Joe Lathrop
Senior Vice President, Director
Inspiration comes from everywhere—even dairy farms. In fact, the first-hand experience and knowledge that Joe Lathrop gained while growing up on his parent’s farm in Stockbridge, MI influenced him to go into banking.
Heather Slapak
First Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager
Heather joined First Commercial Bank’s Jackson, Mich.-based Warehouse Lending team in 2017 after spending 18 years at Comerica Bank—first serving two years as a credit analyst, and then 16 as a relationship manager in the Warehouse Lending Division.
Jerami Marshal
First Vice President, Senior Relationship Managerr
Originally from Southern California, Jerami Marshal spent 35 years in residential mortgage lending working for various organizations on the East and West Coasts. In 2011, he transitioned into warehouse lending at Santander Bank.
Mohamed Najam
First Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager
Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Mohamed Najam moved to the U.S. in 1993 to be a cultural representative at Walt Disney World. After he received his Bachelors in Finance from Rutgers University, he began his banking career as a credit analyst for New Jersey’s Summit Bank. Later, he earned his MBA at the University of Bridgeport.
Celeste Ludwig
First Vice President, New Business Senior Relationship Manager
Growing up in Sterling Heights, Michigan, Celeste Ludwig received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees while raising her twin daughters. “They’ve made me who I am today, and influenced me to be upfront, proactive, and personal with my clients.”
Ron Wood
First Vice President, Relationship Manager
Ron Wood has worked in the financial services industry for over 35 years—20 of those in warehouse lending. As a California resident, he covers First Commercial Bank’s west coast region.
Karen Farwell-Arcuri
First Vice President, Relationship Manager
Based in Texas, but responsible for accounts all across the country, Karen Farwell-Arcuri uses her 30 years of experience to help her sculpt the best possible deals to fit her clients. “We have strict policy guidelines for how deals are done. As companies grow and expand, their needs change.”
Brian Lais
Vice President, Relationship Manager
In his free time, Brian Lais coaches his daughter’s suburban Minneapolis softball team. But his talent as a strong leader and motivator extends far beyond the softball field.
Brian Strickrodt
Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager
Brian Strickrodt came aboard First Commercial Bank straight out of college in 1996, and has been involved in Warehouse Lending “since day one.” Over the years, he’s closely worked with a portfolio of customers that he’s helped grow and develop.
Michelle Phillips
Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager
Michelle Phillips’ career in banking began at First Commercial Bank right after graduating college, starting off as an accountant in the Warehouse Lending department. “We have people who’ve been with our department for a long time, and that really speaks to the organization.”
Matt Miller
Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager
Before transitioning into his current position at First Commercial Bank, Matt Miller spent 10 years as a credit analyst. Today, he handles warehouse lines along the east coast—primarily from New York to Florida.