West Virginia Press Association
PETERSBURG, W.Va. — Grant County Bank has announced the hiring of Lukas M. Kesner as Assistant Vice President and Business Development Officer. Mr. Kesner brings to the role 14 years of banking experience in business development, credit analysis, and loan portfolio management.
Prior to joining Grant County Bank, Kesner was Assistant Vice President, Business Development Officer for Pendleton Community Bank, where he oversaw a robust loan portfolio spanning the eastern West Virginia and northern Virginia market areas. He also previously served as a Credit Analyst for Summit Financial Group.
“Luke is a tremendous addition to our team and helps position us for continued growth,” said George Ford, President & CEO of Grant County Bank. “His proficiency in advanced underwriting and cash flow analysis for commercial loans, combined with his experience in consumer and mortgage lending, make him uniquely qualified to serve our consumer, business, and agricultural customers.”
Kesner is a West Virginia University graduate with honors where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance. He completed the Barret School of Banking Commercial Lending Academy and the West Virginia Bankers Association’s Lloyd P. Calvert Graduate School of Banking. He also participated in WV Bankers Emerging Leaders program which is a program designed to engage the next generation of banking leaders in dealing with issues facing the industry through new perspectives on leadership.
A lifelong Hardy County resident, Kesner proudly serves as a member of the Moorefield Town Council. He previously served on the Moorefield Board of Zoning and Appeals, the Wardensville Town Council, and the East Hardy Elementary School Local School Improvement Council (LSIC). Kesner was also the charter President of the Potomac Highlands Chapter of the WVU Alumni Association. He is a proud participant in Future Farmers of America, West Virginia Poultry Association, and Hardy County Chamber of Commerce events.
“I have extensive experience with commercial and mortgage lending, business lines of credit, and SBA- and FSA-guaranteed loans. I’ve developed a strong referral base with local realtors and contractors through relationships built on trust and efficient service. That combination allows me to be a trusted community banker to a wide range of customers,” said Kesner. “My goal is to continue to strengthen my relationships with these centers of influence and advise them on how Grant County Bank can help them in meeting their clients needs.”
About Grant County Bank
The Grant County Bank was chartered as a West Virginia state bank on August 6, 1902 and began operations on August 15 with its first office in Petersburg, WV. Our mission of providing financial services and products to families, small businesses, and the agricultural community has served both our customers and the bank well over the years.
Subsequently, The Grant County Bank has expanded its marketplace throughout the Potomac Highlands and now operates a total of seven offices in six counties. After more than a century of continued service, The Grant County Bank is truly “Committed to The Communities We Serve” and is a subsidiary of Highlands Bankshares, Inc., also headquartered in Petersburg, WV.
