Background

Tom Ewart joined First Reliance Bank as a senior level executive on April 28, 2003. He collaborates directly with the CEO in overall administration of the bank and directs all of the institutions retail, business banking and financial services operations. This includes the development of financial performance standards and the execution of each at branch and division levels. Also included are the responsibilities of acquiring market share, servicing existing and potential clients, product development, pricing, risk management, budgeting, assisting with audits, development of policy and procedures to ensure safety and soundness, organizational planning and strategic planning.

Mr. Ewart started his career in banking as a Credit Analyst for National Bank of Sumter (S.C.) from 1974 to 1977. From there he worked as Comptroller for Omni Corporation until 1980 and as a Commercial Loan Officer for South Carolina National (Sumter, S.C.) until 1984. From 1981 to 1990 he managed a portfolio of $455 million in aggregate loans as a Regional Sr. Lender and from 1990 to 1994 he worked as a Corporate Banking Officer where he managed a portfolio of companies with $5 million to $100 million in sales. He managed the corporate office and four corporate bankers in the Pee Dee region as the District Manager - Corporate Banking for SCN/Wachovia from 1994 to 1997. He served as the Senior Credit Officer for First National South from 1997 to 1998 where he managed all lenders and credit policy. At the Anchor Bank (Pee Dee region of S.C.) he was the Regional Executive from 1998 to 2000 as was responsible for seven offices, $200 million in assets and 82 employees. From 2000 to 2003 he was with Carolina First as an Area Executive responsible for seven offices in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. His loan authority at his last three assignments was $500,000.

Education

Mr. Ewart graduated from Newberry College with his BA and Golden Gate University with his MBA. He also graduated from The School of Banking of the South. He has been honored with the Sam Walton Leadership Award and recognized as Board Member of the Year for the State of South Carolina Boys and Girls Club.

Memberships

Mr. Ewart is very active in numerous Civic and Charity organizations. He has served as the past President of the Florence Chamber of Commerce and is the past President of the Florence Rotary. He is Treasurer and Vice-Chairman for the Girl Scouts of the Pee Dee and Chairman of the Board of Visitors for Coker College. He is a past member of the South Carolina State Board of Education and a current member of the Board of Trustees for Coker College, Francis Marion University Foundation Board, Progress Economic Development Board and the Boys and Girls Club State Alliance Board as well. He also serves as Campaign Chairman for the Florence Area United Way.