News and Press Releases

Dec 18, 2017

Banking experts make moves at First National

First National Bank Alaska’s Board of Directors recently appointed or promoted five Alaska banking experts to different roles inside the state’s largest community bank.

With more than 10 years of banking experience, Rachel Carlson is the new Branch Manager at the U-Med Branch near the University of Alaska Anchorage. Carlson previously worked as a Teller, Customer Service Representative and Personal Banker.

“Contributing to our community by helping our customers reach their financial goals is rewarding,” Carlson said. “The U-Med area is a vibrant part of Anchorage and the branch team and I will always be excited to be part of it.”

After more than a year spent managing two other Anchorage-area branches, Krissi Estrada is the new Branch Manager at the downtown Main Branch.

“Making the move from one part of town to another won’t change my approach,” Estrada said. “We’ll continue to provide the best financial solutions for our fellow Alaskans.”

Carlson and Estrada and will each be responsible for business development, consumer loans, branch operations and customer service at their branches.

Paula Grau was appointed Vice President and is the new Cash Management Administrator. In her role, Grau oversees the Cash Management Sales and Support Units, the team behind the bank’s merchant services, Corporate MasterCard business and treasury management services for large commercial customers. She is dedicated to help make sure business customers receive the support they need.

“Learning about our customers’ needs and building relationships is essential to everything we do at First National,” said Grau, a 23-year banking veteran. “Working alongside the bank’s experts is motivating as is helping Alaska businesses grow.”

After spending nine years with First National, including seven years in mortgage lending, Loan Officer Mike Scott has transferred to the Dimond Branch as part of the bank’s corporate lending unit. He’s now responsible for developing and maintaining business banking relationships and help companies build on opportunities through lending.

Scott graduated from nearby Dimond High School in 2003 and is eager to be involved in that neighborhood of businesses.

“I hope to rely on my extensive real estate knowledge when building close-knit relationships with our business customers,” Scott said. “I’ve learned from my fellow First National banking experts and no one works harder than we do.”

In her position as Senior Mortgage Underwriter and Loan Officer, Dawnette Starr will help customers secure the loans needed to support their lifestyles and fulfill their dreams. She’ll do so by examining and analyzing loan documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness and that each loan meets market and company standards.

Starr has worked in the industry for nearly 30 years.

“Whether it’s a first-time home buyer, a refinancing or a remodel, it’s such a joy to help make sure customers come close to seeing their dreams come true,” Starr said. “Home ownerships is such a huge financial commitment, it’s an honor to play a role in the process.”

Alaskan-owned and operated since 1922, First National proudly meets the financial needs of Alaskans with ATMs and branches in 18 communities throughout the state. Visit FNBAlaska.com for more information about Alaska’s largest locally-owned bank and access to efficient and secure online banking services.