Julie Chambers has been named senior vice president for government guaranteed lending at First Service Bank.
In the new position, Julie will lead the guaranteed lending team by supporting loan officers, government guaranteed loan underwriters, loan assistants and government guaranteed loan specialists. “The additional support to this team will allow First Service Bank to continue to provide government guaranteed loan products and services to customers efficiently and effectively,” she said.
Julie said she is happy to be “leading the charge” for the new government guaranteed lending department at First Service. “Government guaranteed lending has been a passion of mine for many years, so I am very grateful to work closely with my team to grow our government guaranteed loan portfolio,” she said. “I am excited to have an opportunity to work to offer even more products and services so that our customers can achieve their personal and business goals.
“As a Preferred Lender Program (PLP) lender for both the U.S. Small Business Administration and USDA’s Farm Service Agency, we have opportunities to expedite the application process and I’m eager to seek out those opportunities for the bank and our customers” noted Julie.
Julie recognizes the importance of the government guaranteed loan programs and the impact that First Service Bank is having in the communities it serves. “These loans oftentimes allow our customer to retain jobs and create jobs that may have otherwise been lost.”
In her new role, Julie looks forward to having more interaction with customers as she assumes this new responsibility and explores ways to help. “This new position will allow me to be more supportive of our government guaranteed loan staff and the customers we serve. I will have an opportunity to join our loan staff when meeting with bank customers to explain the government guaranteed loan programs and work to determine what products best meet their needs. “I will also have more opportunities to network with customers outside of the bank.”
Julie has 13 years of banking experience, all at First Service Bank. She previously served as vice president of loan operations and was responsible for managing credit analysis and loan documentation functions. She also held the positions of administrative officer, credit analyst and loan operations manager.
“First Service Bank has the best leadership team,” said Julie in explaining what she likes most about the financial institution. “The team is very supportive and knowledgeable, bringing positive energy to work each day. They are truly invested in the success of the bank’s associates and the bank’s customers.”
Another aspect she enjoys at First Service Bank is the family atmosphere fostered. “We love to see our teammates succeed and are provided opportunities to celebrate those successes.”
A magna cum laude graduate of the University of the Ozarks, Julie has a bachelor of science degree in accounting. She also earned a master of accountancy from the University of Central Arkansas.
A native of Prim (Cleburne County), she lives in Greenbrier with her husband, Jack, and their three daughters, Macy, Isabella and Amelia.
Julie said she is proud to work for a bank that gives back and serves others, especially veterans. “First Service Bank continues to provide support to our military and veterans through Operation Red, White and Brave. We recently participated in Wreaths Across America, honoring U.S. veterans. As the granddaughter of two veterans, I believe the support this program provides is very important to our community and I was honored to participate.”
First Service Bank, with its headquarters in Faulkner County, has been in operation for more than 60 years and has locations in Clinton, Conway, Dermott, Flippin, Greenbrier, Little Rock, Mountain View, Shirley and Yellville. For more information, visit firstservicebank.com.
