Consumers National Bank Announces New Staff Positions

Minerva, Ohio–Consumers National Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Kennie Long to Vice President, Retail Sales Director, and the hiring of Ben Welker as Fraud Specialist in the Risk & Compliance department. These moves reflect the bank’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team and continuing its tradition of delivering exceptional service to both commercial and personal customers.

Kennie Long Promoted to Vice President, Retail Sales Director
Kennie Long, who has been with Consumers National Bank for over eight years, has been promoted to Vice President, Retail Sales Director. In her new role, Long will be responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the activities of the retail sales function to effectively execute sales strategies that will maximize sales volume, drive targeted profitable growth, and develop the sales staff at Consumers National Bank. She will also take the lead in ensuring the bank’s commercial and consumer deposit products and services keep pace with evolving customer expectations. Long previously held the positions of Branch Relationship Manager and Commercial Deposit Specialist at the bank. She will report to Senior Vice President of Retail Sales and Operations, Derek Williams.

“Kennie’s extensive experience in banking, including her recent role as Commercial Deposit Specialist, is an asset to the bank and its clients. Her deep understanding of the local business environment and commitment to enhancing client productivity will be instrumental as she directs the bank’s retail sales staff. She has been successful as a branch manager and for the last six years has helped our business clients implement treasury management and fraud prevention solutions.” said Williams.

Kennie is a native of Kansas and currently resides with her family in Hartville, Ohio. She is currently pursuing her Certified Treasury Manager designation.

Consumers National Bank Welcomes Ben Welker as Fraud Specialist
Ben Welker has joined Consumers National Bank as a Fraud Specialist within the Risk & Compliance department. Ben brings a wealth of experience in fraud mitigation, detection, and investigation, having previously worked in retail banking and has worked in financial fraud prevention, detection, and investigation at a regional bank in Ohio.

In his new role, Welker will collaborate closely with various departments to monitor suspicious activity and lead investigations into potential fraud. He will be working with Consumers Bank’s branches and other departments to ensure that the institution remains vigilant in protecting customers’ accounts. He will also lead the bank’s community outreach and education efforts surrounding fraud awareness and prevention. Welker will report to Christina A. Montgomery, VP, Risk & Compliance Officer and BSA/AML Officer.

“Financial fraud targeting banks and their customers has increased substantially over the last few years. Ben will help Consumers address the alarming increase through internal and external education programs, monitoring and detection efforts, and investigations. With his experience, he will make a big difference in protecting customers’ and bank assets,” said Montgomery.

A native of Waynesburg, Ohio, Ben is a graduate of Sandy Valley High School and holds dual bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Criminology from Kent State University. He is currently pursuing his Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) license. Welker and his wife Kenzie are relocating to Magnolia, Ohio.