McElhaney named bank branch manager

Published Thursday, November 29, 2007

By Denny Deady

Melissa McElhaney, a Bridgeport native, has been named branch manager of First Financial Bank in Decatur.

McElhaney and her husband, Blaine, have three sons and live in Runaway Bay.

Joining First Financial just over a month ago is like a homecoming for McElhaney.

She opened her first bank account at the age of 15 at First National Bank of Bridgeport.

That bank is now First Financial Bridgeport.

"I kept that account until I moved from the area," she said.

McElhaney began her banking career more than three years ago as a teller. She was promoted to head teller and then operations manager.

The former Melissa King is a 1992 graduate of Bridgeport High School.

She said she is excited to be a part of the First Financial team.

"I am very community minded and so is First Financial," said McElhaney.

She looks forward to becoming involved in many local activities.

Mills Shallene, First Financial's market president-Wise County, is glad to have McElhaney on staff.

"We feel fortunate to have added an experienced banker who is a local resident to our staff," said Shallene.

"I think it is important to have bankers who live here and are active in the community."