Personal Checking
To simplify your banking needs, we’ve designed our new checking accounts around you and the choices that you make.
Personal Savings
Be prepared for all of life’s rainy days.
Personal Loans
Why wait to grab life by the horns? We’ve got loans to make your plans a reality, today.
Credit Cards
Get the right credit card to match your lifestyle.
Resources
Access tools and resources to help you make the right decision to meet your financial goals.
Business Checking
Keep your operation running smoothly with a checking account designed to match your needs.
Business Savings
Set your sights on the future.
Business Loans
Take your business to the next level.
Business Services
ACH origination, remote deposit capture, and credit card processing make transactions easier for you and your customers.
Resources
Access tools and resources to help you make the right decision to meet your financial goals.
Who We Are
At Community First, we only have two goals. To help you meet your financial goals and to be a valued member of the communities we serve.
Leadership
An Executive Management Team you can trust.
Lending Team
We take pride in helping you reach your financial goals.
Careers
Looking to be part of a growing organization?
ATM & Branch Locations
Here to serve you. Across the Carolinas and Tennessee.
Newsroom
See our press releases, financials, and annual reports.
Resources
Access tools and resources to help you make the right decision to meet your financial goals.
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
Market Area
Serving primarily Oconee, Pickens, and Greenville Counties
What is your niche or expertise?
Commercial, Small Business, and Construction clients as well as religious organizations and Non-profits.
Banking Experience
I have over 32 years of lending and other banking experience. I began my career in eastern North Carolina in June 1988 after graduating from Clemson University. After an intensive bank training program with a regional banking company, I relocated back to the Upstate, and I still call this home. During my career, I have served customers in numerous roles in branch management, consumer lending, commercial lending, and credit administration all over the Upstate in Greenville, Pickens, and Oconee Counties.
Certifications and Education
Bachelors in Finance from Clemson University May 1988
Principles of Banking Southeastern Community College Fall 1988
Wachovia School of Commercial Credit
Principles of Real Estate Appraisal I, II and II
Greenville Technical Community College
Personal Interests and Community Involvement
Pickens County Guardian Ad Litem – court appointed figure aiding in understanding and advocating for the best interest of the child
Member and former Church Council Vice-Chair of the Clemson United Methodist Church
Clemson Sertoma Club Member for 22 years – club dedicated to improve the quality of life today for those at risk or impacted by hearing loss through education and support.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family in the North Carolina mountains or at the South Carolina coast. In the fall, my spare time is devoted to watching the Championship winning Clemson Tiger football at home in Death Valley.
“Kindness is simple. It is seeing the good in everyone and celebrating it” – RAKtivist
Market Area
Greenville County, South Carolina, and the surrounding region
What is your niche or expertise?
Exceptional customer service and communication skills. Great experience in retail banking including consumer lending and management.
Banking Experience
Betania began her career in banking over eighteen years ago as a Teller and has served in many capacities throughout the industry, including Lending and Management. Past awards and recognitions include selection as a candidate for an Internal Management Program, giving her the knowledge and expertise to maximize her experience in banking. Betania has also been recognized for her sales excellence and client service.
After a decade in banking, Betania decided to make a change to community banking as she recognized the advantages of working for the local community. She has been with Community First Bank for two years, assisting clients with deposit accounts and loans, and she is excited to continue to grow in her career as a Branch Manager.
Accredited Banking Professional
Education
Bachelor of Science in Education at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Nicaragua, UNAN.
Skills: Bilingual in English and Spanish. Extremely organized; attention to detail; the highest level of customer service through great communication, responsiveness, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
Personal Interests
Betania is committed to her community and has been recognized and awarded as an “Upstate Community Hero” by the Hispanic Women’s Association (AHAM). She currently serves on the board for Latinos United and is a past board member for Upstate International. She uses her knowledge and skills in finance to help community members on the Financial Stability Committee for the Hispanic Alliance.
Besides volunteering and participating in the community, she loves traveling, learning about other cultures, cooking, dancing, and entertaining with family and friends. Betania is from Nicaragua and has lived in the USA for twenty-one years.
Market Area
Elizabethton, Tennessee; Carter County, and the surrounding region
What is your niche or expertise?
I assist customers with all of their lending needs. Personal loans, home loans, auto loans, and credit cards.
Banking Experience
I have been in the banking industry for almost forty years. I began my career as a customer service representative and am currently managing the TriCities region of retail banking for Community First Bank. We have locations in Elizabethton and Johnson City.
Market Area
Western North Carolina (Asheville, Canton, Waynesville, Sylva, Franklin, Bryson City, Hayesville, Andrews, Murphy)
What is your niche or expertise?
Small Business, CRE, OOCRE, RE Development
Banking Experience
I have been working within the banking and finance industry since 2002. During that time, I specialized in financial planning, investments, mortgage lending, retail banking, and commercial lending. I enjoy working with small business owners to navigate the complexities of financing, grow their businesses, and be a valued advisor and partner. I was recently promoted to Commercial Team Leader for the Western NC and Tennessee markets where I will support and oversee commercial development.
Certifications and Education
BSBA – Economics and Finance; MBA – Corporate Finance/Management; Graduate of the BB&T Banking School at Wake Forest.
Skills, Accomplishments, and Awards
Having been in retail banking management roles, I have experience in sales leadership, career development, coaching and developing branch staff on the consultative sales approach, small business lending, and financial analysis.
Personal Interests and Community Involvement
I enjoy spending time with my two amazing children. And I also love anything outdoors such as golfing, fishing, and hunting. I draw inspiration for community growth by traveling abroad and experiencing different cultures.
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” -Walt Disney
Market Area
WNC with primary focus on Jackson, Swain, and Macon counties.
What is your niche or expertise?
Commercial lending and business development with over 35 years in small business and commercial lending.
Banking Experience
Jerry retired from full-time banking in 2020 with over 43 years of experience. His exposure involved most facets of banking to include bank administration, credit administration with a primary focus on business development and small business and commerical lending.
Certification and Education
Jerry was a 1976 graduate of Appalachian State University with a BSBA and concentration in Management. He went on to also become a graduate of North Carolina School of Banking along with the completion of many bank courses to include sales and business development, credit analysis, and management of personnel.
Skills, Accomplishments, and Awards
Jerry has a track record with prior employers to include business development and improved performance of offices within markets he worked.
Personal Interests and Community Involvement
Jerry is an avid sports fan to include golf, ACC basketball, and football. He enjoys military history and was an active member of the Lions club and other civic organizations. He most recently has been involved in the Jackson County Chamber. Jerry is a life-long Mason with over 35 years of membership.
“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity” – George S. Patton
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Mon-Thurs: 9am – 5pm
Fri: 9am – 6pm
DRIVE-THRU:
Mon-Thurs: 8:30am – 5pm
Fri: 8:30am – 6pm
