First Community Bank announced that Kris Whitley and Ryan Barnes have joined the commercial banking team as vice presidents/Commercial Bankers. Each with more than 10 years of lending experience, Kris and Ryan will focus on relationships with existing First Community commercial clients and look for opportunities to serve other businesses. While Kris will concentrate on the downtown Columbia market from the Lady Street office, Ryan will service the Forest Acres community.

“Kris and Ryan are great additions to the First Community family. As the Midlands region continues to flourish, we hope to support local business owners, professionals and entrepreneurs with our unique and personalized style of banking,” said First Community Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Retail and Commercial Banking Officer Ted Nissen.

Ryan attended the University of South Carolina, earning a degree in business administration. He continues to engage with the Gamecock community as a member of the Moore School of Business Young Alumni Board. Kris graduated from the University of Georgia and is currently involved with Junior Achievement/Young Professionals Auxiliary.