Liberty-based First Liberty Bank announced a number of promotions during its board of directors meeting held in mid-December. “These talented individuals have played a big part in our success as a community bank through their hard work and dedication,” says Charles McGuire, chairman. “Our board of directors takes great pleasure in recognizing these deserving individuals and is grateful for their contributions to our bank.”
W. Earle Connevey has been promoted to executive vice president/chief credit officer. He joined the bank in 1984 as an assistant vice president and loan officer. Connevey graduated in 1981 from Stephen F. Austin State University with a dual degree in business management and geology. He served on the Liberty-Dayton Chamber of Commerce for three terms, the Houston-Galveston Area Council (representing Liberty County) for two terms and the City of Liberty Parks and Recreation board. When his children were younger, Connevey volunteered as a youth football, baseball and basketball coach on their teams. Next year, he will celebrate his 40-year anniversary with the bank.
Prem Dalwadi is now vice president of information technology. He began working for the bank in 2013 as an information technology representative. He has been essential to the opening of new branches and implementing ITMs at every location. He is often the one everyone calls for help. Dalwadi graduated from the University of Houston in 2011 with a BBA degree in management information systems.
Charles Bolds has been promoted to vice president/senior mortgage officer. He began working at the bank in 2017 as a credit analyst (management trainee). Bolds attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he played running back and free safety in football. He graduated with a BBA degree in finance in 2006. He is a school board member for Hardin ISD and coaches the Little Dribblers basketball team. He is also a deacon at Olive Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Hardin.
Pete Arce is the new vice president of compliance. He began working for the bank as a trainee for vice president of compliance in 2022. Arce has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley. His banking career began in 2005 in McAllen at a community bank.
Haleigh Shanks is now vice president/assistant director of mortgage services. She joined First Liberty Bank in 2020 as a mortgage processor. Shanks graduated from the South Texas College of Law in 2017 and worked in civil litigation/personal injury for three years prior to joining the bank. She recently joined the Dayton Rotary Club.
Nichole Runnells has been promoted to assistant vice president of accounting. She joined the bank in 2014 as an accounting representative. Runnells obtained her certification in general banking, banking fundamentals and general accounting.
Bonnie Garcia is now assistant vice president/mortgage officer. She began working for the bank in 2018 as a loan assistant. She started her career as a teller and has been in banking for 15 years.
Trey Harris is a new assistant vice president/loan officer. He joined the bank in 2019 as a mortgage processor. Harris graduated from Texas A&M University in 2019.
Mary Halliday is now assistant vice president of loan administration. She began working for the bank in 2015 as a personal banker. Halliday has worn many hats at First Liberty Bank. She has been a universal banker and loan administrator, and played a key role in the bank’s conversion in 2021.
“We are extremely proud of all our team members and congratulate those receiving promotions,” says Kelly Stretcher, president. “Our team members allow us to operate with big bank ability and small bank agility.”
Established in 1913, First Liberty Bank has branches in Liberty, Dayton, Hardin, Huffman, China and Mont Belvieu, as well as a loan production office in Livingston.
