First Community’s Richard, Edwards graduate from Barret School of Banking

From left: Dillon Richard, Wendell Edwards (Images provided by First Community Bank)

Two First Community Bank team members are marking a major professional milestone.

Dillon Richard and Wendell Edwards have both graduated from the Barret School of Banking, a prestigious three-year program in Memphis, Tennessee, designed to give banking professionals advanced training in leadership, management, lending, finance and strategic planning. Participants gain practical knowledge from industry experts while developing skills that strengthen the organizations and communities they serve.

Richard serves as vice president and commercial lending officer in Conway. Since joining First Community Bank in 2021, he has worked with business customers throughout Central Arkansas, helping them achieve their financial goals through customized lending solutions. Richard brings more than a decade of banking and lending experience to his role. He earned his bachelor’s degree and Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas and is actively involved in community service and leadership initiatives throughout the Conway area.

Edwards serves as assistant vice president and loan systems analyst at First Community Bank’s operations center in Batesville. A graduate of Arkansas Tech University, Edwards earned degrees in finance and economics before joining the bank in 2021. During his time at Barret, he particularly enjoyed participating in Banque Simulation, a hands-on banking management exercise that allows teams to make strategic decisions and manage a bank’s financial performance. Edwards graduated with cum laude honors.

“Graduating from the Barret School of Banking is a significant accomplishment that requires dedication, commitment and a desire to grow as a banking professional,” said Boris Dover, president and chief operating officer of First Community Bank. “We are proud of Dillon and Wendell for investing in their development, and we look forward to the continued impact they will make for our customers, communities and our organization.”

“I’m grateful to work at an institution that is willing to pour back into their employees,” Richard said. “Since getting the opportunity to work at First Community, I’ve strived every day to make the people that took a chance on me not second-guess their decision. Attending Barret has given me additional knowledge as well as tools that will allow me to become a better banker. I’m looking forward to continuing to serve my customers with this additional knowledge.”

Edwards said the opportunity to represent First Community Bank while learning from industry leaders and guest speakers was one of the most rewarding aspects of the program.

“Barret provided valuable lessons that will benefit me both professionally and personally,” Edwards said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside bankers from across the country and bring those experiences back to First Community Bank.”