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| 09.28.2026
Bruceton Mills, WV, September 28, 2026 – Clear Mountain Bank is pleased to announce the hiring of Raymond Waddell and Burke Friend as new commercial lenders to its growing team of commercial banking professionals.
Raymond Waddell
Waddell, who joined the bank this summer, previously held marketing and sales roles, providing solutions to help businesses grow throughout north central West Virginia.
Waddell is a graduate of Fairmont State University with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing.
“I look forward to working with our local businesses,” said Waddell. “I hope to assist them in creating a vibrant community and advocate for all small business owners.”
Waddell is active in the Marion County, WV community, including volunteering with local non-profit organizations such as the Marion County Humane Society and the United Way. He is currently working on a project with Middle College at Fairmont State University, which helps youth who have experienced foster care reach their full potential.
Burke Friend
Friend brings a diverse background in sales, business development, marketing and relationship management throughout a variety of industries to Clear Mountain Bank. Most recently, she focused on business development, client relations and growing portfolios in the Deep Creek Lake, MD market.
Friend is a graduate of West Virginia University with a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Education.
“I’m excited to bring my experience and education to Clear Mountain Bank,” said Friend. “With my strong connections to the local business and agricultural communities, paired with my educational background, I believe Clear Mountain Bank is the perfect fit.”
Friend is also active within her local community of Garrett County, MD. Currently, she serves on the Garrett County Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board and is actively involved with the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. She also advocates for local agricultural programs and youth activities like 4-H and FFA.
“I am passionate about giving my time to organizations and initiatives that support agriculture, strengthen local businesses, and contribute to the continued growth of Garrett County,” said Friend.
“We are excited to welcome both Ray and Burke to the Clear Mountain family,” said Christopher W. Morris, chief commercial banking executive. “They are both dedicated to making our local businesses thrive and are excellent assets to our growing commercial banking team.”
About Clear Mountain Bank
Clear Mountain Bank is an award-winning community bank that has been serving North Central West Virginia and western Maryland for more than 130 years. The bank has received numerous readers’ choice accolades, including Best of Morgantown, Best of Harrison, and Preston County’s Top Picks. With a focus on innovation and exceptional customer service, the bank offers a full range of financial solutions and is widely recognized for excellence in financial services and community involvement. Additional information is available at www.clearmountain.bank.
Raymond Waddell
Waddell, who joined the bank this summer, previously held marketing and sales roles, providing solutions to help businesses grow throughout north central West Virginia.
Waddell is a graduate of Fairmont State University with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing.
“I look forward to working with our local businesses,” said Waddell. “I hope to assist them in creating a vibrant community and advocate for all small business owners.”
Waddell is active in the Marion County, WV community, including volunteering with local non-profit organizations such as the Marion County Humane Society and the United Way. He is currently working on a project with Middle College at Fairmont State University, which helps youth who have experienced foster care reach their full potential.
Burke Friend
Friend brings a diverse background in sales, business development, marketing and relationship management throughout a variety of industries to Clear Mountain Bank. Most recently, she focused on business development, client relations and growing portfolios in the Deep Creek Lake, MD market.
Friend is a graduate of West Virginia University with a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Education.
“I’m excited to bring my experience and education to Clear Mountain Bank,” said Friend. “With my strong connections to the local business and agricultural communities, paired with my educational background, I believe Clear Mountain Bank is the perfect fit.”
Friend is also active within her local community of Garrett County, MD. Currently, she serves on the Garrett County Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board and is actively involved with the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. She also advocates for local agricultural programs and youth activities like 4-H and FFA.
“I am passionate about giving my time to organizations and initiatives that support agriculture, strengthen local businesses, and contribute to the continued growth of Garrett County,” said Friend.
“We are excited to welcome both Ray and Burke to the Clear Mountain family,” said Christopher W. Morris, chief commercial banking executive. “They are both dedicated to making our local businesses thrive and are excellent assets to our growing commercial banking team.”
About Clear Mountain Bank
Clear Mountain Bank is an award-winning community bank that has been serving North Central West Virginia and western Maryland for more than 130 years. The bank has received numerous readers’ choice accolades, including Best of Morgantown, Best of Harrison, and Preston County’s Top Picks. With a focus on innovation and exceptional customer service, the bank offers a full range of financial solutions and is widely recognized for excellence in financial services and community involvement. Additional information is available at www.clearmountain.bank.
