Erica Cooper named Community Development Coordinator
Erica Cooper has been named Community Development Coordinator for FNBC according to Dana Batterton, Chief Risk Officer.
In this role, Cooper will provide grant-writing support, and will coordinate and lead new funding solutions for the bank’s Community Development Financial Institution designation. She will also serve as the bank’s Home Mortgage Disclosure Act coordinator and oversee Community Reinvestment Act reporting. As a member of the Risk Department, she will assist the Bank Security Act Officer as needed.
“I am eager to begin working with Erica on ways to enhance FNBC’s CDFI designation,” said Batterton. “Her banking experience partnered with her educational and professional background will be a tremendous asset for this position. Erica is a driven and dedicated community banker, and I have no doubt she will excel.”
FNBC became a CDFI in May 2016. CDFIs are certified through a rigorous process by the CDFI Fund, part of the U.S. Department of Treasury, which indicates that the bank has devoted at least 60 percent of its total lending, services and other activities to benefit low income communities.
The CDFI Fund’s mission is to expand economic opportunities for underserved people and communities by supporting the growth and capacity of a national network of community development lenders, investors and financial service providers.
Cooper joined FNBC in 2012 as the branch manager for the bank’s Melbourne office, the position she currently held. At times during her tenure, she also served as branch manager for the Batesville, Horseshoe Bend and Ash Flat offices and assisted in several internal projects.
Prior to FNBC, Cooper was a Health Initiatives Representative for the American Cancer Society, and held positions with Izard County Abstract, North Central Insurance of Melbourne and Walmart Home Office in Bentonville.
A graduate of Melbourne High School, Cooper holds a Bachelor of Science in Leadership, along with a Master in Business Administration from Arkansas State University.
She and her husband, Blake, reside in Melbourne and have two sons.
