First National Bank, the only bank headquartered in Livingston County, recently promoted three of its employees.
“First National is fortunate to be able to make these promotions,” said Ron Long, First National Bank President and CEO. “We’re even more proud that each of these bank leaders are from within our current ranks, each of them experienced bankers. Our customers know them, and they know our customers and community. They know and understand our bank and their bank colleagues know and understand them too.
“Further, these promotions show the bank’s commitment to recognizing, rewarding and creating opportunity where we do business – right here in Livingston County. Another example of the power of local banking at work.”
Carrie Newstead is now an assistant vice president and retains her role as the branch sales manager at the downtown Howell branch office.
“This well-deserved promotion recognizes Carrie’s many contributions to our organization’s success, including her outstanding leadership and sustained high performance,” Long said.
Newstead has been with First National for over 17 years, serving in various capacities with increasing responsibility. She has a long track record of community involvement, volunteering and serving on various committees and municipal boards. She and her family make their home in Howell.
George King has been named to the newly created position of Vice President, Livingston County Market Manager.
“These new responsibilities for George recognize his consistent high performance and demonstrated leadership proficiency,” Long said. “With this promotion, George will assume formal leadership over a portion of our commercial lending team while continuing to manage his portfolio and generate new business.”
King is a lifelong Livingston County area resident now calling Milford home. He has been with First National for over 12 years, the entire time a key player on the bank’s commercial banking and lending team.
Leslie Brown joins First National’s executive management team as Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, previously serving as Vice President and Credit Manager. Brown will now report to President and CEO Ron Long.
“Leslie will assume the chief credit officer role for the bank previously performed as part of the duties of our chief risk officer, Rick James,” Long said. “While Rick continues with the bank in that role, he has shared for some time now the desire to slightly reduce his work commitment and devote more time to family and personal interests. Naming a chief credit officer provides for that transition.”
A lifelong Livingston County resident, Brown and her family make their home in Hartland. She has been with First National for 20 years, serving in various capacities including trust administration, commercial credit administration and lending.
She earned her MBA from Spring Arbor University and is a graduate of the American Bankers Association Graduate School of Banking.
Brown is also actively engaged in the community. Through the bank’s Employee Service Club, she has participated in the Community Garden, March is Reading Month, and with Mentor Livingston. She is also an active member of her church.
First National Bank, a key community leader in greater Livingston County for more than 125 years, is focused on providing practical financial services to families and businesses. With a commitment toward knowledgeable, personalized service, First National serves customers through eight conveniently located Livingston County offices and online at FNBH.com. As the only bank headquartered in Livingston County, First National takes great pride in its corporate citizenship and is known and respected for their support of causes and events that add to the quality of life across Livingston County. See First National’s whole story at fnbh.com.
