens joins First Reliance with more than two decades of experience in private banking, most recently as a senior vice president at Southern First Bank. He received a B.A. in finance from Wofford College and completed Louisiana State University’s Graduate School of Banking program in 2006. He received the Outstanding Young Banker Award in 2008, the highest award recognition from the SC Bankers Association.

Edens currently serves on the American Bankers Association National PAC Committee and the South Carolina Bankers Association Legislative Committee. He also previously served on the boards of SC Bankers Association Young Bankers Board, Congaree Land Trust, Carolina Children’s Home, Historic Columbia Foundation, Hammond School, Wofford College Terrier Club Board and the Wofford College Presidential Advisory Board.