First Community Bank is opening a branch in Newport, according to an announcement from Dale Cole, the bank’s chairman and chief executive officer.
“We are working eagerly to get First Community Bank’s Newport branch open very soon,” said Cole. “We are excited to expand our footprint into neighboring Jackson County because it is a natural extension of our home office, and we already serve a number of customers from the area. We have leased the building that last served as a Regions branch at 2525 McLain St. in Newport and are in the final stages of completion of a major restoration project. We think the update and transformation is something that the community will welcome as we position First Community Bank in a great location to serve Newport and the surrounding communities.
“We believe that finding the right people to manage our locations is crucial so we are pleased to announce that Billy Keedy, a Newport High School graduate and respected banker, will lead our Newport team.”
Keedy is a graduate of Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in corporate finance. He is also a graduate of the Barret School of Banking. He brings 14 years of banking experience and a love for community service.
Keedy serves on the board of directors of Arkansas Center for Independence, the advisory board for Harris Medical Center of Unity Health, the board of directors for the Joe and Helen Harris Education Foundation, and he is a member of the Newport Rotary and the Remmel Park Playground Association.
His hobbies include bass fishing and coaching kids. He and his wife, Brandi, have two sons, Will and Jake.
Joining Keedy are four other experienced bankers. Tricia Roberts, a veteran banker and local resident, brings eleven years of banking experience. Stevie Mauldin has seven years of banking experience, and Sara Baker and Destiny Davis have served for more than a year in teller positions.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work for a community bank that is known for its commitment of putting community first,” Keedy said. “First Community Bank is a bank that strongly supports education, economic development, the medical community, tourism and the everyday banking needs of customers large or small. They are committed to giving back to the communities they serve. I am ecstatic to be a member of such a dynamic organization.”
Newport’s lobby and drive-thru will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday with Saturday drive-thru hours from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Bill Keedy / Image via First Community Bank
