First Service Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Thomas “Corky” Strode as a key member of its lending and business development team, bringing more than 20 years of financial experience to the organization.
Strode joins First Service Bank following his role as Senior Vice President of Business Development and CRA Officer at State Bank in Texarkana, Texas. In that position, he was responsible for commercial banking, mentoring junior lenders, and overseeing Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) tracking and reporting.
In his new role at First Service Bank, Strode will focus on residential mortgage lending, including both secondary market and in-house mortgages, as well as commercial real estate lending including government-guaranteed programs. He will also play a vital role in expanding business development efforts across the region.
A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Strode has recently relocated back to Maumelle, where he looks forward to reconnecting with the community. His professional journey includes experience as a controller for Highbar Management Group, where he worked closely with financial institutions to secure real estate financing. That experience sparked his passion for lending and continues to drive his commitment to helping customers achieve their goals.
“I get a great deal of satisfaction from seeing a real estate transaction close on time or a construction project completed on schedule and within budget,” said Strode. “What drew me to First Service Bank was hearing firsthand from associates and customers about how the bank truly puts people and communities first.”
Scott Todd, Vice President of Strategy and Growth, added, “Corky brings a strong combination of experience, leadership, and community focus that aligns perfectly with our mission. His diverse lending background and passion for helping customers succeed will make an immediate impact across the communities we serve.”
Strode also expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to work across multiple lending areas. “I am excited about not being limited to one type of lending. Being able to assist customers with residential, commercial, and government-guaranteed loans allows me to make a broader impact,” he added.
He and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for ten years and have two children, Carson, age 22, and Anna, age 25.
First Service Bank continues to invest in experienced professionals like Strode to better serve communities throughout Arkansas and provide comprehensive financial solutions tailored to customer needs.
First Service Bank is a community-focused financial institution that provides exceptional banking services to its customers. With a solid commitment to community impact and customer satisfaction, First Service Bank, headquartered in Faulkner County, has operated for more than 60 years and has locations in Clinton, Conway, Dermott, Flippin, Greenbrier, Little Rock, Maumelle, Mountain View, Saline County, Shirley, and Yellville. For more information, visit firstservicebank.com.
