Carolyn M. Clawson, Mark Gilleskie and Cindy Trivette recently joined residential lender Becky Combs in the

Boone Financial Center. "I am pleased to welcome this team to AF," announced Bob Washburn, CEO and President of AF Financial Group and AF Bank. "The experience and expertise of this group will help potential home buyers find just the right mortgage, backed by AF's commitment to placing the customer's needs first."

Clawson began her banking career in 1980 and has spent the past 25 five years assisting people in the Watauga County area with loans. As Senior Vice President of the mortgage loan group, she will focus on establishing partnerships with some of the industry's leading mortgage loan investors. "I am pleased to join this team. AF has always prided itself on helping borrowers find the right loan and our customers will continue to be our focus," commented Clawson.

Clawson attended East Tennessee State University and majored in business. She and her husband Dana live in the Perkinsville community. They have two grown children: Nathaniel Clawson, a CPA in Charlotte, and Christopher Clawson, a sophomore at Appalachian State University.

Mortgage Loan Officer Mark Gilleskie has worked in mortgage lending since he moved to the High Country eight years ago. "It is exciting to work with AF and reassuring for clients to know that we have the ability to retain and service loans through AF and our lending partners," says Gilleskie.

Gilleskie is a graduate of Elon University. When he isn't working, he is passionate about spending time with his family. He and his wife, Margaret, live in Blowing Rock and have two daughters: Maggie, age 9 and Molly, age 10, both students at Blowing Rock Elementary.

Trivette, a mortgage loan assistant, joins AF with 20 years of experience in banking. "I am excited about being part of the team at AF," Trivette commented. "I get excited when I am able to help people fulfill their dreams with a new home."

A lifelong resident of Watauga County, Trivette and her husband, Chuck, live in the Howards Creek community. They have two children: Dallas, a sixth grader at Green Valley, and Clint, a freshman at Watauga High School.

AF Financial Group, headquartered in West Jefferson, offers banking, investment and insurance services. It is a federally chartered thrift holding company that owns 100% of the common stock of AF Bank and operates branches in Boone, Jefferson, Sparta, Warrensville and West Jefferson. AF Insurance Services, Inc. is an independent insurance agency serving these markets along with Elkin, Lenoir and North Wilkesboro.