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Benchmark Community Bank has announced that Holly McFarland has completed the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University (LSU). McFarland was among professional bankers from across the United States and Mexico who traveled to Baton Rouge to participate in the on-site segment of her participation.

“Holly has been a dynamic member of our Benchmark team since joining the Bank,” said Benchmark President/CEO E. Neil Burke. “The level of support and leadership she provides throughout the Bank is exemplary. We are privileged to have her as part of our team and congratulate her on this outstanding accomplishment.”

Currently serving as Benchmark’s Senior Vice President/Regional Manager, McFarland’s mortgage lending/banking career spans over twenty years. She joined Benchmark in 2016 as Vice President/Residential Lending specializing in Construction Loans. Her knowledge of retail banking as a frontline employee and lender, coupled with knowledge of her hometown South Hill-Mecklenburg County market contributed to her elevation to the role of Area Manager supporting three branches. Her area for oversight expanded to Regional Manager providing her with the opportunity to support branches throughout Southside Virginia.

“This program was a life-changing experience,” McFarland said. “I find myself tapping into the amazing education I received daily. On May 31, I walked across the stage to receive my diploma, along with some of the finest bankers I’ve ever met while at GSBLSU. I am forever grateful for all of my mentors and leaders who helped get me this far and to Benchmark Community Bank for investing in me by sending me this program. I am equally grateful for my family and friends who encouraged me and supported me as I spent a total of 6 weeks away from home in Baton Rouge.” 

The three-year program from which she graduated on May 31, covered all aspects of banking, economics and related subjects. The program is sponsored by fifteen southern-state bankers associations in cooperation with the Division of Continuing Education at LSU. More than fifty bankers, business and professional leaders, and educators from across the U.S. comprise the faculty.

The Graduate School of Banking at LSU includes required attendance at periodic on-campus sessions interspersed with extensive bank study assignments. The three summer sessions include 210 hours of classroom instruction, as well as planned evening study, and final examinations to conclude each session.