First Federal Lakewood Names Jeffrey S. Bechtel EVP, Chief Operating Officer

2018-02-14

First Federal Lakewood, the largest independent depositor-owned bank headquartered in Ohio with assets of $1.7 billion, today announces the promotion of Jeffrey (Jeff) S. Bechtel from Chief Lending Officer to the newly created role of Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer.
 
Bechtel now holds responsibility for the business, retail, consumer and residential lending divisions of the bank, including sales and operational teams. He has more than 25 years of financial services experience, including five with First Federal Lakewood serving in executive roles.
 
“Jeff understands the importance of developing relationships and serving the community, which are at the foundation of who we are as a mutual bank,” said Thomas J. Fraser, president and CEO of First Federal Lakewood. “His experience in the financial services industry and as a key leader at the bank will enable him to accelerate efforts across our divisions and ensure we’re meeting the needs of our customers and the community.”
 
Bechtel previously held management and sales positions at PNC, Fifth Third Bank, FirstMerit Bank and Wachovia. His civic and professional involvement includes serving as President of the Cuyahoga County Community Improvement Corporation, Past-President and Executive Committee Chairman of Westwood Country Club, Treasurer of the Westlake Athletic Development Foundation and as a board member of the Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity, and past board member of the Greater Cleveland YMCA and Cleveland Pops orchestra.
 
First Federal Lakewood
First Federal Lakewood is the largest independent depositor-owned bank headquartered in Ohio with assets of $1.7 billion. With 18 full-service branch locations and 14 mortgage lending offices throughout Ohio, First Federal Lakewood provides deposit, lending, residential mortgage lending, cash management and investment services to individuals and businesses. Since 1935, First Federal Lakewood has been a stable community owned bank committed to deploying funds that foster local economic growth. FFL.net