News and Press Releases

Nov 04, 2015

Bevy of First National bankers take on new roles

First National Bank Alaska and its Board of Directors recently promoted four banking experts, announced the move to a different position for another and welcomed a new Branch Manager for the Main Branch in downtown Anchorage.

Monica Barton and Mike Scott bring years of experience to the bank’s Mortgage Loan Department.

A longtime regional manager in Wasilla, Barton is now First National’s Mortgage Loan Origination Manager and was also appointed Vice President. She will assist mortgage loan originators in their efforts to create and deepen relationships with their customers and ensure mortgage loans are processed efficiently.

“It truly is fulfilling to help customers achieve their home ownership dreams,” Barton said.

After spending the last several years as a Mortgage Loan Originator, Scott is now a Regional Mortgage Manager. He’s responsible for planning, developing, implementing and administering mortgage lending strategies and programs for the bank’s originators.

“I take great pride in helping customers decipher their options to find the best home loan to suit their needs,” Scott said. “I’ll work closely with our team and customers to find innovative solutions.”

A banker for more than 13 years, Ruth Alphin was named Branch Manager at the Parkway Branch in East Anchorage after spending more than a year working at both the Northern Lights and U-Med branches as an Operations Supervisor. She will be responsible for business development, lending, customer service and branch operations.

“It didn’t take me long to realize First National sets a high bar in banking,” Alphin said. “Not only do we care about our customers and meeting their financial needs, but the bank also works to take care of the communities where those customers live.

“It’s my job to make sure that approach continues with everyone who walks in the Parkway door.”

Xavier Flint returned to the bank as the new Branch Manager at Main Branch. He previously worked at First National for three years (2010-2013).

“Our team at Main Branch will make sure each customer is continually reminded they made the right choice by banking with First National,” Flint said. “These last few years have given me a unique perspective on doing what’s best for the customers.”

As a Business Development Representative in the Escrow Department, Ervin Hetemi will be a key player in developing relationship-building strategies to assist customers. He started his banking career in 2008 and joined First National as a Personal Banker last year.

“We’re one of the few Alaska institutions offering Escrow services,” Hetemi said. “Customers can come to us knowing they’ll receive superior service and I’ll be eager to deliver it to them.”

In Kodiak, veteran banking expert Mark Lonheim takes over as Branch Manager. Lonheim started in banking in 1997 and joined First National in 2013.

“The Kodiak Branch has an experienced staff of recognizable faces,” Lonheim said. “So while always professional, our interactions with customers are also always enjoyable.

“I’ll work to make sure our tradition of providing excellent service continues.”

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.