SC Biz News Banking Power List - September 20, 2021

September 20 - October 3, 2021

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2021 BANKING

POWER LIST

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September 20 - October 3, 2021

PRESENTING THE 2021

BANKING POWER LIST

By Andy Owens

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aowens@scbiznews.com

ccess to capital. Those three words have always represented the lifeblood of small businesses in South Carolina and across the U.S. Nothing became more important during the first phase of the pandemic than cash flow. Our reporting on the Paycheck Protection Program rollout and the extraordinary role that bankers of all sizes played in ensuring that small- and medium-sized businesses in the Palmetto State stayed operational led the editorial team at SC Biz News to launch our Power List project with banking and financial sector professionals.

In the following pages, you’re going to see the people we picked from across South Carolina as the key power players in the banking sector. These individuals represent small clients as well as billions in assets and investment capital.

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One question we’re sure to get asked is how did we select these individuals?

Our editorial team across the state consulted with businesses and trade associations and looked at data points to assemble this list.

The key ingredient to picking the Top 5 for our Power List: Banking Professionals is a commitment to the business community and an understanding that access to capital, regardless of circumstance, drives the economy and culture of South Carolina. All of these bankers are extraordinary, and we felt the Top 5 distinguished themselves as economic ambassadors for our state and their sector.

This is a list of eternal optimists who sit across from small business owners and entrepreneurs, showing them the options they have and a path to achieve their goals for their businesses, families and communities.

Please join me in congratulating these individuals in print and online.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. MICHAEL C. “MIKE” CRAPPS

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2. DAVID E. ANDERSON

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3. SHARON W. BRYANT

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4. ERIC WALL

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5. K. WAYNE WICKER

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HONOREES CONTINUED

MICHAEL C. “MIKE” CRAPPS

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urrently CEO and director of First Community Bank, which he helped found in 1995, Mike Crapps has led the company through four banks and two lines of business acquisitions. First Community Bank is now the fourth-largest bank in South Carolina and the largest headquartered in Columbia, with 21 offices, more than $1.5 billion in assets and three major lines of business.

The bank’s focus has always been on serving local businesses, organizations and professional practices. First Community Bank serves three primary markets in the Midlands and Upstate of South Carolina and the Augusta region, handling three lines of business, commercial and retail banking, residential mortgage loans and financial planning/investment advisory.

Crapps has served in a variety of leadership roles, including on the boards of the S.C. Bankers Association, Business Develpment Corp. and Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Past community leadership roles include serving on the boards of the

Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Saluda Shoals Park Foundation, American Cancer Society, Second Century Society and Columbia Clemson Club.

Crapps currently serves on the Clemson University Foundation board of directors, Clemson University IPTAY board of directors, Midlands Business Leadership Group and Business Development Corp.

He has been recognized for his achievements throughout his career, from being named 1997’s Young Banker of the Year and one of the 50 Most Influential in the Midlands multiple years. He has also received the American Cancer Society’s St. George National Award in 2003. In addition, First Community Bank has been recognized multiple times as Best Bank, Best Mortgage Lender, a Best Place to Work in South Carolina and a best SBA lender.

Crapps earned a bachelor’s in economics from Clemson University and an MBA from the University of South Carolina. He is a graduate of the Louisiana State University Banking School of the South.

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September 20 - October 3, 2021

POWER LIST

DAVID E. ANDERSON

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avid E. Anderson, president and CEO of Anderson Brothers Bank in Mullins since 1993, leads by example — in his bank, in the Pee Dee, and in the state’s banking industry. Having been in banking since 1981, his career illustrates the advantages of, and need for, the local hometown bank. This was especially exemplified by his innovative leadership with the federal Paycheck Protection Program during the pandemic. By encouraging staff and loan officers to actively seek local area businesses that were unable to get answers or assistance in applying for these loans with their own financial institutions, Anderson’s approach resulted in many business being able to operate successfully during a time when many others were shutting down.

“We originated more than $92 million in Phase I and more than $45 million in Phase II loans,” Anderson said. “This obviously kept local retailers from having to lay off any staff and helped sustain the economy until they could begin operating fully.”

Midyear 2021 S.C. Bank Performance Report showed Anderson Brothers Bank as No. 1 for Return On Equity and No. 1 in Net Interest Income.

Anderson says his philosophy is to hire the best in a field and then empower them to use their talents without interference. Or, to quote his grandfather, bank founder E.L. Anderson, “The secret to success is to hire proper management and keep them.”

Anderson is a 1979 graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he earned his Bachelor of Finance and Economics. He attended the S.C. Bankers School in1983; Graduate School of Banking of the South in 1986 and College for Financial Planning in 1986.

He served as vice president of Anderson Brothers Bank from 1981 to 1993 and has served as president and CEO from 1993 to present. He has been director of Anderson Brothers Bank since 1981 and served as director of Anderson State Bank from 1986 to 2000, when it merged with Anderson Brothers Bank.

RE ACHING YOUR BANKER SHOULDN’ T BE A RE ACH. We know what it’s like to put heart and soul into the success of your venture. That’s why we focus on partnering with local business owners and professionals. And being a true partner means unrivaled accessibility and sophisticated financial solutions delivered with a customer-first attitude.

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POWER LIST

September 20 - October 3, 2021

SHARON W. BRYANT

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ith more than 30 years of banking, fiduciary and investment services experience, Sharon W. Bryant is First Citizens Bank’s S.C. Regional Executive Vice President, responsible for retail, business and commercial banking in South Carolina, Northeast Georgia, Augusta and Savannah.

Bryant first joined the company in 1999 as executive vice president and director of human resources. She served as executive vice president and division executive from 2001-2010. In 2010, she assumed the dual roles of regional executive vice president for Central South Carolina and director of the Bank’s Wealth Advisory Group — a division with more than $2.7 billion in assets under management — while continuing to serve as president of First Citizens Securities. In 2012, she was named South Carolina banking executive prior to being named South Carolina regional executive vice president in 2014.

Bryant also has served in many leadership roles outside of banking. Currently, she chairs the Central Carolina Community Foundation, is vice chair of City Center Partnership and serves on the boards of the Palmetto Business Forum, Business Development Corp., Riverbanks Society, S.C. State Museum Commission and the Palmetto Club. Past service includes the boards of Home Works, Midlands Business Leadership Group, Greater Columbia and S.C. State Chambers of Commerce, S.C. Bankers Association, S.C. Arts Foundation, Midlands Technical College Foundation and S.C. Student Loan Corporation, to name a few.

Bryant earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of the South at Sewanee and is a licensed securities representative and principal. She is a recipient of the Girl Scouts of America’s Women of Distinction award, the YWCA’s Tribute to Women in Industry award, a winner of the Chamber of Commerce’s Athena award, a 1995 graduate of Leadership Columbia, a founding member of Women in Philanthropy. Bryant is also a Junior League sustainer, a recipient of First Citizens Chairman’s Circle Award and the Junior League of the Midlands Lifetime Achievement Award and, most recently, a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto.

firstcitizens.com

Forever strong. Forever First. ®

Choose a bank you can count on to help you look after your money. And your future.

There’s one essential rule about banking: Money needs to be protected, nurtured and grown. Because looking after your money is looking after your future. At First Citizens Bank, we believe in creating smart, steady and stable growth. For our company. And for the customers who count on us to stay by their side through the years – and generations – to come. First Citizens Bank. Forever First.

Member FDIC

September 20 - October 3, 2021

Congratulations to Senior Vice President and Marketing Director, Eric Wall for being named to SC Biz’s financial services Power List, recognizing the most influential bankers throughout South Carolina.

Eric’s commitment to the Bank of Travelers Rest family and his community is second to none. Congrats, Eric. Well deserved!

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POWER LIST

September 20 - October 3, 2021

ERIC WALL

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ric Wall’s approach to marketing is a blend of creative thinking backed by strong analytical data. He keeps a finger on the pulse of the community and works to match the right ideas to help further connect the bank to the customer, the customer to the community and the community to the bank.

Wall is a banker known for his ability to connect organizations within the community and for his focus on ensuring those in the financial services industry operate as good neighbors within their communities. Whether it’s connecting nonprofits with mutually beneficial relationships or helping fellow bankers invest their passion and skill in civic groups, Wall is constantly working to forge partnerships.

Nowhere can his work be better seen than in his careerlong commitment to Mental Health America. Through meager years, he solicited financial support to ensure the agency could continue to meet the needs of its clients, many of whom have chronic mental health issues. He is a champion for the organization, specifically for its work to provide housing, financial assistance and representation for some of the community’s most vulnerable populations. Wall describes his efforts as, “Whether you find yourself needing situational mental support or living with a debilitating mental illness, you deserve an ear to listen and an agency that meets you where you need us.”

Wall has earned a variety of certifications, including Certified Credit Union Executive, an intensive three-year program.

He also has completed ABA’s Bank Marketing School and is preparing to test to become a Certified Financial Marketing

K. WAYNE WICKER

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Professional.

Wall strives to increase financial literacy within the community, including in schools, community groups and at local events. His efforts put a face on the Bank of Travelers Rest brand, and he has a can-do attitude that is summarized by one of his favorite sayings: “I may not have the answer, but I’ll stick with you until we both get what you need.”

. Wayne Wicker serves as chairman of the board and CEO of South Atlantic Bancshares Inc., and South Atlantic Bank. He is a veteran banker with more than 30 years of experience in Myrtle Beach and other South Carolina markets.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from The Citadel and has completed The Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University and the S.C. Bankers School at the University of South Carolina.

Wicker serves on a variety of state and local boards, including his recent election as chairman of the S.C. Bankers Association. In 2018, he was appointed by the governor to serve as a board member of the S.C. Board of Financial Institutions. He currently serves on the membership committee of the American Bankers Association.

In addition to his professional service, Wicker devotes his time and expertise to a number of state and local civic organizations. He serves on the boards of the S.C. Young Bankers Association, the Myrtle Beach Area and North Myrtle Beach Chambers of Commerce, and is a member of the City of Myrtle Beach Recreation Advisory Committee.

Wicker is a Gulf War veteran and member of the S.C. Air National Guard.

September 20 - October 3, 2021

POWER LIST

MARY D. GARCIA

DAVID LOMINACK

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Pinnacle Financial Partners banker with more than 35 years of experience in the Charleston market, Mary Garcia’s responsibility as regional president of Pinnacle Financial Partners is to strategically grow the firm and brand in the South Carolina Coastal market. Her career began in 1986 as a commercial bankerwith First Federal of S.C. In 1994, she went to work for SouthTrust Bank as a Commercial Banking Team Leader, followed

by CresCom Bank, where she served as senior lender. Garcia joined Pinnacle (BNC Bancorp.) in 2012 as city executive for the Charleston Market and became S.C. Coastal Market regional president in May 2019.

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TD Bank

urrently TD Bank South Carolina Market President David Lominack earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Presbyterian College and is a graduate of the Stonier National Graduate School of Banking and the American Bankers Association’s Commercial Lending School. With more than 24 years of banking experience, he has served in a number of roles, including branch manager, commercial loan officer, private banking and regional retail banking executive. Lominack became market president for the Upstate and Midlands regions in 2011 with the acquisition of Carolina First by TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®.

SCOTT WOODS

S.C. Federal Credit Union

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cott Woods is the president and CEO of S.C. Federal Credit Union and has been in this role since 2004. Previously, Woods was S.C. Federal’s CFO. Throughout his career, he has served as CFO of SRP Federal Credit Union, CFO of S.C. Telco Federal Credit Union and as a senior financial institution auditor with KPMG CPAs. Woods received a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Charleston and an MBA in finance from Auburn University. He is a graduate of the Southeast Regional Credit Union Management School and the Credit Union National Association Financial Management School. Woods holds certificates as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor and Chartered Global Management Accountant.

ART SEAVER Southern First

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1986 graduate of Clemson University with a degree in financial management, Art Seaver’s career started with C&S Bank in 1986 and also included an executive role with Greenville National Bank. Seaver started Southern First Bank in 2000 by raising $11.5 million in initial capital. Today, the $2.7 billion bank operates in eight Southeastern markets with a market capitalization of more than $400 million. The company ranks in the top 10 of all banks in the country in terms of valuation appreciation (increase) over the past 10 years. Seaver serves on the Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and the Phillis Wheatley Community Center in Greenville. He is a past member of the board of the St. Francis Foundation, past board chair for the S.C. Bankers Association and the past chair of the United Way of Greenville County Board of Trustees.

He also has worked with many community organizations.

CONGRATULATIONS,

SCOTT WOODS 2021 POWER LIST HONOREE

SC Biz News has confirmed what we’ve known since the early 2000s — Scott Woods tops the list of influential leaders in banking and finance.

Under Scott’s leadership, South Carolina Federal Credit Union has grown to more than 165,000 members, exceeded $2.3 billion in assets, moved into three new markets, and so much more. He is passionate about helping people achieve financial wellness and bringing the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” to life.

scfederal.org

Insured by NCUA

Scott Woods President & CEO

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THOMAS BOUCHETTE The Citizens Bank

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h o m a s Bouchette is president and COO for The Citizens Bank in Florence, a role he assumed in 2019 after serving as executive vice president and chief banking officer since 2015. During his 35-year career, he has risen from a lending officer with Pee Dee Farm Credit Bank, to various roles with SCN/Wachovia and The Citizens Bank.

In 2000, Bouchette led the creation of SunBank and Sun Bancshares in Murrells Inlet, where he served as president and CEO, and director until 2005, when the bank was sold to SCBT. He then became regional president and executive vice president for SCBT from 2005 to 2010, and S.C. president and executive vice president for BNC Bank from 2010 to 2015.

September 20 - October 3, 2021

POWER LIST LYNN HARTON

United Community Bank

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ynn Harton earned a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and began his career at BB&T, serving in various roles as the company expanded across the Southeast. Following 20 years there, Harton held various C-level roles at Union Planters in Memphis, Tenn., Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., TSFG in Greenville, and TD Bank in Cherry Hill, N.J. He joined United Community Banks in 2012 and has helped the company expand from 105 locations and $6.8 billion in assets to 160 locations with $17.8 billion in assets at the end of 2020 (pro-forma $22.5 billion in assets with pending acquisitions). The company’s performance has improved significantly, and United has been named to Forbes list of America’s Best Performing 100 Banks for eight consecutive years.

LEONARD “LEN” HUTCHISON III JAMES R. FOWLER JR. FNB

Countybank

eonard “Len” Hutchison III joined FNB in 2019, bringing with him nearly 40 years of financial services experience serving consumers, businesses and communities in the Charleston area and South Carolina. Hutchison leads the development and execution of FNB’s Corporate Banking strategy throughout its markets in South Carolina. He also oversees the integration of FNB’s cross-functional business model in the region. A lifelong resident of South Carolina, Hutchison received a Bachelor of Science in industrial management from Clemson University and an MBA from The Citadel.

urrently executive vice p r e s i d e nt , director of commercial banking and strategic initiatives for Countybank, James Fowler Jr. has served in a variety of important roles in banking and in the community, serving as president, president-elect, treasurer and member of legislative committee of the Independent Bankers of South Carolina. A graduate of Wofford College with a Bachelor of Arts in economics, he attended the North Carolina School of Banking at UNC Chapel Hill and the Campbell University Trust and Investment School. He holds a Wealth Management Specialist Certification and is a S.C. Licensed Insurance Agent. His leadership has resulted in increased and improved community development, stakeholder opportunities, and educational pathways that promote community and economic development.

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Expand?

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Diversify?

Business is Our Middle Name!

Business Loans www.thecitizensbank.cc mobile app: TCB 2 GO

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Solid Traditions. Smart Solutions.

September 20 - October 3, 2021

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#1 in Customer Satisfaction

+ #1 in Trust =

#1 in Customer Satisfaction with Consumer Banking in the Southeast, 7 out of the last 8 years, and Most Trusted Consumer Bank Learn more at ucbi.com/why-united

Award-winning service starts at the top.

Congratulations to our Chairman and CEO, Lynn Harton, for being recognized as one of the 30 most influential bankers in South Carolina.

Member FDIC. © United Community Bank 2021.

For J.D. Power 2021 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards

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JUSTIN HAWKINS Wells Fargo Bank

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ustin Hawkins is the region bank president leading Wells Fargo consumer banking operations across South Carolina. Through his role, he leads a team of 870 employees in 94 bank branches.

Wells Fargo Bank holds the No. 1 market share position in South Carolina at $19.5 billion. An 18-year company veteran, Hawkins previously served as the area president of the Upstate market, and prior to that role, he held multiple leadership positions within Wells Fargo, including financial center manager, service leader, district manager and regional sales and marketing manager for South Carolina, supporting both consumer and business banking.

POWER LIST NICHOLAS WODOGAZA

Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

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ith 40 years in the forefront of the South Carolina credit union movement, Nicholas Wodogaza now serves as president and CEO of Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union.

He has helped develop the organization from a $100 million Columbia Teachers Credit Union to a $1.2 billion credit union serving more than 100,000 consumers in 14 offices throughout Columbia. He is the current vice chairman of the Carolinas Credit Union League Board of Directors. Wodogaza also serves on the Advisory Panel for Credit Union Brokerage Services of Cuna Mutual Group. A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in accounting and finance, he is a Certified League Executive and a Credit Union National Association Credit Union Development Educator.

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September 20 - October 3, 2021

JAMES A. BENNETT First Citizens

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ames Bennett is currently Firs Citizens Bank’s Mid-South Area Executive, which serves the Columbia, Camden, Aiken and Augusta markets. In his 37-year career, the last 27 of which have been with First Citizens, Bennett has served in a number of important roles in the banking industry and the greater community.

Named Young Banker of the Year by the S.C. Banker’s Association in 1998, he has also served that organization as a board member and as chairman. He serves on the board of a variety of organizations, including Prisma Health, Claflin College, Dominion Energy, Midlands Business Leadership Group and Columbia Urban League, to name a few. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and a graduate of the S.C. Banking School.

KIM WILKERSON Bank of America

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im Wilkerson is South Carolina president for Bank of America and South Carolina Market executive for Bank of America Private Bank, serving as the bank’s enterprise leader and providing business, civic and philanthropic leadership across the state.

Her many community leadership roles include Palmetto Business Forum, Leadership SC Advisory Board and the Federal Legislative Committee of the S.C. Bankers Association. She is the first woman to serve as chair for Clemson University’s board of trustees and is the first woman to be named a lifetime trustee. She is the incoming chair of the S.C. Chamber of Commerce, a past chair of the Columbia Chamber and is a member of Women in Philanthropy. A 1979 graduate of Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in financial management, she has a Six Sigma Greenbelt and is a NASD Registered Principal with Series 7, 24, 63 and 65 securities licenses.

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Congratulations A vibrant community depends on its members. Bank of America recognizes the 2021 Power Players in Banking, including South Carolina President Kim Wilkerson. Thank you SC Biz News for honoring Kim as one of the 30 most influential bankers in South Carolina.

Visit us at bankofamerica.com/local.

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POWER LIST FRED L. GREEN

MIKE BRENAN

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S.C. Bankers Association

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September 20 - October 3, 2021

red Green has served as president and CEO of the S.C. Bankers Association since 2012.

Prior to joining SCBA, he enjoyed a 33-year career within the South Carolina banking industry, starting with a role at Citizens & Southern National Bank. In 1991, Green joined the National Bank of South Carolina as executive vice president, and while there, he later became president, CEO and chairman. In 2003, after NBSC was acquired by Synovus, he moved to Georgia to serve as president, COO and vice chairman for the fivestate bank holding company. Green, now a Columbia resident, previously held the role of director of the Federal Reserve Bank and served on its Federal Advisory Council for the 5th and 6th District Banks.

Truist Financial Corp. hen he f i r s t entered the banking industry in 1975, Mike Brenan started out as a management trainee. In 1988, he became president and CEO of Bank One, Portsmouth. Six years later, he was named chairman, president and CEO of MainStreet Financial Corp. In 1998, BB&T Corp. acquired MainStreet and Brenan has served as regional president in South Carolina since 1999.

He was later named regional president for the S.C. region of Truist Financial Corp. in 2019. In almost five decades of banking, Brenan has led teams through several mergers, including the most recent BB&T and SunTrust merger, creating Truist, the sixth largest bank in the U.S.. He has served with many community organizations and is currently the Governor’s appointee to the S.C. State Board of Education.

C.W. “CHUCK” GARNETT Synovus

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huck Garnett joined NBSC in 1993 as vice president, senior commercial lender.

Following Synovus’ acquisition of NBSC in 1995, he was promoted to senior vice president and upstate regional executive.

This role this was expanded to multi-region executive. In 2003, Garnett was promoted to president and CEO of NBSC until the bank rebranded to Synovus in 2018. He currently serves as S.C. Division CEO. Prior to joining NBSC/Synovus, Garnett held various management positions with C&S National Bank of South Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from University of South Carolina and an MBA from the University of Puget Sound. He is a graduate of the Louisiana State University School of Banking. Garnett has served with many organizations and is currently chairman of the USC Business Partnership Foundation. He is on the boards of the Midlands Business Leadership Group and SC Economics, and is a member of the Palmetto Business Forum.

Chuck Garnett Division CEO

Congratulations!

We applaud Chuck Garnett for being named as one of the Power Players in the Banking Industry for 2021. Being recognized as one of the 30 most influential bankers in South Carolina is quite an honor, but it comes as little surprise to those who know him. His professional accomplishments are certainly worthy of recognition, and we’re proud to have Chuck as part of our Synovus team.

1-888-SYNOVUS | synovus.com Synovus Bank, Member FDIC.