PALMETTO Banker WICKER
Fall Issue 2021 SOUTH BANKERSCAROLINAASSOCIATION
South Atlantic Bank / 2021-2022 SCBA Chairman
WAYNE
Past
SCBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Group III Director Richard D. Burleson Community First Bank Seneca, SC
Immediate Past Chairman James A. Bennett First Citizens Bank Columbia, SC Immediate SamuelChairmanL.Erwin Greenville,HorizonSC
Group II Director Dominik Mjartan Optus Columbia,BankSC
Group IV Director C. Justin Hawkins Wells Greenville,FargoSC
K.ChairmanWayne Wicker South Atlantic Bank Myrtle Beach, SC
Group VI Director Robert F. Dozier, Jr. First Reliance Bank Columbia, SC
Group V Director Samuel R. Small, Jr. First Palmetto Bank Columbia, SC
First BoydVice-ChairmanB.Jones Columbia,Synovus SC
Group I Director H. Richard Sturm Ameris Bank Mt. Pleasant, SC
2021-2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President & CEO Fred L. Green III South Columbia,BankersCarolinaAssociationSC
Community Bankers Council, Chairman Curtis T. Evatt Oconee Seneca,SavingsFederal&LoanSC
Bankers School, MarvinChair E. Robinson, Jr. Ameris Columbia,BankSC
Young Bankers, DavidChair P. Looper Wells Columbia,FargoSC ThomasMember-at-LargeBouchette The Citizens Bank Florence, SC ReneeMember-at-LargeBrooks South State Bank Columbia, SC J.Member-at-LargeHoltChetwood First Citizens Bank Columbia, SC M.J.Member-at-LargeHugginsIII United Charleston,BankSC JohnMember-at-LargeD.Kimberly Park National Bank Spartanburg, SC C.Member-at-LargeKyleThomas Blue Ridge Bank Walhalla, SC
JenniferTreasurerT. Jones CBL State Savings Bank Greer, SC
First
SCBA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2nd
FleetwoodChairman-ElectS.Hassell The Bank of South Charleston,Carolina SC
M. Brice Sprayberry III, United Community Bank
Senior Vice President & Counsel A. O’Neil Rashley, Jr., Esq. Accounting Officer Israel Reeves Administrative Assistant Bonnie E. Nelson
David P. Looper, Wells Fargo Dominik Mjartan, Optus Bank
Items from members are welcome, however the editor reserves the right to refuse copy. With the exception of official announcements, the SCBA disclaims responsibility for opinions expressed and statements made in articles published in the Palmetto Banker.
Robert P. Hucks II, Coastal Carolina National Bank
Lauren D. Greene, First Citizens Bank Daniel Harshaw, Bank of York
Chairman K. Wayne Wicker, South Atlantic Bank Chairman-Elect
Calvin C. Hurst, Southern First Bank John M. Leighton, South State Bank
Chair David P. Looper, Wells Fargo Chair-Elect Rufus T. Dunlap V, Countybank
2021-22 SCBA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jared A. Polk, Enterprise Bank of SC Charles H. Redmond, South State Bank Lincoln R. Stewart, Countybank
Chair Marvin E. Robinson, Jr., Ameris Bank Chair-Elect Richard N. Burch, South Atlantic Bank Immediate Past Chair Annette L. Scott, Countybank
Fred L. Green III, South Carolina Bankers Association
SCBA Staff
Curtis T. Evatt, Oconee Federal Savings & Loan C. Justin Hawkins, Wells Fargo M.J. Huggins III, United Bank
2009 Park Street I PO Box 1483 Columbia, S.C., 29202-1483 803.779.0850 I Fax: 803.779.0890 www.scbankers.org
Austin J. Goforth, First Palmetto Bank
2021-22 SCBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marion E. Freeman, Jr., The Conway National Bank Joseph Kassim, First Capital Bank Brooks Melton, Beacon Community Bank
J. B. Schwiers, GrandSouth Bank
Chairman Curtis T. Evatt, Oconee Federal Savings & Loan Chairman-Elect
Joseph A. Painter, First Community Bank
2021-22 COMMUNITY BANKERS DIVISION BOARD
Samuel L. Erwin, First Horizon President & CEO
John D. Kimberly, Park National Bank
The Palmetto Banker is a publication of the South Carolina Bankers Association. The magazine exists to serve its members by communicating news of interest, education and SCBA activities.
Samuel R. Small, Jr., First Palmetto Bank H. Richard Sturm, Ameris Bank C. Kyle Thomas, Blue Ridge Bank
Senior Vice President E. Anne Gillespie
Vaughan R. Dozier, Jr., First Community Bank Margi M. Fleming, The Citizens Bank
Marvin E. Robinson, Jr., Ameris Bank
Fleetwood S. Hassell, The Bank of South Carolina First Vice Chairman Boyd B. Jones, Synovus Treasurer Jennifer T. Jones, CBL State Savings Bank Immediate Past Chairman James A. Bennett, First Citizens Bank
Directors Thomas Bouchette, The Citizens Bank Renee Brooks, South State Bank
Course Coordinators James R. Clarkson John C. Griggs III, Synovus W. David Keller, The Citizens Bank Francis A. Townsend III, South State Bank
Joseph H. Hyman, The Conway National Bank Othniel W. Laffitte, GrandSouth Bank Everette J. Livingston, First Citizens Bank S. Alexis Matthews, The Peoples Bank
First Vice Chairman B. Oneal Staples, Ameris Bank Immediate Past Chair Allison B. Cranford, TD Bank, N.A.
Robert F. Dozier, Jr., First Reliance Bank
Second Immediate Past Chairman
Directors Dominik Mjartan, Optus Bank
Allan Bryan Carter, Kingstree Federal Savings & Loan
2021-22 BANKERS SCHOOL BOARD
Directors Thomas C. Anderson, Jr., First Palmetto Bank
Directors Reid Boehm, Synovus Michelle A. Coletta, South Atlantic Bank
President & CEO ............................Fred L. Green III
Senior Vice President Carolyn L. Bradley
Contents58131420283132343639PastChairman’sMessageCoverStoryABAUpdateAnnualMeeting&TradeShowYoungBankersDivisionPalmettoScholarshipWinnersSouthCarolinaBankersSchoolEducation&ProfessionalWelcomeNewMembersPersonalTransactionsBankingNewsDevelopment
Richard D. Burleson, Community First Bank J. Holt Chetwood, First Citizens Bank
Michelle B. Seaver, United Community Bank J. Reeves Skeen, First Citizens Bank Robert L. White, Bank of Travelers Rest Mze Wilkins
2021-22 YOUNG BANKERS DIVISION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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to taking over as chairman in July 2020, came up with the idea of having SCBA members join together on conference calls to get updates. Some calls had more than 200 bankers listening in.
The resulting social upheaval prompted corporate America, including many banks, to examine social issues more closely.
Bennett, an area executive for First Citizens Bank, said as 2020 began he thought he would be heading the SCBA during a “typical” year, with four quarterly meetings and the annual “Butconvention.itturned
At home, the pandemic brought SCBA members closer together, despite the Association being unable to hold its 2020 annual convention or quarterly meetings during Bennet’s tenure as Bennett,chairman.prior
“James had an unusual year to serve due to Covid, and he did a great job,” said incoming SCBA Chairman Wayne Wicker, chairman and chief executive officer of South Atlantic Bancshares and subsidiary South Atlantic Bank.
a Y ear of C hange BENNETT PONDERS PrideWITH
out to be anything but typical. We had to chart new waters,” he said.
Bennett, the first African-American to chair the SCBA, led the organization during the Covid-19 pandemic amid an increased focus nationwide on social issues. He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
James A. Bennett, Past Chairman South Carolina Bankers Association
“Corporate America not only put their money where its mouth was, they put policies and procedures in place, as well,” Bennett
“We were working in a pandemic, but never before did the South Carolina Bankers Association have so much interaction with members, even though we couldn’t meet in person,” he said.
“Some folks said it was a shame that I’d gotten to the point in my career of being the chairperson for the Bankers Association only to have it occur during a pandemic,” he said. “But I think it was almost divine intervention that it happened when it did.”
FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER 5 P ast C hairman ’ s m essage
James Bennett says there was no better time for him to be chairman of the South Carolina Bankers Association than the year ended June 30.
“If there had not been a pandemic, we would not have had a focus on social justice. Had we not been in a pandemic, America would not have been at home watching what happened to George Floyd,” said Bennett, the only African-American state banking association chairman in the nation during the past year and one of just a handful in the history of the industry.
said. “It has to come from the top if it’s going to mean anything. When you hear the chairmen and CEOs of corporations say they want their workforces to be reflective of the communities we serve it carries a lot of weight.”
Bennett is proud that his term as chairman occurred at a time when the nation took a closer look at social justice, prompted by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in spring 2020, beginning shortly before Bennett took over as chairman.
“Black people think about race every day, When I enter a room, I look around to see who looks like me,” Bennett said last year. “… we’re at a place in our history where we need white people of good will to think about race every day.
Within the industry, Bennett said he’s seen positive changes such as reinstating internship and training programs to help banks increase diversity.
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“The reason you need to think about race is to avoid the unintended consequences,” he added.
Part of the problem stems from the significant number of mergers and acquisitions that have taken place in South Carolina over the past few decades. So many banks were bought, and with that, many capable individuals were let go from acquired companies as integration took place. That meant there was no shortage of good bankers for hire, Bennett said.
“Whenrespond.Igot
“We’ve had relatively good diversity in banking’s lower levels, among tellers and CSRs, but within management, especially senior management, there remains work to be done,” he said.
“It’s better; we’re not there yet, but it continues to be a journey,” he said. “We have to continue to work together and talk with one Socialanother.”change
“The need to cultivate minorities in leadership roles wasn’t there because there were plenty of talented bankers already available,” he said. “Now banks are again recognizing the need to embrace diversity throughout their entire organizations.”
Bennett pointed to the change that’s taken place in society over the past year and a half. He said there have been tangible results in bringing about a shift in how individuals view social issues.
“I have been learning from others my entire life,” SCBA President and CEO Fred Green said. “A close relationship and frequent personal conversations with James has taught me so much about differences in perception and sensitivities that we all need to think about.”
“James is certainly a tough act to follow; he’s a great banker and man,” Wicker said. “We have a good relationship, and we regularly talk or text. I’m sure I will lean on him for advice, and I know he’s willing to help.”
That assistance will likely come in handy as Covid-19 is expected to impact South Carolina and the nation into 2022. Total Covid-19 deaths in South Carolina are projected to exceed 13,000 by Dec. 1, according to the Seattle-headquartered Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. That figure represents an increase of more than 2,000 from mid-September.
happens, Bennet said, when blacks and whites better understand the role race plays.
Bennett has spent 27 years with First Citizens. He began his career with Bankers Trust of South Carolina and has also worked for Republic National Bank and South Carolina Community Bank.
“Look at the changes we’ve seen in technology with online banking and mobile platforms,” he added. “Right now one of our challenges is trying to create a continued purpose for our branches as more and more consumers embrace online banking. How do we make our branches relevant in today’s environment?”
Even with all that was going on over the past year, the annual convention, held in early June, was the high point of Bennett’s term.
Over the past 18 months, there have been more than 800,000 Covid cases in South Carolina. A survey of state businesses by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce in August showed nearly 40 percent reporting that the rise in Covid-19 cases has already negatively impacted their operations, and three of four are either concerned or very concerned that the Delta variant of Covid-19 will impact their business negatively.
“As bankers we compete against one another every day, but when we come together, it’s not about competition, it’s about comradery,” he said. “I have served in a leadership role for a number of entities but there is no greater honor than to be recognized by your peers to lead your industry’s organization.”
B ennett P onders a Y ear of C hange with P ride (continued)
Continuing Impact of Pandemic
into banking, the business was about loans and deposits, but now there’s a more holistic approach,” he said. “We’re not just banks, we’re financial services organizations.”
“I’ve been in banking for 37 years and there has been continuous change during that time,” he said.
Bennett, however, is confident South Carolina banks will adapt to the changing environment.
Increased difficulties for business, of course, can mean increased difficulties for financial services institutions.
He emphasized the metamorphosis the industry has undergone over the past few decades and is confident that bankers will
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Wicker was a fulltime banker serving in the S.C. Air National Guard in the late 1980s and early ‘90s. His six-year enlistment term was nearing its end when fate intervened.
C over s tory
“My term was going to be up in 1991, and I was ready to get out,” he said. “And wouldn’t you know it, we were activated in December 1990.”
WAYNE WICKER: Planning to Lead SCBA with Focus and Perspective
Military service helped Wayne Wicker gain focus and perspective, two characteristics that have served him well during his banking career.
Wicker’s Air National Guard unit was one of many sent overseas to take part in the Gulf War, which began in January 1991 in response to Iraq’s 1990 invasion and annexation of Kuwait. Wicker was sent to Saudi Arabia, where he handled
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On the Move
Today, Wicker, 57, is chairman and CEO of South Atlantic Bank, Plyler is president and Burch is EVP, chief financial officer and chief operations officer. Wicker also serves as chairman and CEO of parent company South Atlantic Bancshares.
“I went over there as a high-strung guy in my late 20s and being over there really changed my outlook on life,” he said. “I realized that nothing is promised to us in terms of how long we’ll live. I learned to appreciate life a lot more.”
When Anchor was acquired by The South Financial Group, parent of Carolina First Bank, Wicker turned down an offer to stay onboard, instead moving to Nexity Bank as the institution’s correspondent banker for the Carolinas.
Wicker, the 2021-22 chairman of the South Carolina Bankers Association, started his career with a large institution, C&S Bank in Myrtle Beach, before moving to a smaller operation, Little River’s 1st Atlantic Bank.
my time with Nexity I learned a lot about how to run a bank, using the knowledge I’d gained from dealing with so many different banks,” he said.
Wicker said South Atlantic was unusual in that he and the other bankers he was working with to start South Atlantic got together and picked the institution’s directors. Often, directors of a bank in formation will join together first, then pick a CEO to lead the nascent bank.
“I wanted to try the community banking world and it turned me into a community banker for life,” he said. “Once I joined 1st Atlantic, I knew community banking was it for me.”
Wicker returned and went back to banking. But he was more focused on being the best community banker he could, which included working closely with small businesses and residents along the Grand Strand.
By 2007, he was ready to strike out on his “Duringown.
“We saw a need for a new community bank in the area and we were able to put a pretty good team together from other banks,” Wicker said.
flight operations for F-16 fighter jets for four months.
Wicker and fellow Myrtle Beach area bankers Scott Plyler and Dick Burch held their first organizational meeting in March 2007. They were able to raise $28 million in just 90 days. The bank opened its doors before the end of the year.
Wicker sensed an opportunity in early 2007. In late 2006 BB&T announced it would acquire Myrtle Beach-based Coastal Federal Bank, In addition, Carolina First, which had a large presence on the Grand Strand, and Beach First National Bank of Myrtle Beach were struggling, as the effects of Great Recession began to be felt.
“Whentogether.I
joined the SCBA 10 years ago, I got to know Wayne, his wife Mary and son Wilson on a more personal basis,” Green added. “I’m proud of our friendship and the very successful bank he’s built.”
In less than 14 years South Atlantic has grown from a startup with a handful of employees to one of the largest state-based banks. South Atlantic has 155 employees, nearly $1.2 billion in assets and 11 offices along the South Carolina coast, from North Myrtle Beach through Georgetown and Charleston to Hilton Head Island.
His career took off after his move to community banking. Wicker began as a commercial loan officer with 1st Atlantic, then moved to Anchor Bank once Anchor acquired 1st Atlantic. Wicker would spend 14 years with Anchor, eventually running the institution’s North Coast market.
“I’ve known Wayne since he started his career as we were both with C&S,” said SCBA President and CEO Fred Green. “Later, when he joined Nexity, he called on my bank and we began doing business
“I’m hoping we’re not heading back to where we were last year regarding the
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Helping customers and the community was evident last year, when South Atlantic processed more than 1,500 Paycheck Protection Program loans, as his bank was operating around the clock for three weeks.
He follows James Bennett as SCBA chairman and, like Bennett, is having to contend with the problems connected with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Wicker has plenty to keep track of in addition to running South Atlantic.
Wicker said his secret to success is being a good listener.
Having bankers be able to join together at the 2021 Annual Convention was important, Wicker said.
He added that many challenges lie ahead, particularly those connected with Covid and regulatory issues such as the expansion of large credit unions in the state.
In addition to being SCBA chairman, he serves on the S.C. State Board of Financial Institutions and is a member of the membership committee of the American Bankers Association. He also serves as a board member and treasurer for The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, which supports his alma mater.
Wicker has been a banker for 35 years, yet he said he still thoroughly enjoys the “Bankingbusiness.has
certainly changed, but I still think it is all about your customers and communities,” he said. “Our employees probably get tired of hearing it, but I like to say it’s blocking and tackling – don’t make it too difficult and be the best at it.
Wayne Wicker: Planning to lead SCBA with Focus and Perspective (continued)
“Some of my favorite memories are of the people and businesses I’ve been able to help over the years, Wicker added. “To watch them grow and be successful is very rewarding.”
“He brings a level of professionalism to his role as you would expect with a bank CEO, but he is also funny, warm and engaging,” Erwin added. “When you put all this together, it is no surprise Wayne has enjoyed the success he has over many years of banking in South Carolina.”
“I know some bankers who tell you what they want you to do. That turns me off and it turns customers off. For me, it’s been important to listen and find a good way to bank someone,” he said. “I feel like I’ve been successful because I have a true desire to help people and communities.”
Wicker first became involved with the SCBA through the Young Bankers Division, attending conferences and seminars put on by the Association. While with Nexity, he not only attended annual conventions for the SCBA and the North Carolina Bankers Association, but had his institution, which procured loans generated by correspondent lending and participation lending, serve as a sponsor.
“I want to continue to make sure we engage with each other,” he said. “And while it’s easy to say as chairman you want to visit with every bank member in the state, it is actually a tough task.”
“When I think of Wayne as a banker and person, his success in building South Atlantic Bank says it all,” said longtime banker and former SCBA Chairman Sam Erwin. “He is the consummate community banker, having built a strong community bank from scratch with a starting point just before the Great Recession. That in and of itself is a testament to his leadership and banking acumen.
pandemic,” Wicker said. “If that happens, though, the SCBA is going to have to adjust on the fly, whether it’s holding weekly or bi-weekly meetings over the phone. Those calls really helped, and it didn’t matter if you were a $59 million bank or $2 billion bank.
Wicker has held group meetings for bankers in Columbia and Greenville. The final group meeting will be held in Charleston on December 9.
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It’s the message a CEO never wants to receive: “We’ve got your data and you need to pay up if you want it back.”
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Given the potential operational and reputational consequences of these types of cyberattacks, banks need to have a plan in advance for how they’ll respond. There are a number of factors to consider.
Ransomware Attacks Offer an Unsavory Choice TO PAY OR NOT TO PAY:
Unfortunately, that message is landing in CEO inboxes increasingly often, as ransomware attacks ramp up in the U.S. In just the first six months of 2021, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network identified $590 million in ransomwarerelated Suspicious Activity Reports—a 42% increase from the 2020 total of $416 million. And FinCEN reports that we could be on track to see a higher transaction value for ransomware-related SARs than we’ve seen in the past 10 years
They’ve also begun branching out into “extortionware,” in which the hacker not only encrypts sensitive data, but then goes the extra step and threaten to publicly release it unless the institution complies with their demands.
On the other hand, there are also a number of good reasons not to pay a ransom. There are the societal costs to consider—paying the ransom could
Either way, the first time you think about ransomware attacks and how to handle them should not be after your bank has fallen victim to one. To that end, ABA in October released a new Ransomware Toolkit, which provides helpful guides for protecting your bank against ransomware attacks, responding in the event of an attack and determining whether to pay a ransom. Download the toolkit at aba.com/ransomware
And even if a company’s ransom hacker unlocks all the encrypted data after the ransom is paid, the company will still need to take steps to clean that data and make sure that it can’t be easily re-encrypted.
Ransomwarecombined.attacks—which use malware to encrypt files on a computer or mobile device and render it unusable until a ransom is paid—present companies with an unsavory dilemma: pay a ransom to a criminal actor, or lose a potentially devastating amount of data, which could seriously compromise business operations.
Ransomware represents a serious threat to all businesses. But the good news is that the financial sector is ahead of the game when it comes to cybersecurity, given the rigorous regulatory framework banks adhere to. After all, as we found in a recent ABA/Morning Consult poll, consumers overwhelmingly trust banks the most to keep their personal information safe and secure.
First, while most companies do choose to pay—cyber insurer Marsh McLennan reports that more than 60% of ransomware victims pay the requested ransom—it’s not always a guarantee that the encrypted data will be fully restored. In fact, one survey of more than 5,000 IT decision-makers worldwide found that about half of those who did pay a ransom only recovered 65% of their compromised data. Twentynine percent said they only recouped about 50%.
Rob Nichols, President and CEO American Bankers Association nichols@aba.com
perpetuate attacks on other institutions or entice the hacker to hit you again for more money. Paying a ransom could also erode trust from customers and business partners, as payment could signal a lack of continuity planning and preparation.
By addressing the problem of ransomware head-on and taking prudent steps to prepare, we can help our industry maintain its reputation as the “gold standard” for data protection.
UaBaPdate
These kinds of attacks are evolving quickly in sophistication and scope, and virtually any business could be targeted at any time. What’s perhaps most concerning is that criminal actors are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure entities, as we saw in the Colonial Pipeline incident earlier this year that caused a shutdown of a major East Coast oil provider.
A Meaningful Time at the 2021 Annual Meeting
sCBa a nnUal C onvention
Over 300 bankers, associate members, family and friends enjoyed being together at the 2021 SCBA Annual Meeting. This year’s meeting, hosted by Chairman James Bennett, was held at the spectacular Cloister at Sea Island on June 6-9. After postponing the event in 2020 because of the pandemic everyone was so happy to spend time with old friends while making new ones.
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sCBa a nnUal C onvention
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Please mark your calendars now for next year’s meeting for June 16-19, 2022 at The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO. 2020 Outstanding Young BankerVaughn R. DozieR, JR. | FiRst Community Bank 2500 Woodcrest Place Birmingham, AL 35209 correspondentbanking@servisfirstbank.com855.881.0364MemberFDIC|EqualHousingLender Correspondent Banking Fed Funds Management Servis1st Access Online Settlement Services Credit / PCard Program Holding Company Loans Reg O Loans - Stock Loans Participation Loans De Novo & Escrow Services Tim CorrespondentFinney Sales Manager Vice President - South Carolina tfinney@servisfirstbank.com478.952.6497
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2021 Outstanding Young Banker
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2021 Annual Conference
MARCH 19-21, 2021
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The Young Bankers Annual Conference in 2020 was the last large in-person event held by the SCBA before the pandemic. The 2021 Annual Conference hosted by Young Bankers Chair Allison Cranford, was also the first large in-person event held by the SCBA as the rate of infection continued to drop. Although different from past conferences because of social distancing precautions everyone enjoyed each other’s company.
THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN, ASHEVILLE, NC
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2021 Annual Conference
B ankers
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Our annual Scholarship Golf Tournament was held on October 4th at the Columbia Country Club. Around 120 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day on the course and participated in this fundraiser for our Palmetto Scholarship program available to children of member bank Scholarshipemployees. Golf Tournament
Thanks to our sponsors: EAGLE SPONSOR Southern First Bank BIRDIE SPONSORS A/R HUBGrandSouthFitechFundingPaymentsBankInternational Southeast Pinnacle Financial Partners Travelers Insurance United Community Bank BEVERAGE CART SPONSORS ElliottCBSI Davis, LLC HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSOR United Bank PRIZE HOLE SPONSORS First Citizens PerformanceBankTrust Capital Partners, LLC Synovus HOLE SPONSORS Bank of America Bank of Clarendon Bankers Healthcare Group Burr & Forman LLP Business Development Corporation/ Certified Development Corporation Coastal Carolina National Bank EnterpriseDeloitte Bank of SC Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta First Community Bank First Palmetto Bank Oconee Federal Savings & Loan Park National Bank Sandhills Bank South Atlantic Bank The Bank of South Carolina The Peoples Bank Turner Padget Graham & Laney, PA Wells Fargo FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER 25 THE 2022 TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Congratulations to the winners: Charlie Mimms, Mimms Contracting LLC Manning Crapps, First Community Bank Mac Humphries, HUB International Vaughan Dozier, First Community Bank CLOSEST TO THE PIN: Vaughan Dozier, First Community Bank LONGEST DRIVE: Tony Carimi, Synovus
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almetto s CholarshiP w inners
DEDICATED COMMUNITY BANK
*Recipient of the CresCom Memorial Palmetto Scholarship
Jackson Ashley, child of Stephanie Ashley, Greenville Kate Black, child of Tony Black, Lexington Holly Granger, child of Jianwen Fan Granger, Charleston Andrew Hunt, employee of TD Bank, N.A., under Joseph Chad Radcliffe, Lexington Jacob Koenemann, child of Mary Koenemann, Greenville
Payton Barnhill, child of Tina Barnhill, Conway
Josh Coleman, child of Russell Coleman, Columbia Roger Hemingway, child of Cetra Hemingway, Conway Delta Pennington, child of Dori Pennington, Aiken Maddie Risinger, child of Gregory Risinger, Columbia FIRST COMMUNITY BANK
Wallace Townsend, child of Frank Townsend, Aiken Raven Walters, employee of South State Bank, under Katie Moore, Columbia Marissa Wheeler, employee of South State Bank, under Rebecca Overmier, Mount Pleasant SYNOVUS
Mabry Godbold, child of Joel Foster, Murrells Inlet THE PEOPLE’S BANK
Savannah Huskey, child of Annette Scott, Greenwood Nick Mumford, child of Dayle Mumford, Greenwood
Abby Good, child of Beverly Good, York CAROLINA BANK AND TRUST
Caroline Falcone, child of Brain Falcone, Florence COASTAL CAROLINA NATIONAL BANK
Harrison Wood, child of John Beale Wood Jr., Greenville MERRILL LYNCH
Gray Whitener, child of Tripp Whitener, Columbia
Kayla Thomas, child of Susane Bloomfield, Lexington Reet Verma, child of Rajesh Verma, Lexington
Jim Bunton III, child of James M Bunton Jr., Walterboro BANK OF YORK
Caroline Best, child of Marvin Best, Camden GRANDSOUTH BANK
Porter Kirven, child of Coleman Kirven, Anderson Jordan Whitfield, child of David Whitfield, Anderson
James Brighton, child of John Brighton, Hilton Head Island Bailey Cardone, child of Matthew Scott Cardone, KaylinGreenvilleLeCroy, child of Christopher LeCroy, Clemson Wesley Munn, child of Mark Munn, Charleston
SOUTH STATE BANK
We are pleased to announce that we were able to award $63,000 in scholarships to deserving students this year.
Jack Spiehs, child of Ric Spiehs, Hilton Head Island COMMUNITY FIRST BANK
Gabriella Evans, child of Jessica S. Evans, Clinton Haleigh Palmer, child of Dena Lancaster, Union BANK OF AMERICA
Davis Ivey, child of Jim Ivey, Darlington
Ryan Riedinger, child of Marjorie Riedinger, Garden City COASTAL STATES BANK
FIRST PALMETTO BANK
Brynne Baxley, child of Lisa Reed, Summerton Elizabeth McInnis, child of Stacey McInnis, Manning BANK OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
Sarah Johnson, child of Stacy Johnson, Myrtle Beach
Lawton Branham, child of Beth Branham, Myrtle Beach
NICHOLLDALTON ARSENEAU
GABRIELLA
KATHLEEN CHAMPAGNE
PORTER COLEMAN RACHEL HAIR ROGER HEMINGWAY
ANDREW HUNT
DAVIS IVEY
JADE HUANGJACK SPIEHS
PAYTON BARNHILL
WOODSMADDIE RESINGER
HARRISON WOOD
JOSHUA COLEMAN
MICHAELCAROLINEBRUNET BEST CAROLINE KORNAHRENS GRAY WHITENER DELTA PENNINGTONHALEIGH PALMER
SARAH JOHNSONWALLACE TOWNSENDWESLEY MUNN
MINTERCASSEY
BRYNNE BAXLEY
JORDANEVANSWHITFIELD
JOEL KENNETH PITTARD
LAUREN
BAILEY CARDONE
NICK MUMFORD
JIM BUNTON
KRISTEN WIXEY
KAILA GLEATON
ELIZABETH MCINNIS
ABBY GOODAARON
FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER 29
Congratulations to our 2021 Palmetto Scholarship winners
RYAN RIEDINGER MARISSA WHEELERMATTISON TENRY
30 FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER 2022 YOUNG BANKERS DIVISION ANNUAL CONFERENCE MARCH 18-20, 2022 | The Sweetgrass Inn | Wild Dunes Resort | Isle of Palms, SC Save the Date Growth You Can Bank On 2022 SOUTH CAROLINA BANKERS SCHOOL JULY 10-15, 2022 Lander University | Greenwood, SC
we were on campus, we did not host many of the social activities as in years past. Graduation was limited to seniors only Thursday evening and 51 students received their diplomas. Brett Dooies, nCino, was named the Lillie H. Magalis recipient, an honor awarded to the student with the highest cumulative average over the course of the three years.
On Friday morning, while the First and Second year students took their exams, Third Year students presented their banks’ Annual Report to “shareholders.” Several SCBS Board members and Chair of the Association, Wayne Wicker, acted as judges. Congratulations to the winning teams:
2021South Carolina Bankers School
COMMUNITY A: “MAKIN’ BANK” Emily Singleton, nCino Lauren Nilan, Elliott Davis, LLC Lisa Poe, United Community Bank Joe Gray Peeples, Palmetto State Bank Ryan Barnes, First Community Bank
JT Duke, Bank of Clarendon David Gregorie, First Horizon
Even though the schedule and work are demanding, the School provides time for building relationships through socialization outside of the classroom. The networking possibilities and knowledge gained by attending the SCBS helps lay the foundation for bankers to continue on to highly successful careers while also cultivating friendships that will last a lifetime.
First Year class officers were also announced with Amy Whitney, Countybank and Rand Waller, The Conway National Bank being chosen as class president and vice president, respectively.
July 11-16, all students congregated on the campus at Lander University in Greenwood, SC for a week-long, whirlwind of study and professional development. We were so excited to be back on Lander’s campus this past July for the 59th session of the South Carolina Bankers School with in-person interaction. Like most activities last year, we had to cancel the 2020 school because of COVID-19. Nevertheless, we bounced back and the 2021 session proved to be most successful. We welcomed 49 new students to the program and in total, 152 students participated. Many thanks to all of our second and third year students for coming back after the one-year break.
Mandy Smith, Carolina Bank & Trust Co.
In today’s competitive environment, it is critical for bankers to remain knowledgeable about the banking sector. One of the most comprehensive approaches to ensuring the professional and personal growth of a banking executive is through the completion of the South Carolina Bankers School. During this school session, students found comradery, dynamic professors and comprehensive course offerings. One of the School’s greatest assets is its faculty, which is composed of the “best of the best” from the banking, professional and academic worlds. Many faculty members have been associated with the School for a number of years. This past session’s faculty included numerous bankers, attorneys and business representatives from the Carolinas and across the Southeast. These practicing bankers and other industry representatives provided students with real-life experiences andEvensituations.though
COMMUNITY B: “BANK B3”
Donna Smith, First Reliance Bank Joy Kamees, United Bank
FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER 31 B ankers s Chool
Next year’s school session will take place Sunday, July 10 – Friday, July 15, under the leadership of Marvin E. Robinson, Jr., Ameris Bank!
32 FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER
B ankers
s Chool
Jennifer L. Sale Federal Reserve Bank of ClaytonRichmondSherrod
Emily M. Singleton .................nCino
James C. Coles ..................... Pinnacle Financial Partners
The Conway National Bank
Kacie G. Coker...................... Carolina Bank & Trust Co.
Ann M. Jaskwhich Coastal Carolina National Bank
Gregory A. Badgett
Jennifer N. Lee Community First Bank
Benjamin Tackett .................. South State Bank
F. Davis Skipper, III
J. Harrison Wood Security Federal Bank
Courtney D. Tsukiji South State Bank
Donna S. Smith First Reliance Bank
R yan N. Barnes ...................... First Community Bank
William T. Britton ..................... Anderson Brothers Bank
April R. Staggs ........................ United Bank
Maggi M. Bryant First Citizens Bank
Eileen Campbell Burke Enterprise Bank of SC
Brett Dooies ...........................nCino
Steven L. Thornton Pinnacle Financial Partners
Tegy Matthews Carolina Bank & Trust Co.
Joy Kamees
Bradley Crain ......................... First Community Bank
........................... United Bank
J. Patrick Craven ...................Countybank
Nathan K. Harrison ................Southern First Bank
2021GRADUATES South Carolina Bankers School
Austin W. McVay United Community Bank
First Capital Bank
Austin Hebert First Horizon
Stephanie H. Owens The Conway National Bank
Robert W. Cummins, III AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
.................................. United Community Bank
Christie E. Foxworth ............... Coastal Carolina National Bank
Rebecca R. Gardner............ Coastal Carolina National Bank
Lisa Poe
Kelly L. Byrd South Atlantic Bank
Athena Gioldasis Lawhon.... South State Bank
Blake Fortier ...........................nCino
Hunter Chamness Southern First Bank
Federal Home Loan Bank of JohnAtlantaT.Duke Bank of Clarendon
Joseph Gray Peeples ........... Palmetto State Bank
David R. Gregorie First Horizon
Ashley M. Chaplin United Bank
Ashley J. Christenbury First Bank
R. Daniel Williams Federal Home Loan Bank of KareyAtlantaS.Wilson
..........................
Lauren Nilan Elliott Davis, LLC
The Citizens Bank
Marko J. Huttunen ................Countybank
Julie Ann Laws ....................... United Bank
Security Federal Bank
Jamaine E. Dorsett
Mandy Smith ......................... Carolina Bank & Trust Co.
Kevin N. Renwick .................. AgSouth Farm Credit, ACA
Ashleigh Oxner Malm Arthur State Bank
Christopher M. Bradham ..... GrandSouth Bank
Don’t forget the SCBA Webinars... another source for your training needs. Please
JANUARY 2022
Lander University • Greenwood, SC
Hilton Columbia Center • Columbia, SC
Women2022
Young Bankers Division Annual Conference
Bank Security Risk Management virtual Conference
March 18 – 20
February 1 – 2 Columbia, SC
DECEMBER 2021
BSA/AML Conference
JUNE 2022
2021–22 Calendar of Events
Consumer Lending School
December 1 – 2
JULY 2022
February 8 – 9
The Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort • Isle of Palms, SC
Marriott Courtyard at USC • Columbia, SCFEBRUARY
https://scbankers.org/events/2021-bank-security-risk-management-virtual-conference/
South Carolina Bankers School
in Banking Leadership Symposium
MARCH 2022
July 10 – 15
Annual Convention and Trade Show
June 16 – 19
The Broadmoor • Colorado Springs, CO visit https://scbankers.org/scba-events
January 19 – 20
to see the myriad of courses and webinars offered and to register!
34 FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER
Own It: Being a Women in Banking.
— Natalie It’s up to
FEBRUARY 8-9, 2022
FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER 35
That’s when the Girl Banker platform was born. It started as a blog and a small social media presence but has since then grown to speaking engagements all over the country, the Girl Banker Podcast, and a more robust social media presence that includes a private Facebook Group for women in banking that currently sits around 4600 members representing 36 different states. The Girl Banker platform isn’t just a personal branding bit for me personally, it’s a community of women in banking that includes advocacy, a strong network, the sharing of helpful industry information, motivation, career opportunities, and so much more.
LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM 2022
FEATURING Natalie CitizensChiefKeynoteBartholomewSpeakerImpactOfficerBankofEdmondEdmund,Oklahoma
[ ]
Fast forward a few years and I now find myself to be a 20-year veteran banker that has served in the capacity of almost everything between a teller and C-Suite officer. While my day-to-day role involves serving as the Chief Impact Officer for Citizens Bank of Edmond, where I work remotely in Arkansas for a one branch community bank in Edmond, Oklahoma known for their out of the box, innovative thinking, I have also taken on the role of “the Girl Banker.”
To learn more about The Girl Banker, Natalie Bartholomew, please visit: https://thegirlbanker.com/
In 2017, after attending various banking conferences and speaking at a few school career fairs, I asked myself the following question, “where are all the women?” As someone who grew up knowing I wanted to be a banker, I felt compelled to do something about it. If we didn’t start advocating for women in the banking industry AND telling young women about career opportunities in the field, then this would continue to be a problematic cycle and one issue wouldn’t be fixed without correcting the other.
Hilton Columbia Center | Columbia, SC us to advocate for and develop the next generation of women in banking.
I grew up knowing I wanted to be a banker. As a child, I would stash credit card applications in my purse when my mom would take me to the mall merely so I could fill them out and “play bank” with them when I got home. My grandfather was a banker at a small community bank for 45 years and when I would go visit him at his office, I would beg the tellers to send blank teller tickets home with me so I could add them to my collection and make my bank game just a tad more robust.
SAVE THE DATE!
Welcome
36 FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER
Alden Investment Group is an independently owned financial services firm comprised of a broker-dealer, Alden Securities, and Registered Investment Advisor, Alden Capital Management. We offer a diverse menu of services including individual asset management, institutional research, investment banking, retirement plans, private placements, trading services and other RIA/BD offerings. By combining the resources of our own asset management and broker/ dealer entities, we have a large degree of control and flexibility around our businesses. In addition, our independence from large brokerage companies allows us to utilize a wide range of products not available at other firms to help our clients achieve their financial goals.
AmeriHome Correspondent 1 Baxter Way, Suite 300 Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 (747) correspondent.amerihome.com212-0842Mr.SteveLilley1BaxterWay,Suite300ThousandOaks,CA91362(727)939-9191steve.lilley@amerihome.com
AmeriHome is a top 3 correspondent investor, with clients including community and regional banks of all sizes. AmeriHome offers a suite of conventional and government products, both delegated and non-delegated, to support their clients’ growth. They also offer a true relationship to like-minded companies, including best-in-class service, industry leading turn times, and consistent and competitive pricing, allowing you to compete effectively in a challenging environment
n ew m emBers
5iron 501 CorporateSuiteCentre120 Franklin, TN 37067 (615)5iron.com567-8722
Mr. Jason Bradley
501 Corporate Centre, Suite 120 Franklin, TN 37067 (615) jbradley@5ir567-8719on.com
5iron is a cybersecurity operations company that defends your network 24x7x365. 5iron security operations are focused on defending financial institutions. Working from our 24x7x365 Security Operations Center, we leverage information gathered from institutions of all sizes to provide real-time protection for each of our clients. We don’t just monitor and alert, we take a different approach—our Security Analysts engage identified threats—taking the action needed to actively protect your organization.
Alden Investment Group 37 West Ave., Suite 301 Wayne, PA 19087 (484) jrllewellyn@aldeninvestmentgroup.comaldeninvestmentgroup.com437-1600Mr.JRLlewellyn1671CarriageRidgeDriveGreensboro,GA30642(615)567-8719
We are fortunate to have an active and engaged roster Associate members and proudly welcome these new members:
With offices in both Aiken and Greenville, Angell Molony, LLC is dedicated to the enforcement of judgments across the state of South Carolina. The firm’s partners, Kevin N. Molony and Aaron J. Angell, work on a 100% contingency basis, covering all costs and expenses of the collections process. By utilizing an extremely thorough asset search program and applying the ever-changing South Carolina collection laws, the attorneys at Angell Molony have successfully collected on both large and small judgments for multiple banks throughout the state.
200 N. Main Street, Suite 301 Greenville, SC 29601 (864) aaron@angellmolony.com248-4708
Angell Molony, LLC
alliances
With all of the evolving financial we are thankful for business that meet our members’ needs. The SCBA is dedicated to supporting and promoting cutting-edge industry providers to our member banks.
For more information about Associate Membership, please contact SCBA Senior Vice President Carolyn Laffitte Bradley by email at carolynbradley@scbankers.org
To view our Directory, click here.
RA Business Solutions 838 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) cburton@retailalliance.comNorfolk,838Ms.rabsolution.com455-9326CasieBurtonGranbyStreetVA23510(704)577-3770
200 N. Main Street, Suite 301 Greenville, SC 29601 (803) Angellangellmolony.com335-1449Mr.AaronAngellMolony,LLC
Associate Membership
RA Business Solutions (RABS) is the exclusive Equifax Sales Agent for the Mid-Atlantic region. Their client portfolio includes auto dealers, banks, credit unions, finance companies, and real estate companies. The RABS team, working with Equifax, provides these industries leading edge consumer insights and analytics, as well as complete consumer and commercial credit files.
industry changes,
FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER 37
Greg Clark has joined the bank as Market President for the Upstate area.
Jessica Suggs has been promoted to Graphic Design/Social Media Manager.
Amber Price has been appointed Vice President.
BANK OF AMERICA
Jeff Williamson has been appointed Vice President Consumer Finance Director and will continue as manager of the Main Street Conway office.
Ashley FloydRivers Anderson
Ryan Earwaker has joined Ameris Bank as market president for the South Carolina Upstate.
Will Holmes has been appointed Market Executive for the Midlands of South Carolina effective July 19th.
Kerri Chisolm has joined the bank Bank as Senior Vice President Commercial Banking Relationship Manager in the Charleston market.
Jessica Suggs Creighton Yates
Jenna Bates, Ronnie Colson, Neal Gross, and Dustin Morris have joined the bank as Commercial Bankers in its Greenville market.
John Sherman joins the Charleston Team as Senior Vice President, Private Client Manager.
Kerri Chisolm Jenna Bates Ryan Earwaker
has joined Coastal Carolina as Market President of Bluffton and Beaufort.
ANDERSON BROTHERS BANK
COASTAL EricNATIONALCAROLINABANKLowman
Frank Wilson
Deborah Burroughs has joined the company as Vice President Commercial Loan Officer in the Murrells Inlet office.
First Carolina Bank announced the appointment of David Torris to the newly created role of Managing Director – Market Development (South Carolina, Georgia and Western North Carolina), effective May 10th. Mr. Torris is located in Greenville, SC and will initially spearhead the Bank’s official market entry into the Upstate of South Carolina.
has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Mortgage Division Manager.
Jordan Formo
Ashley Floyd has been promoted to Branch Operations Coordinator of the McIntyre office in Mullins.
FIRST CAROLINA BANK
Andy Westbrook has joined the bank as Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking Manager in Greenville.
38 FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER P ersonal t ransaCtions
Eugene Massey has joined the team as Vice President, Columbia Branch Manager.
Bank of America Private Bank has expanded its Upstate Team to include Frank Wilson, Private Client Advisor and Senior Vice President; Lisa Wilson, Private Client Manager and Senior Vice President; Heather Boone, Portfolio Manager and Senior Vice President; and Katherine Odom, Trust Officer and Senior Vice President.
Creighton Yates has been promoted to Branch Manager in Conway.
Rivers Anderson has been appointed as Senior Loan Officer. Anderson will continue to be based in the bank’s Conway-Church Street office.
JDCOUNTYBANKNelsonIII
Jamie Compton has been appointed Assistant Vice President.
Bill Langfitt has joined the bank as Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer in the Myrtle Beach-Grissom office.
Marcos Anaya has joined Anderson Brothers Bank as a loan officer.
Jordan Formo has joined as Loan Officer in the Longs branch.
Shannon Lindsey has joined the bank as Branch Manager of the new Greenville location at 301 North Main Street.
AMERIS BANK
Rick Saunders, CEO of First Reliance Bank, has joined the Board of Governors at the College of Charleston School of Business. He has also been named to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office Advisory Board.
Sarah Baldwin has joined First Reliance Bank as Senior Vice President and Residential Lending Specialist.
Christina Johnson has joined the bank as Vice President and Branch Manager for its Mount Pleasant branch.
Jeff P. Spears, Senior Vice President and Regional Market President in Augusta, GA, has been appointed to the University of South Carolina Board of Visitors.
LeeAnn Weber, CFO, Executive Secretary, and Treasurer of Strange Brother Grading, has been elected to the Board of Directors.
Brook Moore has been promoted to the position of chief credit officer.
Alex Huggins has been named Mortgage Sales Manager and Vice President.
Jamie Conner has been named City Executive, Myrtle Beach.
Blake Dressler has joined the bank as Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Lender. Blake is one of two 2021 South Carolina graduates of The Graduate School of Banking of the South at LSU (GSBLSU).
Lindley Hamilton has been hired to manage the banks new location at 1901 Main Street, Columbia.
Jan Hollar has been named to the bank’s Board of Directors.
First Reliance has hired longtime banking industry executive F. Justin Strickland to serve as President of the bank as it continues to expand its presence through North and South Carolina.
Sarah BaldwinHolt Chetwood
Octavia Williams-Blake and Mike Reichenback have been appointed to the Board of Directors beginning June 2021.
FIRST COMMUNITY BANK
John Sherman
FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER 39
J. Ted Nissen has been named President of First Community Bank.
David Torris
GRANDSOUTH BANK
FIRST PALMETTO BANK
Chairman J. Thomas Johnson retired from the board May 19. Current Vice Chairman Chimin Chao assumed the role of chairman, subject to his reelection to the board. Current Director W. James Kitchens Jr. will become vice chairman at the annual meeting.
FIRST CITIZENS BANK
Michael Edens has joined the bank as Senior Vice President and Private Banker.
Mike Reichenback
Leslie Chaplin has joined First Reliance Bank as Executive Vice President, Director of Human Resources.
Seth DuRoss has been hired as Human Resources Manager for North and South Carolina locations.
Carson Williams has been hired as Senior Vice President and Residential Lending Specialist.
Brian Rogers has been hired as senior vice president and market president, Greenville.
Samuel R. “Sammy” Small Jr., President and CEO of First Palmetto Financial Corporation and President of First Palmetto Bank, has joined the Board of Directors of Business Development Corporation (BDC).
Blake Dressler Heather BooneLisa Wilson Katherine Odom
Daniels has been appointed Senior Vice President and Commercial Banking Group Market Manager for the Western Carolinas region.
FIRST RELIANCE BANK
William Jones has joined the bank as Branch Manager of the Downtown Greenville branch.
Mark Mercuri has been appointed Senior Vice President and Commercial Lender.
GaryPNC
Holt Chetwood has joined First Citizens Bank as Manager of Commercial Banking in Columbia.
Adam Gamble
As Central Region market executive, John Griggs will now have responsibilities for the bank’s offices in the Grand Strand.
Kevin Gause has joined the bank as Senior Vice President/Chief Credit Officer.
Christopher M. Towery has joined the internal corporate legal team as Deputy General Counsel.
40 FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER P ersonal t ransaCtions
Reid Boehm has been promoted to South Coastal Region market executive.
Rich Bradshaw
Kevin Gause Mike Brenan
David Matthews has joined the bank as Business Development Officer under its newly created USNBA Lending Group.
John Thompson has been named Middle Market and Asset Based Lending Division Manager.
John ThompsonDavid Matthews
UNITED COMMUNITY BANK
Greg Badgett
He will also retain his current title of Chief Banking Officer.
M. Brice Sprayberry III of United Community Bank is one of two 2021 South Carolina graduates of The Graduate School of Banking of the South at LSU (GSBLSU).
Kevin Lee has been promoted to Market Executive of the Charleston region.
Terry Grayson-Caprio, Ray Lattimore, and William Maner IV, have joined the bank as Directors, effective June 1, 2021.
Francie Staub
THE CITIZENS BANK
Bill Medich has been named President of South Carolina.
THE PEOPLES BANK Coleman A. Kirven has been promoted to the position of President effective October 1.
Jennifer Bazante, Chief Marketing Officer of Humana, has been appointed to the bank’s Board of Directors.
TD BANK, N.A.
SYNOVUS
SOUTHERN FIRST BANK
Rich Bradshaw has been promoted to President of United Community Bank.
Chris Shugart has been appointed Chief Mortgage Officer.
Terry Grayson-Caprio Ray Lattimore William Maner IV
Jennifer Bazante
Greg Badgett of Murrells Inlet, Adam Gamble of Florence, and Robert Phillips of Lake City, have all been promoted to Vice President.
United Community Bank has expanded its executive leadership team by adding Francie Staub as Chief Marketing Officer.
Chris Shugart
TD Bank has appointed Hugh W. Allen Regional President for its Mid-SouthMetro.
WELLS FARGO
Dave Favela has been appointed Chief Innovation Officer.
Rick Redden
SOUTH STATE BANK
Thomas Anderson has been named Regional President for Charleston, SC.
MikeTRUISTBrenan
Rick Redden, president of Wells Fargo’s Atlantic Region, has retired. Redden is a well-respected, longtime banking leader throughout the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic, with a career spanning 28 years with Wachovia and Wells Fargo.
Robert Phillips
, Regional President, Truist, was named Columbia Chamber’s 2021 Ambassador of the Year.
COASTAL CAROLINA NATIONAL BANK
Ameris Bank has opened a full-service banking location at 301 North Main Street, Suite 300, in Greenville to complement the existing commercial banking operations.
Countybank recently honored its longest serving associate, Carol Cogburn, for her 47 years of service. In February, R. Thornwell Dunlap III, President and CEO of Countybank, presented a Countybank Board of Directors resolution honoring Cogburn during a small, socially distanced ceremony.
Anderson Brothers Bank donated $2,500 to American Cancer Society, Dillon County/Marlboro County Relay for Life to kick off its 2021 year.
The city of Columbia Board of Zoning Appeals has granted a zoning variance for Coastal Carolina to move forward with its plans to renovate and relocate to a 10,300 square foot building located at 1940 Blossom Street.
ANDERSON BROTHERS BANK
Also, the Countybank Foundation recently contributed $1,000 to the Greer Farmers Market and $6,500 to Greer Relief in support of their efforts to give back to the Greater Greer community through specialized programs.
B ankingnews FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER 41
Countybank and Greenwood Capital donated $48,385 as part of their annual campaign to United Way of Greenville County. Associates from both organizations made personal pledge donations totaling $28,385 as part of the employee campaign, while the Countybank Foundation provided an additional contribution of $10,000.
Anderson Brothers Bank is pleased to announce the opening of the Anderson Brothers Bank Training and Development Center. Renovations of a commercial building located at 130 N. Main Street, Mullins have been completed and will be the home of the state of the art training facility.
Ameris Bank celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding on October 1, 1971. The bank has grown from one location to more than 200 locations in eight state.
Anderson Brothers Bank also announces construction of a new teller pavilion adjacent to its existing branch building at the corner of Main Street and 5th Avenue in downtown Conway.
AMERIS BANK
Ameris Bank announced a $150,000 donation to the South Carolina Research Authority’s Industry Partnership Fund to help fuel innovation throughout the Palmetto State. The donation is the largest gifted by a bank in the 38-year history of the SCRA. America sponsored a lunch on Thursday, August 5 at the Columbia Innovation Center as they delivered the donation in-person.
COUNTYBANK and GREENWOOD CAPITAL
JP MORGAN CHASE
FIRST COMMUNITY BANK
United Community Bank, a retail and commercial banking service provider, today announced plans to expand operations in Greenville County and name the location as the company’s new corporate headquarters. The $24.8 million investment will create 227 new jobs.
Wells Fargo announced equity investments in six African American Minority Depository Institutions, one of which is Optus Bank in Columbia.
• BDC award for the greatest number of loans approved in 2020 for the South Carolina State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Loan Program
South Atlantic Bank has opened a new location at 81 Main Street, Suite 100, Hilton Head Island.
First Citizens Bank recently broke ground on its 4,250 square foot branch at Nexton, South Carolina’s most innovative and walkable community. Scheduled to open in late 2021, the branch will be located at 107 First Citizens Way, at the corner of Nexton Parkway and Cross Park Drive in Summerville.
One year ago, First Reliance committed $100,000 in affordable housing grants through its Hometown Heroes program to eligible teachers and educators who work for Florence 1 Schools. First Reliance is pleased to announce that all available grant funds were awarded during the first year, helping eight teachers and educators with Florence 1 Schools in their homeownership journey.
WELLS FARGO
FIRST CITIZENS BANK
UNITED COMMUNITY BANK
B anking n ews (continued) 42 FALL 2021 • PALMETTO BANKER
foundation’s commitment to giving back to the community. The Foundation also contributed $250,000 to the Greenville Housing Fund to address the rental burden crisis.
Foundation recently donated a total of $20,000 to Urban League of the Upstate as part of the
• BDC award for the greatest number of loans approved in 2020 for the Small Business Association (SBA) 7(a) Loan Program
United Community Bank announces United Community Mortgage Services is partnering with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to offer new refinance options for eligible borrowers under the RefiNowTM and Refi PossibleSM programs.
First Community Bank was recognized with three awards for commercial lending excellence during the annual meeting of the Business Development Corporation Of South Carolina (BDC) and its associate company Certified Development Corporation (CDC).
United Community Bank honored the 9/11 victims and heroes with acts of service in communities across their 5-state footprint. This service initiative is led by United’s Together for Good Council and was a way for its 2,400 employees to personally honor those impacted by the tradegy. In addition to the acts of service, the United Community Bank Foundation made a total of $25,000 in donations to local organization that support first responders.
United Community Bank has announced a definitive agreement for United to acquire Aquesta, including its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aquesta Bank.
SOUTH ATLANTIC BANK
JP Morgan Chase is partnering with Optus Bank to expand its services. Optus customers can now access the Chase automated teller machines nationwide.
• CDC award for the greatest number of loans approved in 2020 for the SBA 504 Loan Program
Southern First Bank has announced its expansion to Charlotte, NC. The Bank intends to establish a full-service retail office upon regulatory approval. The Charlotte team will be led by Doug Smith, Executive Vice President and Charlotte Market Executive, along with Tiffani Tedder, Senior Vice President and Ashley Gibson.
Wells Fargo and South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette announced nearly $3 million in grants to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), including CommunityWorks, the South Carolina Community Loan Fund and The CLIMB Fund. The grants will help small businesses manage the economic effects of COVID-19 and foster an inclusive recovery. Wells Fargo’s funding will help increase access to capital with low-rate loans and other resources for diverse businesses in rural communities across South Carolina.
On May 11, 2021 Governor Henry McMaster appointed, and the SC Senate approved, Wayne Wicker to a second term on the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions.
United Community Bank is proud to announce for the seventh time it is ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Consumer Banking in the Southeast according to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study.
First Reliance Bank has announced the formation of a new board of trusted advisors in Charleston. The Charleston Local Advisory Board is comprised of members representative of the business community in Charleston whose focus will be to help drive the bank’s priorities in the Lowcountry. This formation is part of First Reliance Bank’s larger growth strategy across the state.
United Community Bank has been awarded multiple Greenwich Excellence Awards for U.S. Small Business Banking for the year ended 2020. This is the third consecutive year the bank has been recognized by Greenwich Associates for its strength in small business lending.
For the eighth consecutive year, United Community Bank was named to Forbes list of America’s Best 100 Banks. The bank was also named to Forbes list of America’s Best Midsize Employers where it ranked in the top 20 in the banking and financial services category.
United Community Bank has formed a partnership between its mortgage division and the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America.
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FIRST RELIANCE BANK
For more information about events and sponsorships, please contact E. Anne Gillespie, agillespie@scbankers.org or Carolyn Laffitte Bradley, carolynbradley@scbankers.org
Exposure. Recognition. Access.
Sponsorships through the SCBA is a great way to enhance your company’s visibility and brand recognition among a select group of banking industry representatives and event attendees, including C-suite executives and key decision makers within South Carolina’s financial institutions. Don’t miss out on the chance to develop new business leads, meet and network with South Carolina’s banking decision makers, and show your support for our state’s banks.
2009 Park Street • PO Box 1483 Columbia, SC 29202-1483 2022 ANNUAL CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW JUNE 16-19, 2022 | The Broadmoor | Colorado Springs, Colorado Save the Date
