First Reliance Bancshares : Robert Dozier Joins First Reliance Bank As Chief Banking Officer

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact: Pamela Rhoads [phone]

Email:[e-mail]

ROBERT DOZIER JOINS FIRST RELIANCE BANK AS CHIEF BANKING OFFICER

January 7, 2020, Florence, S.C. - Robert Dozier has joined First Reliance Bank as Chief Banking Officer. Dozier is responsible for corporate strategy and the strategic market expansion of First Reliance Bank's footprint throughout the Carolinas. In addition, he will oversee commercial sales management and community development for all markets.

Mr. Dozier has over 30 years' experience in the banking industry. Most recently, he served eight years as Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer of Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, Georgia where he oversaw all external customer facings of the bank which serves over 850 financial institutions throughout the southeast. Prior to that Dozier served as President and COO of Homeowners Mortgage - a division of Coastalstates Bank, where he began as a loan officer in 1992.

Dozier is a graduate of University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC where he earned a Bachelor degree in Political Science. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the University of south Carolina and is President of the University of south Carolina Alumni Association. In addition, Dozier serves on the Advisory Board of Cyberwoven - a digital agency in Columbia, S.C.

"Robert is a strong addition to our First Reliance executive management team," said Rick (more)

Better

2170 W. Palmetto St.

Florence, SC 29501

P: 843.674.3275

www.firstreliance.com

Member FDIC

PRESS RELEASE

Dozier - Pg. 2

Saunders, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Reliance Bank. "He brings a depth of

proven strategic management experience and has a proven track record of forging relationships

and working with a variety of different groups and businesses to foster growth opportunities."

As the Chief Banking Officer, he will develop strong local community banking teams focused on

sharing the First Reliance Bank brand to make the lives of our customers better and earn the

business of customers throughout our Carolina footprint.

ABOUT FIRST RELIANCE BANK

Founded in 1999, First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (OTC: FSRL.OB), is based in Florence, South Carolina and has assets of approximately $658 million. The Company employs more than 140 professionals and has locations throughout South Carolina and central North Carolina. First Reliance has redefined community banking with a commitment to making customers lives better, its founding principle. Customers of the company have given it a 90% customer satisfaction rating well above the bank industry average of 81%. First Reliance is also one of three companies throughout South Carolina to receive the Best Places To Work in South Carolina award all 14 years since the program began. We believe that this recognition confirms that our associates are engaged and committed to our brand and the communities we serve. In addition to offering a full range of personalized community banking products and services for individuals, small businesses, and corporations, First Reliance offers two unique community-customers programs, which include: Hometown Heroes, a package of benefits for those serving our communities and Check N Save, an outreach program for the unbanked or under-banked. We also offer a full suite of digital banking services, a Customer Service Guaranty, a Mortgage Service Guaranty, and are open on most traditional holidays.

Additional information about the Company is available on the Company's web site at www.firstreliance.com.

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Better

2170 W. Palmetto St.

Florence, SC 29501

P: 843.674.3275

www.firstreliance.com

Member FDIC