Frank Bullard joins First Reliance Bank as President, Charleston Market
March 17, 2020
Frank Bullard has joined First Reliance Bank as Market President for Charleston, SC. Bullard is responsible for the strategic market expansion of First Reliance Bank’s footprint in the Charleston market, and he will oversee sales management and community development throughout that footprint.
Bullard has over 37 years of experience in the banking industry. He began his career in BB&T’s Management Development Program in 1981 and has served in retail and commercial banking roles in both Carolinas. He was Market President for the Charleston/Coastal markets prior to his retirement in 2019.
“Frank has had an incredible banking career, and we are honored that he is willing to come out of retirement to assist First Reliance Bank as we continue our progress in the Charleston region,” said Rick Saunders, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Reliance Bank. “His leadership experience and banking relationships will be important for First Reliance Bank in further connecting with the Charleston area. Frank understands community banking and the importance of making a difference in the lives of our customers and the communities we serve.”
“Frank is a special leader who understands the Charleston market,” said Robert Dozier, Chief Banking Officer at First Reliance Bank. “We couldn’t be more excited for his leadership and the experience he’ll bring to our Charleston team. Our entire team is dedicated to helping customers in our Charleston market take full advantage of our many products and services. As a community bank, we’re able to develop deeper, more personal relationships with our customers and excel in delivering that best-in-class personal service.”
Bullard is a graduate of East Carolina University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business, and is a graduate of the LSU School of Banking of the South. In 2018, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from Charleston Southern University.
Bullard is active in the community and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Trident United Way and was Chairman of its 2018-2019 Campaign Cabinet. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Trustees for Charleston Southern University, where he is a member of its Executive Committee. He has served on numerous state and local boards, including those of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the South Carolina Bankers Association, the Trident Technical College Foundation and the MUSC Children’s Hospital Advisory Fund Board. Most recently, he served as a Steering Committee member for the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.
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 $658 million. The company employs more than 140 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. Customers of the company have given it a 90% customer satisfaction rating, well above the banking industry average of 81%. First Reliance is also one of three companies throughout South Carolina to receive the Best Places to Work in South Carolinaaward all 14 years since the program began. We believe that this recognition confirms that our associates are engaged and committed to our brand and the communities we serve. In addition to offering a full
range of personalized community banking products and services for individuals, small businesses and corporations, First Reliance offers two unique community-customers 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. We also offer a full suite of digital banking services, a Customer Service Guaranty and a Mortgage Service Guaranty, and we are open on most traditional holidays.
Additional information about the company is available on the company’s web site at www.firstreliance.com.
