A bank with branches across the Shenandoah Valley announced a change in leadership on Thursday.

Pendleton Community Bank, based in Franklin, W.Va., with branches in Harrisonburg and Bridgewater, revealed in a press release that Neil Hayslett had been promoted to president and chief operating officer of the company. Hayslett joined the company in 2020, and most recently held the position of senior executive vice president, according to the release. Hayslett will remain a part of PCB’s leadership team, where he works closely with William Loving, chief executive officer of the institution.

Loving previously shared duties of both chief executive officer and president and said he and other PCB executives agreed it was time for a change.

“PCB continues to expand our reach and grow our brand throughout our communities, and Neil has been an instrumental part of that success,” Loving said in the release. “As we expand our physical presence and digital offerings to best meet our customers’ financial needs, I along with the board of directors determined it was time to split the roles of CEO and president. I look forward to working with Neil as we oversee the bank’s operations and overall strategy for future growth.”

Hayslett’s considerable experience in banking will assist him in his new role. He brings 35 years of experience in banking, 28 of which in senior executive positions, to draw on. He joined PCB’s leadership team in 2020 and will continue a trend of being active in overseeing day-to-day operations in his new role, according to the release.

Hayslett said he hopes to continue to have a positive impact on the institution in his new role.

“I am excited for this new role and the opportunity to continue leading a solid organization,” Hayslett said in the release. “As PCB approaches its 100th year of operation, it is evident our model of banking is appreciated. The culture at PCB puts people first, and I’m blessed to work with a group of talented bankers that believe in building customer relationships and giving back to the communities that have proudly supported your bank since 1925.”