First National Bank Alaska : Five Alaska banking experts move into new roles

Five Alaska banking experts were appointed or promoted to new positions inside First National Bank Alaska after action taken by the Board of Directors of the state's largest community bank.

Katie Harman is the Matanuska-Susitna Valley's newest Mortgage Loan Originator. Harman will focus on meeting customers' mortgage loan needs from the bank's Wasilla Branch.

'My devotion to guiding First National's customers through the process hinges on giving them peace of mind the entire time,' Harman said. 'Buying a home or refinancing a mortgage involves big decisions and trust. It's my job to provide that trust.'

In her first role with First National, Melanie Hosch brings more than 23 years of banking experience with her as Branch Manager of the Parkway Branch in east Anchorage. Hosch will be responsible for business development, consumer loans, branch operations and customer service.

'I bring a positive attitude with me to Parkway every day,' Hosch said. 'I also always strive to go above and beyond in assisting our customers.'

Assistant Vice President Ligia Lutan is a new addition to Corporate Lending's Loan Officer team. Working out of the bank's Corporate Headquarters in midtown Anchorage, Lutan will develop and maintain business banking relationships and help companies build on opportunities through lending.

Lutan brings residential market information and economic analysis knowledge with her to First National.

'I've always set out to learn as much as possible about everyone I meet,' Lutan said. 'Alaska is a unique place to live and do business, so having a clear understanding of the wants and needs of our customers is pivotal to helping create their success.'

Vice President Jenny Mahlen has spent 24 years at First National, working intently with customers throughout Interior Alaska. Today, she's the Branch Manager of the Golden Valley Branch in Fairbanks.

Mahlen graduated from the Pacific Coast Banking School last year after completing a rigorous three-year program. PCBS has long been considered 'the Premier National Graduate School of Banking.'

'Taking the time to get to know people and allowing them to get to know you are keys to creating meaningful relationships,' Mahlen said. 'Knowledge is key and the more we know about one another, the more help we can be to one another.

'I'm proud of the fact the bank showed a lot of faith by sending me to PCBS, and I'm confident our customers will benefit from all I've learned.'

In her second stint as a First National banker, Assistant Vice President Veronica Pillans brings more than 13 years of experience to her work as Loan Officer. Now operating out of the Wasilla Branch, Pillans first worked for the bank from 2005-2012.

'I'm a lifelong Alaskan and proud member of the Mat-Su community, so it means something to help grow the local economy in any possible way,' Pillans said. 'It's motivating to do so with the backing of First National's amazing reputation.'

Katie Harman

Melanie Hosch

Ligia Lutan

Jenny Mahlen

Veronica Pillans

Contact: Marketing Department, (907) 777-3409