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Michael R. Renault, Relationship Banker, Senior Vice President
Michael R. Renault, Relationship Banker, Senior Vice President

First Reliance Bank welcomes Michael R. Renault as a Relationship Banker, Senior Vice President in the Charleston market. He will focus on developing strategic relationships and expanding the bank's commercial presence in the region.

Michael’s experience spans 21 years and includes roles in Retail and Private Banking, and Commercial Banking and Real Estate. With almost seven years of experience running his own small business, he understands the successes and challenges his clients face from a personal perspective.

Michael has been a driving force in the Charleston community, demonstrating his commitment through leadership roles on the Charleston Leaders and Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Boards, as well as serving as Vice-President, President, and as a Board member of the College of Charleston Alumni Association.

“We are excited to welcome Michael to our team,” says Charleston Market President Blake Dressler. “With a blend of seasoned banking expertise and genuine community engagement, Michael ...

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David L. Moore, Relationship Banker, SVP
David L. Moore, Relationship Banker, SVP

First Reliance is pleased to announce that David L. Moore has joined First Reliance Bank as a Relationship Banker, SVP, in the Columbia Market where he will be responsible for growing strategic relationships and expanding the bank’s commercial footprint. David’s background is in Commercial lending with a focus on Commercial and Industrial, Medical and Commercial Real Estate relationships.

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Terryn Patterson, Vice President, Residential Lending Specialist
Terryn Patterson, Vice President, Residential Lending Specialist

Terryn Patterson has joined First Reliance Bank’s Charleston market as Vice President, Residential Lending Specialist. In this role, she will establish and maintain mortgage banking relationships with referral partners and clients. She will also assist customers with their mortgage financing needs and identify the best bank products to meet those needs.

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Justin Strickland, President of First Reliance Bank
Justin Strickland, President of First Reliance Bank

Justin Strickland, President of First Reliance, has been appointed Vice Chair of the Lexington Medical Center Board of Directors. The Lexington Medical Center Board of Directors shares a commitment to providing quality health services that meet the needs of our communities. Responsibilities of board members include strategic planning and mission, vision and values, quality and performance measurement, and monitoring and financial oversight.

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Shanell Cook, Treasury Services Officer, First Reliance Bank Winston-Salem Branch
Shanell Cook, Treasury Services Officer, First Reliance Bank Winston-Salem Branch

 

Shanell Cook has been promoted to Treasury Services Officer for the Winston-Salem branch. As Treasury Services Officer, she supports the team’s effort to grow the bank’s deposit base through treasury service products. Additionally, she supports team members and clients in the First Reliance footprint with treasury management training, support, and financial analysis with proformas. She will continue in her role, supporting the bank with merchant services and credit card services while serving as liaison with third-party vendors.

Shanell joined the bank in 2021 with 24 years of banking experience with strengths in customer service and treasury services.

Suzanne Hill, First Reliance Market President for Winston-Salem said, “Shanell’s promotion to Treasury Services Officer is well deserved. She is a proven leader who consistently delivers hard work, determination, and a positive attitude to staff and our customers.”

Shanell and her husband of 22 years have six children and are a foster ...

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Rick Saunders, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of First Reliance Bank
Rick Saunders, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of First Reliance Bank

 

Rick Saunders, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of First Reliance has been appointed to the Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Health Fund Advisory as Director. As a Board member, Rick, a loyal advocate of the Children’s Hospital within the community, will advise on financial responsibilities with development while participating in third-party community events to support keeping MUSC kids at the forefront of the community. Board members support the efforts of the Children’s Hospital Fund and the Children’s Miracle Network staff and stay current on the hospital’s departmental fundraising needs.

Rick said, "Participation is key to driving positive change and making a difference in our communities. By getting involved in initiatives like the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Health Fund Advisory, we can help improve the health and well-being of children in our state; whether that is through financial support, volunteering, or advocating for the cause, every contribution ...

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First Reliance Partners with Apiture

 

First Reliance Bank is pleased to announce that through our partnership with Apiture, Apiture has received an award, marking its third consecutive win for digital banking innovation. The awards program celebrates outstanding achievements in banking technology implementations and innovations. Apiture earned the distinction for spearheading a digital banking transformation initiative for First Reliance Bank and our 18,000 customers throughout the Carolinas. By using this business banking solution, we have successfully overcome mobile and online banking constraints. 

Rick Saunders, Chief Executive Officer and Founder said, "We have been very pleased with Apiture's platform, customer service, and delivery. Through their banking solution, First Reliance has been able to attract larger business customers, thus driving notable revenue growth."

Ben Brazell, Executive Vice President Retail Banking said, "Our partnership with Apiture further positions First Reliance as a leader in the banking industry. The product delivers like-features as those provided by larger institutions, but ...

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Thomas Floyd, Banking Officer, Relationship Banker
Thomas Floyd, Banking Officer, Relationship Banker

 

Thomas Floyd has been promoted to Banking Officer, Relationship Banker in the Columbia market. Thomas joined First Reliance Bank in June 2021 as a Portfolio Analyst in the Credit Administration Department, and in June 2023, was promoted to Banking Officer. Thomas is a graduate of the University of South Carolina. 

Michael Edens, Senior Vice President and Market President of Columbia, said, "Thomas provides our customers with commitment and accuracy to their banking needs. His relationships and accountability as a relationship banker will continue to position First Reliance as a market leader."

Thomas graduated from the University of South Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Cum Laude) in 2020 with Majors in Business Economics and Real Estate.