Archives: Team Members

Chase Todd

Post date July 20, 2023

Market Area

My market area is Oconee County, with a concentration in Walhalla and Westminster.

I will focus primarily on Commercial Lending and Deposits Relationships but will also handle some mortgage lending as well.

What is your niche or expertise?

My banking career began in 2012 as a Teller/FSR. I have worked in several positions since that time, including Teller Coordinator, Universal Banker, and Branch Manager. In 2018 I moved into a Mortgage Lending role and have enjoyed that for many years.

Banking Experience

As a Business Development Officer for Community First Bank, I will utilize both my deposit and retail knowledge, along with my lending skills to assist both commercial and residential customers, whether the needs are loan or deposit related. My career has been in customer service and sales since my very first job, and I have always strived to put the customer first; to make their experience top notch. My goal is to focus on customer needs and ensure those are always met

Personal Interests and Community Involvement

I am a part of and involved in our community, and served on the Board for the Seneca Rotary Club for three years where I was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. I recently joined the Sertoma Club of Seneca and am looking forward to helping serve our community with this wonderful organization.

Lenders

Evan Wunder

Post date May 14, 2023

Market Area

Greenville-Spartanburg Metropolitan Areas

What is your niche or expertise?

Serving Commercial, small business, and construction clients

Certifications and Education

A graduate of Appalachian State University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in business management

Accredited Banking Professional

Personal Interests and Community Involvement

Greenville Chamber active member

Fly fishing, Birdwatching, running

Lenders

Michelle Smith

Post date May 14, 2023

Market Area

Seneca

What is your niche or expertise?

Consumer loans/vehicle, Home Equity Loans, Boats, Personal Loans

Banking Experience

I began my banking career as a teller for Community First Bank at the Seneca South location in 2016. Shortly afterward, I was promoted to Customer Service Representative there. I worked with customers
in that role until 2023 when I was promoted to Branch Manager. I am an Oconee County native and have spent my entire life in this area. My record of customer service has allowed me to not only serve
our customers but to also help me advance my career.

Skills, Accomplishments, and Awards

Consumer Lending School – 2023 Certification, SCBA

Recognized for Number 1 rank in Cross Sales Execution

Personal Interests and Community Involvement

Member of Off the Clock with the city of Seneca. Loves to spend time with my family including my grandson. Enjoys trips to the beach and other warm-weather outdoor activities.

“They don’t make you what you are, you are who you choose to be”

Lenders

Heather McDonald

Post date February 13, 2023

Market Area

Franklin, NC

What is your niche or expertise?

Banking Experience

Certifications and Education

Skills, Accomplishments, and Awards

Personal Interests and Community Involvement

Chiefs

Stuart L. Hester

Post date January 12, 2021

Market Area

Charlotte/Dallas, NC

What is your niche or expertise?

Commercial Clients

Banking Experience

32 years of Banking experience including Sales Finance, Retail Banking, Credit Loan Administration and Commercial Banking

Certifications and Education

Graduate of Elon College, Bachelor of Science Degree, Business Administration, 1989

Skills, Accomplishments, and Awards

Board member of Carolina Business Capital specializing in SBA 504 Loan funding. Have served on several non-profit organization boards with responsibilities of financial governance. Have successfully assembled top performing small business and commercial lending teams for community and large Banks in both North and South Carolina.

Personal Interests and Community Involvement

Military History, family genealogy, travel, exercise, and being a proud father of three!

Lenders

M. Scott Shires

Post date October 18, 2021

Market Area

Charlotte, North Carolina and the surrounding region

What is your niche or expertise?

My primary focus is on operating companies and my general niche is in SBA 504 and SBA7A loans. I also work with many real estate investors, focusing on whether the properties and investments make sense for the customer’s portfolio. I help clients understand the risks. I also work with construction loan clients. These loans can be very difficult, and clients really need someone to help them through that
process. My long time experience in banking has covered the housing crisis, 9/11, and now Covid, and I am prepared to help clients and their expectations.

Banking Experience

I have almost 30 years of banking experience in retail and commercial banking in the Carolinas. My experience includes working with everything from start-ups to seasoned operating companies utilizing
SBA504 and 7a programs along with construction lending and treasury services. Prior to joining Community First Bank in 2017, I was Senior Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager for six years with New Dominion Bank. I am the Commercial Team Leader for the Charlotte, NC region, where I will continue to assist clients and support and oversee commercial development.

Certifications and Education

Radford University – B.S. in Finance.

Personal Interests and Community Involvement

My wife and I are members of the South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church. I have enjoyed coaching softball and basketball over the years, and I have been a member of the Chinese Chamber for past six years.

Scott enjoys spending quality time creating memories with his wife Julie and three daughters now that they are older.

“People don’t care how much you know, they only want to know how much you care” – Theodore Roosevelt

Board Chair

William M. Brown

Post date January 12, 2021

Lenders

Timothy W. Hawks

Post date October 18, 2021

Market Area

Northeast GA & Upstate SC

What is your niche or expertise?

Primarily focused on residential construction, along with purchases and refinances of primary and secondary homes

Banking Experience

I started my banking career in 1990 as an Assistant Branch Manager and consumer lender. Over the last 20 + years I have focused on residential and commercial lending. Currently, I focus primarily on residential construction.

Certifications and Education

Graduate of Georgia Banking School at the University of Georgia in 2003

Skills, Accomplishments, and Awards

During the upheaval of the pandemic in 2020, I helped clients with over $8 million in loans.

Personal Interests and Community Involvement

I enjoy traveling, both locally and internationally. But even more than that, I enjoy spending my free time with my family – four children and three grandchildren. I attend as many of the grandchildren’s activities as I can – I’m their biggest fan.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” -Steve Jobs

Chiefs

Amanda Brackens

Post date June 15, 2021

Lenders

Scot Frith

Post date January 12, 2021

Market Area

I am located at the Clemson Boulevard office in Anderson and work the Anderson County market, primarily.

What is your niche or expertise?

I specialize in commercial and consumer real estate and construction loans as well as equipment financing for small businesses.

Banking Experience

I began my banking career at an Anderson savings and loan in 1994. I joined Community First Bank in 2002 as the Branch Manager of the Clemson Boulevard office in Anderson. Recently, I accepted the position of Small Business Banker and will serve the people of Anderson Country from the same office.

Certifications and Education

Clemson University B. S. 1991

Skills, Accomplishments, and Awards

2019 Community First Bank Employee of the Year

2019 Consumer Lender of the Year

2020 Consumer Lender of the Year

Personal Interests and Community Involvement

I spend a big part of my free time following my daughter as she pursues her interests and activities. I am a big fan of old-time radio and an avid lover of college football. In addition, I am actively involved in leadership positions at my church.

“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interests” -Adam Smith

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NMLS #607801

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NMLS #607801

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