Benchmark Community Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Derek Mason as a full-time financial consultant for the bank’s Financial Solutions program which offers investment and insurance products through Infinex Investments, Inc.  Mason will help customers in the Halifax, Prince Edward and Nottoway County offices plan for retirement, develop college savings plans, build and protect their assets, and implement wealth management strategies.

Mason holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix and has over 15 years of experience in financial services including helping clients develop long-term plans.  He holds the LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow) designation and was president of the Southern Piedmont Life Underwriters’ Chapter in 2011. He is currently on the Virginia Board of Directors for NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors).

Benchmark President Mike Walker is pleased that Mason has joined the bank. He noted, “Benchmark has offered access to investment and insurance services for well over 15 years now and the program has expanded and grown each year. For a while now, we’ve had two consultants covering 12 branches and as demand has grown, they have had to juggle some grueling schedules.  Adding a talented individual like Derek will help us better meet the growing demand in the western and northern part of our service area.”

A native of Charlotte County, Mason has lived in Southside Virginia all of his life.  He and his wife Vanessa, a third grade teacher, and their children Owen, 5, and Grae, 2, now make their home in South Boston.  They are members of the Dan River Baptist Church.   

“I am thrilled to be part of the Benchmark family,” Mason said.  “Each member of this extraordinary bank is truly dedicated to helping area people find a path to financial security and the resulting peace of mind. As this has always been my number one priority, I feel right at home.” He continued, “Like me, the Benchmark team recognizes the uniqueness of each individual and family they help.   We all understand the importance of getting to know a customer so that we can match his specific needs with the appropriate products and services.  So I guess you could say I have landed in the right place!”