First National Bank Alaska : Top talent makes moves at First National

News and Press Releases

Apr 15, 2022

Top talent makes moves at First National

With more than 20 years of management and leadership experience, Tiffany Hoogerhyde joins First National Bank Alaska as Vice President and Controller. In her new role, Hoogerhyde is responsible for the accurate reporting of the bank's financial information to the bank's Board of Directors, managers and the public. Her expertise helps First National's relationship bankers meet the short- and long-term financial goals of each customer. "The great thing about First National is its strong workplace culture and focus on Alaskans. As a lifelong Alaskan, I look forward to contributing to the success of my community," Hoogerhyde said. She holds a CPA certificate from the State of Alaska and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Denise Brown Robinson brings more than 20 years of marketing and communications experience to her board-appointed role as Senior Vice President and Corporate Communications & Customer Experience Director. A lifelong Alaskan, Brown Robinson oversees the bank's Business Development, Customer Experience, and Marketing functions. Her expertise has helped First National earn national recognition for its "We Believe in Alaska," award-winning brand and promotional campaigns. She has also played an integral role in the bank's Branch Re-Engineering and Digital Adoption initiatives. "With 100 years of local experience, First National understands the people and businesses of Alaska," Brown Robinson said. "We are committed to the communities and Alaskans we serve - and to their success."

The Wasilla Branch welcomes Jim Kyrisch as a Mortgage Loan Officer. As a 15-year Alaskan, Kyrisch has more than a decade of local experience as a business banker, commercial lender and former escrow officer. As Mortgage Loan Officer, Kyrisch will build upon existing relationships developed over years of commercial lending in the valley. "I pride myself on being responsive to my customer's needs," Kyrisch said. "I enjoy lending and relationship building and helping Alaskans succeed." Kyrisch has served on the board of the Wasilla Rotary club since 2014. He served as its president from 2020-21.

Donny Dormady was promoted to Mortgage Lending Support Manager and appointed Assistant Vice President. Born and raised in Kenai, Dormady received his bachelor's of business administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage in finance and a minor in economics. As Mortgage Lending Support Manager, Dormady will support production staff including originators, processors, underwriters, closers and more to streamline business processes, close loans quickly and efficiently and continue to provide a high-quality experience for customers. "I enjoy what Alaska has to offer and the resiliency of the Alaskan mindset," Dormandy said. "For Alaskans, no challenge is too big to overcome."

Continuing to advance her career, Kayte Hughes was promoted to Commercial Loan Officer. Hughes began at First National as a Consumer Central Loan Processor, working up to Consumer Underwriter and eventually moving to the Loan Officer Apprentice program. "What I love most about what I do is helping businesses and Anchorage grow. Our relationships go beyond just a transaction." As Commercial Loan Officer, Hughes will continue to build new and existing relationships with businesses in the Anchorage area. In her free time she volunteers for numerous Anchorage nonprofits and is currently a member of BNI - Pipeline Chapter.

Herbert Davis returns to the bank's Fairbanks Johansen Branch as Loan Officer and appointed Assistant Vice President. Davis develops and maintains business banking relationships and helps companies build on opportunities through lending. "I love the team, customers, vision, and philosophy of the bank," Davis said. "My main goal in this role is re-engaging team members and customers, as well as building and deepening new and existing relationships with Fairbanks customers." He brings a master's in capital markets and more than two decades of banking and management experience to his role at First National.

With more than 15 years of local lending and operational experience, Mark Lonheim was appointed Branch Manager Lending and Vice President at the Kodiak Branch. "The most rewarding part of my job is nurturing long-term customer relationships. They trust we'll take care of them and always deliver the best service. We have an amazing team and I'm very proud of what our bank does every day." His priority is to continue to build lifelong relationships with Kodiak customers. Lonheim is a member of the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce and the Kodiak Realtor Association, and volunteers with the Kodiak Hockey League. He has a bachelor's in finance from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Crystal Luddington began her First National journey in 2016 in the Loan Servicing Accounting Unit before being appointed a Consumer Loan Officer. She has an associate's degree in communication from the University of Phoenix. "As an Underwriter, I use my communication, critical thinking and decision-making skills every day," Luddington said. She has almost a decade of banking experience, including real estate processing, loan servicing, accounting, and management.

Alaska's community bank since 1922, First National proudly helps Alaskans shape a brighter tomorrow by providing banking services to meet their needs across the state, nation and around the world. In 2021, Alaska Business readers voted the bank the "Best of Alaska Business" in the Best Place to Work category for the sixth year in a row, Best Corporate Citizen for a third year, and Best Bank/Credit Union. American Banker also recognized First National as a "Best Bank to Work For" for the fourth year in a row, and Anchorage Daily News readers voted the bank one of the state's top financial institutions in the "Best of Alaska" Awards.​​​​​​

Contact: Marketing Department, [phone]