We’re a local nonprofit that helps students and residents in South Carolina reach their educational goals. That means ensuring they’re able to thrive after graduation too. We do that with low, competitive rates, personalized service, and a commitment to trust and transparency.
2025-26 SCBA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
803.779.0850 I Fax: 803.779.0890 www.scbankers.org
Robert P. Hucks II, Coastal Carolina National Bank
Richard M. Carroll, Anderson Brothers Bank
Nathan T. Crowe, Security Federal Bank
Kenneth M. Harper, Countybank
William E. Howard, Jr., First Citizens Bank
William R. Johnston, Southern First Bank
Rose Buyck Newton, Bank of Clarendon
Charles H. Redmond, SouthState Bank
Mary Jo Rogers, South Atlantic Bank
2025-26 Chair: H. Richard Sturm ABA Update
2024-25 Chair: Jennifer T. Jones
125th Annual Convention & Tradeshow
Emerging Leaders Annual Conference
2025 Women in Banking Symposium
USDA Guaranteed Loan Program
2025 Palmetto Scholarships
SC Bankers Graduate from GSBLSU
2025 South Carolina Bankers School
Welcome New Members
Personal Transactions
Banking News
John C. Griggs III, Synovus
Charles K. Talbert, Bank of the Lowcountry Course Coordinators
Ford P. Menefee, The Bank of South Carolina
Marvin E. Robinson, Jr., Ameris Bank
Allison P. Stout, South Atlantic Bank
2025-26 EMERGING LEADERS DIVISION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair
Margi M. Fleming, The Citizens Bank
Chair-Elect .............................................................................................. Reid J. Boehm, Synovus
First Vice-Chair J. Jefferson Manning, SouthState Bank
Immediate Past Chair
Directors
Othniel W. Laffitte, First Bank
M. Charles Abbott, Jr., Carolina Bank & Trust Co.
Jamie E. Addison, First Community Bank
Aferdita M. Brown, Beacon Community Bank
Jessica M. Buttles, Anderson Brothers Bank
Eugene A. Gardner IV, TD Bank, N.A.
Blake H. Dressler, First Reliance Bank
Lauren Hendricks, United Bank
Justin A. Johnson, Optus Bank
Angela T. Klosterman, First Citizens Bank
Austin W. McVay, United Community Bank
Anna Q. Mills, Bank of Travelers Rest
Dustin T. Morris, Ameris Bank
Michael T. Tecosky, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Joseph Thomas, First Palmetto Bank
W. Clarke Walker, Southern First Bank
Wilson G. Wicker, South Atlantic Bank
Education Calendar
SCBA Staff
President & CEO Fred L. Green III
Chief Operating Officer Richards H. Green
Senior Vice President Carolyn L. Bradley
Senior Vice President E. Anne Gillespie
Senior Vice President & General Counsel A. O’Neil Rashley, Jr., Esq.
Controller Israel D. Reeves
Communications & Engagement ....... Diane Krell
Administrative Assistant Bonnie E. Nelson
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.
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.
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Market Intelligence
From Entry-Level to Chairman: Richard Sturm’s Inspiring Journey in Banking
By Kevin Dietrich
Richard Sturm recognizes that he’s traveled a long way from where he started his banking career.
Sturm, Carolinas president for Ameris Bank and the new chairman of the South Carolina Bankers Association, began way down the totem pole after he graduated from the University of South Carolina more than 35 years ago.
“I tell people that I was the assistant to the assistant’s assistant,” he said of his first banking job. “To describe my first job in banking as a lower-level position would be an understatement. I swear they only hired me because I knew how to type.”
Sturm commenced his career with C&S Bank by entering data from car loan applications into a machine that turned out credit reports. From there he moved into credit scoring, and after approximately a year, he escaped from what he called a “dungeon” and into the branch system, first as a teller, and then an assistant branch manager before attending an in-house commercial lending school.
“The commercial lending school was heavy on accounting, and once that happened I knew I was going to excel,” he said. “I’m kind of a blue collar guy, and I just put my head down and went at it.”
Sturm, elected by a vote of SCBA members, began his one-year term as chairman on July 1. He succeeded Jennifer Jones of CBL State Savings Bank.
“Like everything else he has done, he’ll do a fantastic job in this role,” said SCBA President and CEO Fred Green.
Today, Sturm is a key member of Ameris, which is headquartered in Atlanta. In the 19 years Sturm has been with Ameris, it’s grown from $2 billion in assets to more than $25 billion.
Sturm joined the company in 2006 to head its foray into the Carolinas. He’s taken Ameris from scratch to nearly $1 billion in South Carolina deposits.
“Richard’s greatest asset is that he’s such a good people person,” said First Reliance Bank President Justin Strickland, a former SCBA chairman. “He can get in any door because he has a way around people. He understands the person on the other side of the table.”
Sturm attributes Ameris’s success to its people.
Immediate Past Chair, Jennifer Jones, presents Richard with the customary SCBA gavel at the Annual Convention.
Sturm with wife, Becky, at the 2025 Annual Convention.
“I’ve been really fortunate to have some great folks around me, and that has made all the difference,” Sturm said. “We’ve grown organically. It’s a tough way to do it, but if you get the right people it’s the right way to do it.”
Ameris has 10 offices across the state and one in North Carolina that Sturm oversees.
Flexibility is essential to success in banking, Sturm said. “You have to be able to change and move with the times,” he said. “Think about technology. Computers weren’t prevalent when I started in banking; now, everyone uses them on a daily basis.”
He added that banking changes almost daily. Relationships remain important, but areas such as fraud detection and customer security play a major role in the industry today, as well.
One way that Sturm’s been able to keep abreast of changes and new trends is through the SCBA.
Unlike many bankers who eventually move up the corporate ladder, Sturm didn’t get the opportunity to go through a management-training program or receive specialized education such as the SCBA’s South Carolina Bankers School.
“I started my banking career in an entry-level position, and it required me to work harder than everyone else to catch up,” Sturm told graduates of the 2025 South Carolina Bankers School in July. “My peers at the bank had the advantage of attending banking schools – I never did.”
“I did catch up with my peers, but I think I would have ‘caught on’ to banking earlier if I had been given the chance to attend this school,” he added.
It was only after Sturm became active in the SCBA that he learned what the Bankers School can offer young professionals, such as an education about all parts of a bank, and how those parts work in unison.
“Bankers school gives you a leg up on other folks by introducing you to new ideas,” he said. “It helps ensure that when you hear about something inside a bank, it’s not the first time you’ve come across the concept.”
Today, Sturm understands the value that networking and extra education has for bankers, and he encourages his employees to attend the Bankers School.
“Without exception, they’ve all come back and said, ‘Thank you for making me go,’” he said.
When it comes to managing those under him, Sturm has made a point not to forget what it was like when he was younger.
“I spend a lot of time now working with others,” he said. “I have guys and ladies with me who are hard-working people, and I encourage them to take time with their families.”
The concept of work-life balance is important, he said.
“I spent too much time working when I was younger,” Sturm said. “I am fortunate that I have a wonderful wife who did a great job raising our children, but I was the kind of guy who was gone before anyone else got up in the morning and didn’t get home until everyone was getting into bed.”
“I’m not suggesting you don’t work hard and put in the hours when necessary, but it isn’t essential to do that all the time,” he added.
Family and faith are important to Sturm, as is fishing and attending USC sporting events.
Sturm will also be making time in the coming year to represent banks as the SCBA chairman, a position he calls an honor.
“There’s a lot of very deserving people in this industry. We’ve got some really good bankers in this state,” he said.
“For them to say, ‘Yeah, he’s the guy,’ and to trust me to provide the support to make things happen, particularly in the state legislature, it means a lot to me,” Sturm added.
Richard and Becky, with their daughter Rebecca, son Jay, and future daughter-in-law, Lydia.
Congratulations
Top Participating Member Awards for 2024
Brandi Grim of First Citizens Bank accepts the 2024 Top Participating Lender Award for the SC CAP Program.
David Renaker of First Community Bank accepts the 2024 Banker of the Year Award.
Awards presented by Peter Shand, President and CEO, BDC.
Vaughan Dozier of First Community Bank accepts the 2024 Top Participating Lender Award for the SBA 504 Program.
Ted Nissen of First Community Bank accepts the 2024 Top Participating Lender Award for the SBA 7a Program.
Michael Crapps of First Community Bank accepts the 2024 Top Participating Lender Award for the SSBCI Program.
Rob Nichols, President and CEO American Bankers Association nichols@aba.com
SHAPING THE FUTURE of Stablecoins
Earlier this summer, President Trump signed into law the Genuis Act, a long-awaited bill that will kickstart the development of a new regulatory framework for stablecoins in the U.S.
Stablecoins like Tether, Circle and others currently have a market cap of about US $275 billion—a relatively small fraction of the total money supply in the U.S. Nonetheless, interest in stablecoins has grown rapidly in recent months.
In simplest terms, stablecoins are digital assets that are designed to maintain a stable value over time, and that are pegged to a reference asset like the U.S. dollar on a one-to-one basis. They can function as both a store of value and a means of payment, and there are several potential use cases that are starting to emerge, from cross-border payments to integration into smart contracts.
ABA has been closely following the conversations around the future of stablecoins, and we were engaged on behalf of our members as lawmakers debated and refined the Genius Act prior to its passage. Our input, which included feedback from bankers and our state association alliance partners, helped shape a better legislative outcome for the banking industry, though as with most pieces of legislation there remain areas we’d like to see improved.
Among our top priorities was ensuring that banks are not disintermediated by stablecoins issuers incentivizing customers to hold their money in the form of stablecoins instead of bank deposits. We also advocated for a framework that would ensure that America’s banks have the freedom to participate in the stablecoin ecosystem if they choose.
With the Genius Act now law, bank and credit union subsidiaries, along with national trusts and nonbanks can apply to become stablecoin issuers, but lawmakers included a key exclusion for non-financial public companies to maintain an important firewall between banking and commerce—a principle ABA has long supported.
The law also includes several key prohibitions applied to payment stablecoin issuers that ABA supports, including those preventing pledging of stablecoin reserves; paying interest or yield to holders of payment stablecoins; and the misrepresentation of insured status of payment stablecoins, among other things. As I write this, we are actively engaged on the Hill trying to strengthen some of these provisions through separate but related digital asset legislation focused on market structure.
The Genius Act places rulemaking authority in the hands of the banking agencies, which means that banker engagement will continue to be critical in the months ahead as these rules are crafted, as more than a dozen rulemakings are expected related to this new law. ABA is continuing to engage through its Digital Assets Working Group—a banker driven advisory panel that convenes ABA members from across the country, led by our Office of Innovation. We have also made a comprehensive suite of resources—including a full summary of the Genius Act and associated rulemakings—available for our members at aba.com/stablecoin. More than 2,100 bankers participated in a recent ABA webinar on the topic.
As we work to shape the future of stablecoin regulation, ABA remains committed to helping banks responsibly meet customer demand for digital assets, including stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies, while mitigating the risks that these emerging products and technologies may pose to consumers and the broader financial system. Our goal will always be a fair and level playing field on which banks and other financial service providers can compete.
Please
Jennifer Jones Reflects on a Whirlwind Year of Leadership and Growth in Banking
By Kevin Dietrich
Jennifer Jones describes the past year as a whirlwind!
She started her tenure as chair of the South Carolina Bankers Association in July 2024, began a three-year term on the American Bankers Association’s Board of Directors in October 2024 and was elected chair of the ABA’s Community Bankers Council, also in October. All of this while serving as president and CEO of CBL State Savings Bank in Greer. Jones is also a wife and mother of two.
“It’s been a fun ride, but now I can catch my breath,” she said. “Now I can be more present at events and be better able to have more conversations instead of always thinking about the next speech I have to give or the next talk I’ll be at.”
Jones said her year leading the SCBA gave her the opportunity to better understand the Association’s value, especially tracking proposed state legislation that involved the banking industry and attending legislative committee meetings.
Jones is proud of her tenure as SCBA chair.
“The year went really well,” she said. “There were no major issues in the banking world, and we were able to avoid a few problematic bills in the legislature, so it was a positive year.”
Jones’s dual roles with the ABA enabled her to meet bankers from across the nation, and she saw firsthand that the challenges CBL faces are obstacles other banks are also working to overcome.
Jones has made a name for herself in South Carolina and beyond, said former SCBA Chairman Wayne Wicker, who is chairman and CEO of South Atlantic Bank and who also serves on the ABA’s board.
She did a “heck of a job” leading the 2025 Conference for Community Bankers, put on by the ABA earlier this year in Phoenix, Wicker said.
“With her openness and personality, she’s always ready to get to know people and learn what they do,” he said.
Jones’s success didn’t surprise SCBA President and CEO Fred Green.
Jennifer leading the first board meeting of the fiscal year at Hotel Hartness in Greenville, SC.
“I’ve been able to watch Jennifer grow and flourish over the years, from being active in the Emerging Leaders Division to joining the SCBA board to being the Association chair, and she’s been outstanding at every step along the way,” he said.
Jones began her career in banking in 2000 when, just out of Presbyterian College, she joined CBL, then known as Citizens Building & Loan, as a loan officer.
Jones said she can’t help but reflect on the many people who have had a positive impact on her career and her life. These include Tommy Johnson, the longtime South Carolina banker who joined CBL as CEO in 2009. Johnson likely changed Jones’s life direction, she said.
Johnson encouraged Jones to join a leadership program, attend the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado, and helped her gather the experience and credentials that gave her more confidence. He moved her into management and nominated her for the SCBA’s Outstanding Young Banker Award, which she won in 2016. When Johnson retired at the end of 2016, Jones took over as president and CEO.
Today, CBL has $185 million in assets between its offices in Greer and Landrum. CBL began in 1907 as a building and loan
association, a mutual designed to boost the accessibility of home loans for members.
Mortgage loans remain the bank’s “bread and butter,” Jones said, but because of the growth in Greer and surrounding areas over the past few decades, it takes more work to stand out.
“When I was growing up, there were four or five banks in the area, but now we have so many more banks and credit unions competing with us,” she said. Jones and her team have worked to help CBL retain a hometown touch. “I have people come up to me and say, ‘I’m so glad you guys still do things like have someone answer the phone instead of it being automated,” she said.
Moving forward, Jones plans to continue advocating for the industry. That includes spreading the word to younger people, some of whom have misconceptions about the profession.
“It’s up to us to show them what a noble and rewarding profession banking can be, and how much of an impact we have on our communities,” she told the Conference for Community Bankers.
Jennifer, with their husband Walden, their daughter Eliza and son Carter at the 2025 SCBA Annual Convention at The Cloister at Sea Island.
Jennifer presenting at the ABA Summer Leadership Conference.
Celebrating 125 Years: South Carolina Bankers Association’s Milestone Convention
SCBA commemorated its 125th anniversary June 23-26 with a spectacular convention themed “Embracing Change While Cherishing Tradition.” Held at The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia, the event brought together leaders from the banking industry to celebrate their rich history while looking forward to the future.
The convention kicked off with a warm welcome from SCBA Chair Jennifer T. Jones, who set the tone for a day filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities. The agenda featured a diverse range of presentations, including a thought-provoking legislative panel moderated by Fred L. Green III, which showcased esteemed members of the South Carolina General Assembly.
Notable speakers, such as ABA President Rob Nichols and Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Tom
Barkin, offered insights into the current economic landscape and the importance of advocacy.
Post business session networking opportunities featured a golf tournament, sporting clays shoot, pickleball, and a grand gala, where participants celebrated in style.
As the SCBA looks ahead to the future, the combination of tradition and innovation remains vital. Chair Jones closed the convention, reminding attendees of their collective strength and commitment to serving the communities they represent.
Save the date for next year’s Annual Convention and Trade Show, which will take place June 11-14, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida.
35-YEAR CLUB RECIPIENTS
(pictured L to R) Michael M. Sarvis, First National Bank, Greenville; L. E. “Bo” Griffin, Home Federal Savings & Loan, Bamberg; and Rose Buyck Newton, Bank of Clarendon, Manning. Awards were presented to those present by Benita E. Lefft, Board of Directors, South Carolina Bankers Association, Optus Bank, Columbia.
On 50 years of dedicated service to the banking industry!
MICHAEL HILL President and CEO York,
SC
2025 OUTSTANDING YOUNG BANKER:
Oneal Staples, Senior Vice President and Market President, Ameris Bank, Lexington
The prestigious Outstanding Young Banker honor is chosen by the SCBA Past Chairman’s Club and has been awarded to one deserving banker each year since 1970. Rufus T. “Wells” Dunlap V, the 2024 Outstanding Young Banker from Countybank in Greenwood, had the honor of announcing Oneal as this year’s award recipient.
(pictured L to R) Richard Sturm, Oneal Staples with son Wyatt, Wells Dunlap.
A Special Thank You
TO THOSE MEMBERS OF THE 2024-25 SOUTH CAROLINA BANKERS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR TERM:
RACHEL M. WHITLEY Senior Vice President North
Myrtle Beach, SC
Michael M. Sarvis First National Bank Greenville, SC
Stacy B. Brandon Bank of America Greenville, SC
Mary D. Garcia Pinnacle Financial Partners Mt. Pleasant, SC
R. Scott Plyler South Atlantic Bank Murrells Inlet, SC
Othniel W. Laffitte Palmetto State Bank Greenville, SC
Robert P. Hucks II Coastal Carolina National Bank Myrtle Beach, SC
2025-2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SCBA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairman
H. Richard Sturm Ameris Bank Mt. Pleasant, SC
Chair-Elect
Samuel R. Small, Jr. First Palmetto Bank Columbia, SC
SCBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2nd Immediate Past Chair
Boyd B. Jones Synovus Columbia, SC
Midlands Group Director
Donald W. Snipes Enterprise Bank of SC Ehrhardt, SC
Member-at-Large
William O. Buyck, Jr. Bank of Clarendon Manning, SC
SC Bankers School, Chair
Joseph A. Painter First Community Bank Columbia, SC
President & CEO
Fred L. Green III South Carolina Bankers Association Columbia, SC
Upstate Group Director
Rufus T. Dunlap V Countybank Greenwood, SC
Member-at-Large
Benita E. Lefft Optus Bank Columbia, SC
Emerging Leaders Division, Chair
Margi M. Fleming The Citizens Bank Florence, SC
First Vice-Chair J. Ted Nissen First Community Bank Lexington, SC
Coastal Group Director
Mickey M. Renner HomeTrust Bank Charleston, SC
Upstate Group Director
Jamin M. Hujik Southern Bank Spartanburg, SC
Member-at-Large
William G. Medich SouthState Bank Charleston, SC
Treasurer Coleman A. Kirven The Peoples Bank Anderson, SC
Coastal Group Director J. Reeves Skeen First Citizens Bank Charleston, SC
Member-at-Large
Laurence S. Bolchoz, Jr. Coastal Carolina National Bank Myrtle Beach, SC
Member-at-Large
Eugene H. Walpole IV The Bank of SC Charleston, SC
Immediate Past Chair
Jennifer T. Jones CBL State Savings Bank Greer, SC
Midlands Group Director
Michael E. Edens First Reliance Bank Columbia, SC
Member-at-Large
Robert Alex Brame Truist Bank Greenville, SC
Community Bankers Division, Chair
Brooks A. Melton Beacon Community Bank Charleston, SC
REGIONAL DIVISION FOR GROUP DIRECTORS
PAMELA
THE SCBA CONGRATULATES THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED 50 YEARS
Patricia Branham First Palmetto Bank Camden, SC
Della Durham Bank of America Greenville, SC
A. Mitchell Godwin The Conway National Bank Conway, SC
Michael A. Hill Bank of York York, SC
Half - Century Club Thirty Five - Year Club
Pamela Nelson Bank of the Lowcountry Walterboro, SC
Sarah Fant “Sally” Pearson The Bank of South Carolina Mt. Pleasant, SC
Carolyn Rogers Stacey First Community Bank Newberry, SC
Rachel M. Whitley Synovus Myrtle Beach, SC
Catherine Whittington Palmetto State Bank Hampton, SC
Phyllis Marie Willard TD Bank, N.A. Greenville, SC
THE SCBA CONGRATULATES THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED 35 YEARS
Mark Altman Palmetto State Bank Hampton, SC
Doris Ann Bailey Palmetto State Bank Hampton, SC
Donna Barnes Palmetto State Bank Hampton, SC
Lisa Ann Bell South Atlantic Bank North Myrtle Beach, SC
Barbara Ann Burns TD Bank, N.A. Lexington, SC
Michele Garrett Catoe TD Bank, N.A. Columbia, SC
Terrell Cleland Palmetto State Bank Hampton, SC
Tracy Tucker Cook First Citizens Bank Greenville, SC
Jody Crim Palmetto State Bank Hampton, SC
Nancy Drawdy Palmetto State Bank Hampton, SC
Lisa Folk Bank of America Spartanburg, SC
Ruth Ann Frazier Palmetto State Bank Hampton, SC
Tina Gainey Blue Ridge Bank Walhalla, SC
L. E. “Bo” Griffin Home Federal Savings & Loan Bamberg, SC
James G. Gulledge, Jr. First Citizens Bank Greenville, SC
G. Robert Halfacre Park National Bank Easley, SC
Sharon Harvey Palmetto State Bank Hampton, SC
Thomas E. Jennings, Jr. Farmers & Merchants Bank of SC Holly Hill, SC
Robin B. Kizer
Farmers & Merchants Bank of SC Holly Hill, SC
Charles A. Laffitte III Palmetto State Bank Hampton, SC
Rose Buyck Newton Bank of Clarendon Manning, SC
Timothy C. Ott
Farmers & Merchants Bank of SC Holly Hill, SC
Charles David Paramore, Jr. Farmers & Merchants Bank of SC Holly Hill, SC
Mary Jo Rogers South Atlantic Bank Myrtle Beach, SC
Tamara Rosier Palmetto State Bank Hampton, SC
Michael M. Sarvis First National Bank Greenville, SC
Laraine P. Singletary Farmers & Merchants Bank of SC Holly Hill, SC
William Howard Sohm, Jr. Farmers & Merchants Bank of SC Holly Hill, SC
Mary Lynn Suggs Anderson Brothers Bank Mullins, SC
John Sulka Palmetto State Bank Hampton, SC
C. Kyle Thomas Blue Ridge Bank Walhalla, SC
Mary Wegner Bank of America Greenville, SC
Lorraine Frances Wooten First Community Bank Lexington, SC
50Congratulations
On 50 years of dedicated service to the banking industry!
PATRICIA C. BRANHAM Operations Supervisor Camden, SC
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025
Laurence S. Bolchoz, Jr.
Thomas Bouchette
William O. Buyck, Jr.
Michael E. Edens
Fred L. Green III
Richards H. Green
Julie Gurtis
Robert P. Hucks II
M.J. Huggins III
Jennifer T. Jones
R. Scott Plyler
K. Wayne Wicker
PRESIDENT’S CLUB
April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025
Ryan Benton
Thomas R. Britt, Jr.
Ronnie Burbank
Marshall K. Cooper
R. Thornwell Dunlap III
Charles J. Fehlig, Jr.
Mary D. Garcia
Coleman A. Kirven
Benita E. Lefft
David L. Morrow
Julian (Jay) Ratterree
Paul J. Rogers
Ron Shaw
Samuel R. Small, Jr.
Don Snipes
F. Justin Strickland
H. Richard Sturm
Eugene M. Varn
R. Bruce White
Ilya Zaretsky
When you need a committed financial team, you want EXTRAORDINARY...not ordinary. With a specialty in accounting and advisory services for banks, Scott and Company has been serving the Columbia business community for 30 years.
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Emerging Leaders Gather for 2025 Annual Conference in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
The Emerging Leaders Division held its 2025 Annual Conference March 14–16, in Hilton Head Island, uniting banking professionals for insightful discussions and networking opportunities.
The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Chair Othniel Laffitte, Palmetto State Bank, and SCBA President and CEO Fred Green, who emphasized the importance of leadership in today’s evolving financial landscape.A highlight of the conference was Barbara L. Melvin, President and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority, who provided a vital update on the state’s ports, a key driver of our economy. Attendees were also impressed by Nathan Stovall of S&P Global Market Intelligence, who discussed the outlook for banks amid fluctuating economic conditions.
Key business sessions covered essential topics, including political advocacy led by Robert Engstrom, Jr., and insights into the upcoming political landscape. Carlos Evans of Salem Capital concluded the conference with an engaging session on creating compelling value propositions.
The event was filled with a spirit of community, reinforcing a commitment to excellence in banking.
Mark your calendars for the next SCBA Emerging Leaders Annual Conference, March 13–15, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA. Don’t miss this opportunity to help shape the future of banking in South Carolina!
Women in Banking2025
LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM
We are thrilled to share highlights from this year’s Annual Women in Banking Leadership Symposium! The event was a resounding success, bringing together inspiring leaders and influential voices to foster growth, collaboration, and empowerment among women in leadership. This symposium is a testament to the strength and resilience of women in our industry, and we’re excited to see the community thrive!
KEY MOMENTS:
n Opening Remarks by Jennifer T. Jones, Chair of SCBA, set the tone with a powerful message about the importance of leadership in banking and beyond.
n Lt. Governor Pamela S. Evette provided insightful remarks that inspire us to keep pushing forward.
n Bethany Greene, a leading Regional Economist, delivered a compelling economic update, arming attendees with essential knowledge for navigating today’s financial landscape.
n Attendees enjoyed networking opportunities, fostering connections and sharing experiences.
n The “Fitness & healthy habits” session led by Lori Lapin encouraged attendees to care for themselves and their health on a daily basis.
n Panel Discussion featured prominent executives sharing their journeys and insights. Catherine S. Cantey as moderator, alongside Linda Butler, Karen Eckford, Renee Larrimore, and Jennifer Schuchart, provided an engaging dialogue about the future of women in leadership roles.
n A powerful workshop led by Sally T. McKay on effective communication, followed by a session on collaborating with sponsors to further the support for women leaders.
Thank you to all our speakers, sponsors, and attendees for making this event unforgettable. Let’s continue to push boundaries and uplift each other!
Guaranteed Loan Program
W. R. “Cody” Simpson, III, State Executive Director
South Carolina Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Office, Farm Production and Conservation (803) 806-3820 ext. 100 • cody.simpson@usda.gov • www.fsa.usda.gov/sc
• Raised and still lives on family farm
• Former Agriculture Advisor and Chief Executive Assistant for Governor McMaster
• Became State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency in 2025
“As a farmer in South Carolina, I did not realize the tools the USDA has to promote access to capital for our smaller farmers. Similar to the SBA, the USDA can provide a Guarantee on certain bank originated agricultural loans. Please consider using us to help your bank lend to this very important segment of our South Carolina business community.”
OVERVIEW
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers Guaranteed loans to farmers and ranchers to promote, build, and sustain family farms. Agricultural producers can apply for a Guaranteed loan through FSA-approved lenders. FSA Guaranteed loans are made and serviced by lenders. FSA guarantees up to 95 percent of the loss of principal and interest on a loan. The FSA guarantee provides an opportunity for a lender to make agricultural credit available to farmers who may not meet the lender’s standard underwriting criteria. FSA Guaranteed loans are available for both farm ownership and farm operating purposes. FSA guarantees loan up to $2,251,000 (amount adjusted annually based on inflation).
GUARANTEED FARM OWNERSHIP LOANS
Guaranteed Farm Ownership Loans may be made to purchase farmland, construct or repair buildings and other fixtures, develop farmland to promote soil and water conservation, or to refinance debt.
GUARANTEED OPERATING LOANS
Guaranteed Operating Loans may be used to purchase livestock, farm equipment, feed, seed, fuel, farm chemicals, insurance, and other operating expenses. The loans can also be used to pay for minor improvements to buildings, costs associated with land and water development, family living expenses, and to refinance debts under certain conditions.
WHO CAN APPLY
To qualify for an FSA Guaranteed loan, an applicant must:
• Have an acceptable credit history as determined by the lender
• Demonstrate ability to repay the loan
• Provide sufficient security for the loan
• Be unable to obtain a loan without a guarantee
LOAN TERMS AND INTEREST RATES
Loan terms vary according to the type of loan, the collateral securing the loan, and the producer’s ability to repay. Operating Loans cannot exceed seven years and Farm Ownership loans cannot exceed 40 years. The Guaranteed loan interest rate and payment terms are negotiated
between the bank and the applicant. Interest rates on Farm Ownership and Operating Loans may not exceed the maximum rates established by FSA, which is typically above the standard rate determined by the lender.
SECURING THE LOAN
Each loan must be adequately secured. Collateral for Operating Loans may consist of crops, livestock and equipment, and real estate, when necessary. A lien may be taken on other personal property or real estate property. Primary security for Farm Ownership loans is real estate. FSA staff determines whether the collateral proposed by the lender is adequate.
PERCENT OF GUARANTEE
For most loans, the standard guarantee is 90 percent, with some opportunities for a higher guarantee available in certain circumstances.
FSA FEE FOR GUARANTEED LOANS
For most loans, FSA charges the lender a one-time guaranteed fee of 1.5 percent of the guaranteed portion of the loan. This is not an annual fee, and it may be passed on to the borrower.
HOW IS THE LOAN MANAGED?
Guaranteed loans are the property and responsibility of the lender from the time of loan making, through loan servicing, until the loan is satisfied. The lender is responsible for servicing their Guaranteed loans as they service any other loan in their portfolio and complying with all FSA program requirements.
SECONDARY MARKET
The lender may resell the guaranteed portion of the loan to an interested party. The purchaser then becomes the holder of the loan, but the original lender must retain the loan servicing responsibilities. Investors who are looking for safe investments with a reasonable return are attracted to these loans because of the government’s full faith and credit guarantee against default. The existence of the secondary market makes Guaranteed loan notes more liquid. By reselling the guaranteed portions, lenders reduce interest rate exposure, increase their lending capabilities, and generate fees.
Let’s find a way.
First Horizon Correspondent Banking is a leading choice for South Carolina banks. Benefit from the expertise of a dedicated Relationship Manager who has a deep understanding of Correspondent Banking to provide you with tailored solutions –from expert advice to quick decisioning for the capital you need. We have a reputation in South Carolina as a preferred partner for Correspondent Banking.
We understand that many students today find themselves burdened by tremendous debt upon graduation. The Palmetto Scholarship has awarded thousands of dollars to students statewide over the years through money raised at our Scholarship Golf Tournament and the SCBA Education Foundation. By offering the Palmetto Scholarship to children of bank employees and part-time employees who are also students and meet criteria, the SCBA seeks to help students pursue higher education while also helping lay the foundation for the next generation of South Carolina’s leaders.
We are pleased to announce that we were able to award $100,000 to deserving students this year. A celebration to honor the recipients was held on May 13th at The Palmetto Club in Columbia.
“I was so thrilled and honored to receive notification of this award. It will definitely alleviate the financial burden of tuition, allowing me to focus more intently on my studies in Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Carolina. Thank you again for your belief in my potential and for your generous investment in my future. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and will strive to make the most of it.
“
– Scholarship Recipient
Congratulations to the 2025 Scholarship Recipients
AMERIS BANK
Jackson Colson, son of Ronnie Colson
ANDERSON BROTHERS BANK
Lacey Bryant, daughter of Amy Bryant
Landry Carsten, son of Jamie Carsten
ARTHUR STATE BANK
Abby Gregory, daughter of Melissa Gregory
BANK OF AMERICA
Dominic Cardone, son of Matthew Cardone
Jessica Herndon, daughter of Renelle Herndon
Bennett Maloney, son of Patrick Maloney
Jordan Rawlinson, daughter of Tonya Rawlinson
John Trembly, son of Mark Trembly
BANK OF CLARENDON
William Buyck, son of Will Buyck
Eliza Rose Newton, daughter of Rose Buyck Newton
BANK OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
Catherine Bunton, daughter of Jamie Bunton
Caleb Hudgens, son of Charles Hudgens
CAROLINA BANK & TRUST
Samaria Ellerbe, daughter of Shawn Ellerbe
CBL STATE SAVINGS BANK
Carter Trout, son of Dennis Trout
COASTAL STATES BANK
Bridget Sheehy, daughter of Dan Sheehy
CONWAY NATIONAL BANK
Courtney Hearl, daughter of Angela Hearl
Josie Jenerette, daughter of Jonathan Jenerette
COUNTYBANK
Adam Prince, son of April Prince
Zack Wright, son of Allen Wright
ENTERPRISE BANK OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Dylan Jenkins, son of Scott Jenkins
FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Ashby Rickenbacker, son of Tammie Rickenbacker
Taylor Weathers, daughter of Stacy Weathers
FIRST BANK
Perry Dyer, son of Autumn Dyer
FIRST CAROLINA BANK
Ben Holmes, son of Will Holmes
FIRST CITIZENS BANK
Annie Chetwood, daughter of Holt Chetwood
Emerson Chetwood, daughter of Holt Chetwood
Caroline Coleman, daughter of Russell Coleman
Nolen Howard, daughter of Will Howard
Adams Howard, daughter of Will Howard
Bradley Lindler, daughter of Kevin Linder
Orie Lindler, son of Kevin Lindler
Savanna McDonald, daughter of Jammie McDonald
Shelby McIntyre, daughter of Bryan McIntyre
Brooke Sherman, daughter of Valerie Sherman
FIRST COMMUNITY BANK
Katie Horton, daughter of Rus Horton
FIRST PALMETTO BANK
Caroline Green, daughter of Mary Ellen Green
Henry Green, son of Mary Ellen Green
Avery Plyler, daughter of Jodie Plyler
FIRST RELIANCE BANK
Lainey Moore, daughter of Brook Moore
OPTUS BANK
Diego Espido, son Javier Espido, Donna Major Award Recipient
PALMETTO STATE BANK
Annie Bray Bennett, daughter of Hal Bennett
Stephanie Carrillo, daughter of Blanca Carrillo
PICKENS SAVINGS & LOAN ASSOCIATION
Nolan Bedenbaugh, son of Karen Bedenbaugh
PINNACLE FINANCIAL PARTNERS
Rachel Jordan, daughter of Kip Jordan
SECURITY FEDERAL BANK
Emma Grace Ciesielski, daughter of Mary Ciesielski
Makenzie McGee, daughter of Melissa McGee
Dev Surti, part-time employee
SOUTH ATLANTIC BANK
Caroline Uram, daughter of Alan Uram
SOUTH CAROLINA BANKERS ASSOCIATION
Meredith Rashley, daughter of Neil Rashley
SOUTHERN BANK
Katie Jennings, daughter of David Ward
SOUTHERN FIRST BANK
Thea Blue, daughter of Christopher Blue
Austen Cummings, son of Ken Cummings
Shaye McCloskey, daughter of Lindsay McCloskey
Robert Thompson, son of Robert Thompson
SOUTHSTATE BANK
Olivia Dover, daughter of Christina Dover
Zariah Hollington, daughter of LaToya Hollington
Lauren Willsea, daughter of Stephanie Willsea
SYNOVUS
Banks Hudson, son of Tyler Hudson
Maddie Woods, daughter of Ursula Woods
TD BANK, N.A.
Nate Argo, son of Michele Argo
Riley Case, daughter of Trey Gardner
Elizabeth Haber, daughter of Olesya Haber
Melanie Houston, part-time employee
Ellie Mashkevich, daughter of Jessica Mashkevich
Garrett McNulty, part-time employee
Matthew Perez, son of Denise Perez
Liam Robertson, son of Charles Robertson
THE CITIZENS BANK
Kyler Odom, son of Amanda Odom
THE PEOPLES BANK
Addison Church, daughter of Chrystal Church
TRUIST
Alexandria Coaxum, daughter of Eleanor Coaxum
Hannah Kane, daughter of Scott Kane
Anthony Lattanzio, son of Mark Lattanzio
Noel Schronce, daughter of Candace Schronce
UNITED BANK
Zykirah Simmons, daughter of C’Antia Vereen, Katie Skeen Award Recipient
UNITED COMMUNITY
Hailey Brancato, daughter of Paul Brancato
Matthew Hutchins, son of John Hutchins
Darby Scroggins, daughter of Jana Scroggins
Daniel Diksen, son of Elizabeth Diksen
In addition to publishing public notices and legal advertisements in your local newspaper, notices from all S.C. newspapers are now also available online, free of charge and in one convenient location.
Eight South
Carolina BankErS rECEivE DiplomaS from thE graDuatE SChool of Banking at louiSiana StatE univErSity.
On May 30, 2025 one hundred and sixty-six bankers received graduation diplomas from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. This three-year program provides courses covering all aspects of banking, economics and related subjects. Students traveled from twenty-one states and Mexico to participate in this Session.
Sponsored by 15 southern-state bankers associations in cooperation with the Division of Continuing Education at LSU, the Graduate School of Banking at LSU requires attendance on campus for three years, with extensive bank study assignments between sessions. The faculty is comprised of more than 50 bankers, business and professional leaders, and educators from all parts of the U.S.
During their three summer sessions at the Graduate School of Banking, students receive 180 hours of classroom instruction, planned evening study, and final examinations at the end of each session.
Congratulations South Carolina Graduates!
CHARLIE ABBOTT
Carolina Bank Florence
REID BOEHM Synovus Bank Charleston
TONY CHEROS Bank of Travelers Rest Taylors
EMILY EDWARDS
Carolina Bank Florence
ASHLEIGH MALM
Arthur State Bank Greenville
VESELY MURRAY AgFirst Farm Credit Bank Columbia
BARTOW RAY Southern First Bank Charleston
JOHN SCOGGINS Synovus Greenville
Congratulations 2025 Graduates!
A W eek of g ro W th A nd C onne C tion
From July 13-18, 2025, the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina hosted the South Carolina Bankers School (SCBS), a premier educational program that has been shaping the future of banking for over sixty years. This year’s session welcomed both seasoned and aspiring bankers to a dynamic learning environment, emphasizing the importance of connection and collaboration within the industry.
Chairman of the SCBS Board, Robert P. Hucks II of Coastal Carolina National Bank in Conway expressed his excitement about the program, noting the strong enrollment numbers and the commitment of the faculty and course coordinators to deliver a world-class educational experience. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a constantly evolving financial landscape.
Throughout the week, students had a rigorous schedule of classes as well as networking opportunities. The week also included various activities after class, fostering relationships and camaraderie. Highlights included a Welcome BBQ Dinner at Carolina Coliseum on Sunday, a Monday dinner at Tin Roof, and an inspiring keynote speaker, Derrick Moore, Executive Director of Character and Player Development for the South Carolina Gamecocks, on Tuesday evening.
A free evening on Wednesday allowed students to explore Columbia and recharge before the culmination of the week—graduation ceremonies held on Thursday evening at the Pastides Alumni Center. Graduates celebrated their achievements and the personal and professional growth they experienced during their time at SCBS.
With the commitment to excellence and innovation, the South Carolina Bankers School continues to be a vital platform for professional development, reinforcing its status as the gold standard in banking education. As participants departed, they carried with them not only enhanced banking skills but also a strengthened network of industry professionals, ready to make a lasting impact in their communities.
SARA BALLHAUSSEN from nCino, is the 2025 Lillie Magalis Winner! With an outstanding GPA of 98.1, Sara exemplifies excellence and dedication. The Lillie H. Magalis Memorial Award is presented annually to the graduate with the highest cumulative average over three years at South Carolina Bankers School.
Welcome
We are fortunate to have an active and engaged roster of Associate members and proudly welcome these new members:
5 Technology Circle Columbia, SC 29203 (803) 543-1508 colite.com
: Mr. Adam Regenthal Preisdent
5 Technology Circle Columbia, SC 29203 (803) 935-9008 aregenthal@colite.com
Amerisource is a leading independent direct lender and provider of capital to small and lower middle market businesses seeking senior debt and equity for growth capital, turnaround, or special situations. After celebrating its 40-year anniversary in 2024, Amerisource is now considered one of the largest independent finance companies in Texas, providing over $2.1 billion in loans to companies across the US. Their expertise in complex situations allows them to deliver creative structures that maximize liquidity for clients. Amerisource has won numerous awards, including the 2019 EY Entrepreneur of the Year (Finalist), Inc. 500 (2-time winner), “Top Private Companies in Houston” (13-time winner), Houston Chronicle’s “Top Work Places” (2-time winner), and “Best Companies to Work for in Texas.”
Headquartered in Columbia, SC, Colite has been providing high quality signage solutions globally for over 70 years. Colite excels at creating and implementing impactful signage programs, including exterior signage, way-finding, environmental graphics, and ATM branding, that enhances visibility, establishes trust and ensures a consistent brand experience. Our 133,000 square-foot facility is designed for efficient, in-house production of a wide range of signage. Colite serves as a one-stop shop for all signage needs, including surveying, design and engineering, prototyping, manufacturing, project management, and seamless shipping and installation—all delivered by a dedicated team based in South Carolina. Partner with Colite to elevate your brand and create welcoming, easily navigable branches.
7272 E Indian School Road Suite 400 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 423-2030 crnrstone.com
Ms. Kristie Peterson
Director, Business Development 5402 Shannon Bell Lane Charlotte, NC 28277 (704) 488-3024 kpeterson@crnrstone.com
For over two decades, Cornerstone Advisors has stood as the trusted partner to community and regional banks navigating an increasingly complex financial landscape. In today’s environment —where rising cost of funds, fluctuating interest rates, deposit growth demands, and mounting non-interest expenses converge, financial institutions need more than conventional solutions. Cornerstone delivers outcomes that matter. By combining deep industry expertise, proprietary data analytics, and bold strategies, they transform how banks operate in challenging times. Their approach unites people, processes, technology, and data to create smarter, more resilient financial institutions. Whether you’re implementing new core banking technology, enhancing customer experiences, expanding digital capabilities, improving operational efficiency, or driving deposit growth, Cornerstone provides the gritty insights and proven methodologies to achieve measurable results.
155 W Nationwide Blvd, Suite 500 Columbus, OH 43215 (312) 899-7000 crowe.com
Mr. Wayne Gniewkowski
155 W Nationwide Blvd, Suite 500 Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 469-4005 wayne.gniewkowski@crowe.com
245 Summer Street Boston, MA 02210-1133 (800) 343-3548 fidelity.com
Mrs. Leslie Lillard Walden VP Public Affairs
100 New Millennium Way Durham, NC 27703-6894 (919) 995-4265
leslie.walden@fmr.com
Crowe LLP is a public accounting and consulting firm whose financial services team brings deep subject-matter specialization and experience with all types of organizations, from traditional banks to fintechs, insurance, specialty finance, broker dealers, and other non-bank segments. Their 1,100+ financial services team lives and breathes financial services every single day–making them an industry leader. Crowe works with more than three-fourths of top 100 U.S. banks and have maintained relationships with more than 400 financial institutions for more than 10 years.
Fidelity Investments has been helping Americans strengthen their financial well-being for 78 years. Fidelity’s strength comes from the scale of their diversified, market-leading financial services businesses that serve individuals, families, employers, wealth management firms, and institutions. With assets under administration of $15.1 trillion, including discretionary assets of $5.9 trillion as of December 31, 2024, Fidelity focuses on meeting the unique needs of a broad and growing customer base. They established their first physical presence in South Carolina in 2010 with the Greenville Investor Center. Fidelity has since added additional Investor Centers in Hilton Head and Charleston and serves more than 720,000 customers across the state. In 2024, Fidelity was named Kiplinger’s #1 overall online broker, and Investor Business Daily’s #1 Most Trusted Financial Company.
2461 1st Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35210 (877) 838-2345 hc3.io
Ms. Sarah O’Donnell
Event Marketing Manager
2461 1st Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35210 (205) 838-2345 sodonnell@hc3.io
8 The Green, Suite 7529
Dover, DE 19901 investifi.co
Trell Vernon, Events Manager
8 The Green, Suite 7529
Dover, DE 19901 (678) 232-4811
trellanie.vernon@investifi.co
HC3 helps Financial Institutions create statement efficiencies that align with their unique needs, reducing costs and saving time with a smarter approach to statement processing. With HC3, Financial Institutions gain efficiency and a strategic partner committed to their success.
InvestiFi partners with Community Banks, integrating digital investing into their online banking platforms. This allows account holders to invest in stocks, ETFs, and crypto directly from their checking account and enroll in guided investing (robo-advisory) with a few clicks. InvestiFi’s unique funds flow keeps deposits within the institution and offers new revenue streams. Their platform includes robust educational resources to support informed investing for all users.
PO Box 270
Northville, NY 12134 (888) 685-8442 leeandmason.com
Mr. Daniel Rolf
Regional Vice President 4 Sea Trout Court Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 415-7935
drolf@leeandmason.com
Lee & Mason is a managing general agency provider of insurance and risk management solutions for financial institutions throughout the United States. Lee & Mason’s programs are designed to minimize the time, effort and expense of monitoring borrower insurance while protecting lenders from uninsured exposure within their collateralized loan portfolios. Key products include Blanket Lender’s Single Interest (LSI/VSI), GAP coverage, and tracked lender-placed solutions. For residential and commercial lending, they offer online reporting for lenderplaced Hazard and Flood coverage, outsourced insurance tracking services, blanket mortgage hazard and impairment insurance or foreclosed property solutions. Lee and Mason handles underwriting, quoting and binding, policy issuance, premium collection, and most importantly, complete claims processing and reporting.
925 West Market Street Greensboro, NC 2740 (336) 272-9766 lighthousefinancial.net
Lighthouse Financial Corp. is a commercial finance company based in Greensboro, North Carolina that provides asset-based loans to small and mid-sized businesses. Lighthouse makes loans for growth and expansion, refinancing and financial restructuring, business turnarounds, mergers, acquisitions, partner/shareholder buy-outs and debtor-in possession financing.Since its founding in 1987, Lighthouse has been widely recognized for its creative loan structuring, rapid credit evaluation and approvals, expedited loan closing schedules, and superior service.
TYPES OF LOANS: Revolving Lines of Credit and Term Loans
Secured by Accounts Receivable, Inventory, and Machinery and Equipment
DEAL SIZE: $1,000,000 to $8,000,000
ADVANCE RATES: Up to 90% against Accounts Receivable, 60% against Inventory, and 80% against Machinery and Equipment
517 Holland Willow Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 (888) 750-5259 nationwidevaluations.com
Mr. Stephen Vogel
Sales and Client Liaison 517 Holland Willow Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 (843) 655-5509
Stephen@nationwidevaluations.com
400 Poydras Street, Suite 2060 New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 777-3043 riseimpact.com
Ms. Kaley Sellery
Investor Relations & Marketing Manager
404 E Seven Oaks Drive Greenville, SC 29605 (864) 905-2586
kaley.sellery@riseimpact.com
Nationwide Valuations is a national provider of Business Valuations and Machinery Equipment Appraisals. A leading provider of SBA-compliance Business Valuations, Nationwide Valuations has prepared several thousand Business Valuations and Machinery & Equipment Appraisals since 2006, all across the US. Valuing businesses and appraising machinery & equipment is their singular focus. Their credentialed experts provide a thorough and defensible analysis utilizing industry standard approaches and methods. They offer fast turnaround times and cost-effective pricing. Nationwide Valuations is an SOC 2Certified Service Organization and their data encryption, redundancy, application/network testing, and security policies comply with all banking requirements and are available to review upon request.
RiseImpact Capital is a full-service tax advantaged real estate development and tax credit syndication firm that specializes in partnering with local developers and stakeholders to build high impact development projects. They offer a diversified portfolio of state and federal tax credits to manage clients’ tax liability, in addition to achieving CRA, ESG and other sustainability and societal impact objectives.
Mr. Blake H. Evans, CEO & Co-Manager 831 E Morehead Street Charlotte, NC 28202 (704) 650-2433 blake.evans@salemcapitalholdings.com
Salem Capital is an experienced single family office focusing on the management of investments in various asset classes and businesses – commercial real estate and private equity. Salem’s strategic objective is to generate stable and predictable returns on capital investments with an acceptable risk profile. Their goal is to be a strategic advisor to all sponsors/managers through leveraging decades-long experience working on complex and unique financial investments and transactions. Salem provides capital and expertise to their partners and will be a trusted advisor throughout the investment lifecycle.
118 Park of Commerce Drive Suite 200 Savannah, GA 31405 (478) 272-2030 symphona.us
Symphona is a team of advisory-focused accounting, consulting, and IT specialists. Their vast business knowledge and collaborative spirit help identify opportunities for your success. Symphona works closely with businesses of all sizes and individuals to create value in each relationship. Symphona provides all the accounting and IT tools you need to secure your financial future in one place. They focus on innovative strategies to help clients compete in a rapidly changing environment, leveraging technology for increased financial success and improved results. Proudly serving a broad range of industries, Symphona is recognized as an INSIDE Public Accounting Top 300 Firm. Their goal is to create value in every relationship, both inside and outside the office.
TNB Financial Services, a division of Thomasville National Bank, is a full-service financial firm, offering trust and estate administration, investment management, and financial planning. Through its national trust charter, TNB Financial can serve as Trustee anywhere in the United States. TNB Financial – South Carolina has assets under management of over $1 billion through its offices in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Clinton. TNB’s local and flexible approach to fiduciary services has allowed the firm to quickly grow into one of the premier trust companies serving the state of South Carolina.
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Their mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Visa believes that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement.
With all of the evolving financial industry changes, we are thankful for business alliances 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
ANDERSON BROTHERS BANK
Amber Herring has been promoted to branch operations coordinator for the Latta branch.
Shelby Hobson has been appointed as loan officer at the Myrtle Beach Market Commons branch.
Bradley Moore has been named vice president/city executive for the Conway and Aynor branches.
Nick Paris has joined the bank as commercial loan officer at the Loris 701 branch.
Malorie Steadman has joined the bank as vice president–commercial banking in Florence.
COUNTYBANK
R. Thornwell “Wells” Dunlap V has been appointed president of Countybank.
Amber M. Price has been promoted to human resource director.
FIRST BANK
David Couey has joined the bank as a senior vice president/business development officer in Charleston.
John Daughtridge has joined the bank as a business development officer for small business and commercial banking in Charleston.
Joe Sabatini has joined the bank as senior vice president, business development officer, based in Charleston.
PINNACLE FINANCIAL PARTNERS
Benjamin Anderson has joined as a financial advisor and client advisory group area manager in Charleston.
Allison Brown has joined as an office leader in North Myrtle Beach.
SOUTHERN FIRST BANK
Brandon Rich has joined as executive director of market support and senior vice president.
Wes Wilbanks has been promoted to chief credit officer and executive vice president.
SYNOVUS
Michael Baker has joined as commercial banking manager in Charleston.
Trip LaCoste has joined as commercial banker in Greenville.
Ryan Mink has joined as commercial banker in Charleston.
Christian Short has joined as commercial banker in Spartanburg.
T.D. BANK
Demetrius Johnson has been promoted to retail market president of the Mid-South Metro, which includes Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
THE SOUTHERN BANK
Ryan Benton has been appointed executive vice president in Charleston.
M.J. “J.” Huggins III has been appointed chief executive officer.
Diane Platt has been appointed vice president and branch manager in Myrtle Beach.
UNITED COMMUNITY
Brian Hungerford has joined as regional director of private wealth, overseeing private bankers across South Carolina and Georgia.
Kurt Schumacher has joined as a wealth strategist, supporting private bankers, trust officers and customers with key planning decisions.
Charles Williams has joined as a senior portfolio manager, overseeing investment management for clients across Georgia and South Carolina.
Allison Brown
Amber Price Benjamin Anderson
John Daughtridge
David Couey
Joe Sabatini
Wes Wilbanks
Brandon Rich
M.J. Huggins III
Ryan Benton
Demetrius Johnson
Diane Platt
Malorie Steadman
Nick Paris Wells Dunlap V
Amber Herring
Bradley Moore Shelby Hobson
ANDERSON BROTHERS BANK
The 26th Annual Anderson Brothers Bank Invitational High School Golf Championship brought intensity, talent, and heart to the greens as three elite teams—Oceanside Collegiate Academy, A.C. Flora High School, and Hilton Head Christian Academy—finished in a dramatic tie, each posting a score of 596 after two competitive rounds. A high-stakes playoff determined the final outcome with Oceanside Collegiate Academy as the champion.
Anderson Brothers Bank is proud to announce it has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Carolina Independent Automobile Dealers Association (CIADA). The award was presented during the organization’s 70th Annual Conference, held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes Anderson Brothers Bank for its long-standing commitment, support, and service to the independent auto dealer community across the Carolinas.
Anderson Brothers Bank is proud to announce that Allison Boulware, PHR, SHRM-CP, Vice President and Director of Human Resources, has been awarded the prestigious MVP by Gallagher’s 2025 training camp. The Award, signifying Most Valuable Partner and Most Visionary Professional, honors exceptional leaders who exemplify strategic vision, strong collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
Anderson Brothers Bank congratulates Jeff Williamson on his selection to the President’s Advisory Committee (PAC) within the Maxwell Organization. This exclusive group brings top leaders who collaborate with John C. Maxwell, one of the world’s foremost leadership experts, to develop their leadership skills and drive positive change.
Anderson Brothers Bank proudly donated a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe to the Latta Police Department during a presentation held on the morning of July 16. This donation highlights the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting local law enforcement and strengthening the communities it serves.
BANK OF AMERICA
Bank of America dedicates a new home with Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. Stacy Brandon, president, Bank of America Upstate South Carolina says the bank has long supported Habitat affiliates locally and across the country. BofA has sponsored numerous home builds and projects in Greenville and other communities within the Upstate.
Bank of America and Junior Achievement (JA) of Greater South Carolina partnered to deliver financial literacy education to thousands of students across South Carolina, including Berkeley, Georgetown, Greenville, Charleston, and Richland counties.
SOUTHERN FIRST BANK
Southern First Bank is pleased to announce Founder and CEO Art Seaver has been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor given by the governor of South Carolina. The Order of the Palmetto is given to individuals in recognition of a lifetime of exceptional achievement and service. It honors those who have made significant selfless contributions to the community, dedicating their time, resources, and goodwill to a variety of causes that benefit their fellow citizens and the prosperity of South Carolina.
Southern First Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of three new board members. Jennie Cluverius, Darrin Goss, and Billy McClatchey joined the company and the bank as Directors, June 1, 2025.
Southern First Bank was recognized on June 17, 2025 by the City of Charleston with a local proclamation for National Homeownership Month. The proclamation, presented by Charleston Mayor William Cogswell, honors the value of homeownership as a foundation for security, prosperity, and strong communities and acknowledges Southern First’s partnership in helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership.
T.D. BANK, NA
TD Bank awarded a $100,000 grant to MUSC Hollings Cancer Center to expand two initiatives aimed at reducing cancer disparities in South Carolina. Both programs are led by Marvella Ford, Ph.D., associate director of the Hollings Office of Community Outreach and Engagement. “TD Bank’s support is instrumental in helping us work toward a cancer-free South Carolina by addressing current education and screening needs and by training the next generation of cancer researchers,” Ford said. “This investment will directly impact lives across our state.”
TD Charitable Foundation, the giving arm of TD Bank, awarded $7.2 million to 36 nonprofits across the bank’s Maine to Florida footprint through the 19th annual Housing for Everyone grant program. Each $200,000 grant will support solutions for low- to moderate-income homeowners struggling to maintain homeownership.
THE BANK OF SOUTH CAROLINA
The Bank of South Carolina Corporation has announced its management succession plan. Douglas H. Sass plans to retire as executive vice president and senior lender of the company and its subsidiary, The Bank of South Carolina, on December 31, 2025. Sass will continue to serve on the board of directors of both the company and the bank after his retirement and will also continue to perform commercial lending and business development activities for the bank.
The board of directors of the company and the bank have appointed Robert M. Hollings, III to succeed Sass as senior lender of the company and the bank effective January 1, 2026.
In addition, the board of directors of the company and the bank appointed Jennifer A. Arato as chief credit officer of the company and the bank effective January 1, 2026.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Calendar of Events
8 October
Fall Compliance Conference
WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Stay Sharp on Reg DD, Tackle Reg E Challenges, and Connect Through Collaboration! This year’s Fall Compliance Conference brings together industry experts and peers for a deep dive into today’s most pressing compliance topics. From disclosures and advertising rules under Regulation DD to the evolving challenges of Regulation E disputes, you’ll gain practical insights into regulatory requirements that impact your bank every day. You’ll also have time to collaborate with other compliance professionals during an interactive round table breakout session.
LOCATION: Courtyard Columbia at USC 630 Assembly Street Columbia, SC
Call Report Seminar
THURSDAY 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
This course is perfect for both the beginner and the experienced Call Report preparer. The instructors pace the class based upon the experience level of the attendees. Participants will receive a detailed line-by-line review in the completion of significant schedules of a Call Report and will be encouraged to share their call-reporting experiences. Appropriate items to be reported and relationships between schedules will be discussed as part of this review. This seminar will be presented by Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC professionals and will offer practical techniques to improve your overall reporting process.
LOCATION: Springhill Suites Columbia 511 Lady Street Columbia, SC
SAVE THE DATE
SCBA BankPAC Sporting Clays Tournament Fundraiser
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025
The Emerging Leaders Division will host the BankPAC Sporting Clays Tournament at The Palmetto Shooting Complex in Edgefield, SC.
The proceeds from this tournament will be contributed to the SCBA StatePAC. Save the date for this special day. Sponsorships are still available.
For more information about the tournament: Carolyn L. Bradley, carolynbradley@scbankers.org
9
Community Bankers
Upstate Peer Group
THURSDAY 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Community Bankers Division will host the Fall Peer Group Meeting at the award winning Hotel Hartness in Greenville. Lunch will be provided and the afternoon will be dedicated to round table discussions with peers, facilitated by Alexis Matthews, Chief Financial Officer, The Peoples Bank. This event is only for bankers and every effort has been made to keep the cost at a minimum. Community bankers from across the State are invited to join us—Space is limited so sign up now!
LOCATION: Hotel Hartness
120 Halston Avenue Greenville, SC
Credit Conference
WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM 22
The 2025 SCBA Credit Conference has been developed to provide bankers with essential information to make your bank more profitable and competitive in the coming months. We are also encouraging the new generation of lenders to register.
LOCATION: Springhill Suites Columbia 511 Lady Street Columbia, SC
