George Smythe Joins First Reliance Bank as Senior Vice President Residential Lending Specialist

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George Smythe has joined First Reliance Bank as Senior Vice President Residential Lending Specialist. In his role, George is responsible for establishing and maintaining mortgage banking relationships with referral partners and clients in Charleston and the surrounding area.

“We are excited to have George join our team. George is esteemed in the Charleston market and brings over 40 years of banking experience to First Reliance. His relationships and connections will be invaluable to the growth of FRB Mortgage,” said Sarah Baldwin, SVP Retail Mortgage Sales.

“George is a great addition to our team. He is universally respected, operates with high integrity, and works tirelessly to advocate for his clients to find solutions to fit their mortgage needs. First Reliance Bank is as passionate about our customers as we are about the home loan products and services we offer. When you work with First Reliance Bank, our professional mortgage experts will be with you every step of the way,” said Robert Haile, Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer.

“We are happy to have George as part of our company and fortunate to have someone of George’s unique experience and talent. George brings superior market knowledge, a dedication to honest communication, and an unmatched customer experience. He has the dedication, energy, and mortgage mindset needed to forge new, creative partnerships,” said First Reliance Mortgage President Chuck Stuart.”

George will play a key role in First Reliance Mortgage’s growth and success in the coming years. His office is located at the bank’s 800 South Shelmore Blvd. location in Mount Pleasant.

George entered the banking industry in 1980 and has since gained much experience in the areas of retail banking, commercial banking, and mortgage lending. This experience allows him to assist his clients in realizing their dream of homeownership. George’s expertise with self-employed borrowers makes him uniquely qualified to help his clients. George has experience in construction financing and primary, second home, and investment property financing. George is a native Charlestonian. He is a lifelong member of the Second Presbyterian Church. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Charlestowne Neighborhood Association Board and on the Board of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, ABVI. George is a twenty-five-year member, two-time Paul Harris Fellow, and past Rotary Charleston Breakfast Club President. He previously served on the Board of the Preservation Society of Charleston.

ABOUT FIRST RELIANCE BANK
Founded in 1999, First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (OTC: FSRL.OB) is based in Florence, South Carolina, and has assets of approximately $950 million. The Company employs more than 200 professionals and has locations throughout South Carolina and central North Carolina. First Reliance has redefined community banking with a commitment to making customers’ lives better, its founding principle. We offer a full range of personalized community banking products and services for individuals, small businesses, and corporations, including a full suite of digital banking services, treasury services, a Customer Service Guarantee, and a Mortgage Service Guarantee. First Reliance also offers two unique community customer programs, which include Hometown Heroes, a package of benefits for those serving our communities, and Check ‘N Save, an outreach program for the unbanked or under-banked. Additional information about the Company is available on our website, www.firstreliance.com.