SOUTH CAROLINA BANKERS ASSOCIATION
I s s u e Tw o 2 0 2 6
2026-27 SCBA Chairman of the Board: Samuel R. Small, Jr., President & CEO, First Palmetto Bank
2026-2027 BOARD OF DIRECTORS SCBA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairman Samuel R. Small, Jr. First Palmetto Bank Columbia, SC
Chair-Elect J. Ted Nissen First Community Bank Lexington, SC
First Vice-Chair Coleman A. Kirven The Peoples Bank Anderson, SC
Treasurer Thomas Bouchette The Citizens Bank Florence, SC
Immediate Past Chair H. Richard Sturm Ameris Bank Mt. Pleasant, SC
SCBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2nd Immediate Past Chair Jennifer T. Jones CBL State Savings Bank Greer, SC
President & CEO Fred L. Green III South Carolina Bankers Association Columbia, SC
Coastal Group Director Joseph S. Kassim First Capital Bank Charleston, SC
Coastal Group Director Stephen R. Stone Coastal States Bank Hilton Head Island, SC
Midlands Group Director Vaughn K. Reynolds Bank of America Columbia, SC
Midlands Group Director Donald W. Snipes Enterprise Bank of SC Ehrhardt, SC
Upstate Group Director Rufus T. Dunlap V Countybank Greenwood, SC
Upstate Group Director Jamin M. Hujik Southern Bank Spartanburg, SC
Member-at-Large Laurence S. Bolchoz, Jr. Coastal Carolina National Bank Myrtle Beach, SC
Member-at-Large R. Alex Brame Truist Bank Greenville, SC
Member-at-Large Calvin C. Hurst Southern First Bank Greenville, SC
Member-at-Large William G. Medich SouthState Bank Charleston, SC
Member-at-Large R. Scott Plyler South Atlantic Bank Myrtle Beach, SC
SC Bankers School, Chair Thomas C. Anderson, Jr. First Palmetto Bank Columbia, SC
Emerging Leaders Division, Chair Reid J. Boehm Pinnacle + Synovus Charleston, SC
Member-at-Large Community Bankers Eugene H. Walpole IV Division, Chair The Bank of South Scott M. Frierson Carolina Southern Bank R E G ICharleston, O N A L D I V I SC S I O N F O R G RGreenville, O U P D I R E SC CTORS
REGIONAL DIVISION FOR GROUP DIRECTORS
2009 Park Street I PO Box 1483 Columbia, S.C., 29202-1483 803.779.0850 I Fax: 803.779.0890
www.scbankers.org 2026-27 SC BA EXEC U TIV E CO M M ITTE E Chair............................................................................ Samuel R. Small, Jr., First Palmetto Bank Chair-Elect.........................................................................J. Ted Nissen, First Community Bank First Vice-Chair................................................................Coleman A. Kirven, The Peoples Bank Treasurer............................................................................Thomas Bouchette, The Citizens Bank Immediate Past Chair................................................................. H. Richard Sturm, Ameris Bank 2026-27 SC BA BOARD O F D IR E CTO R S Second Immediate Past Chair..................................... Jennifer T. Jones, CBL State Savings Bank President & CEO................................... Fred L. Green III, South Carolina Bankers Association Directors................................................................ Thomas C. Anderson, Jr., First Palmetto Bank Laurence S. Bolchoz, Jr., Coastal Carolina National Bank Reid J. Boehm, Pinnacle + Synovus R. Alex Brame, Truist Bank Rufus T. Dunlap V, Countybank Scott M. Frierson, Southern Bank Jamin M. Hujik, Southern Bank Calvin C. Hurst, Southern First Bank Joseph S. Kassim, First Capital Bank William G. Medich, SouthState Bank R. Scott Plyler, South Atlantic Bank Vaughn Reynolds, Bank of America Stephen R. Stone, Coastal States Bank Donald W. Snipes, Enterprise Bank of SC Eugene H. Walpole IV, The Bank of South Carolina 2026-27 C OMMUNI TY B A N KE R S D IV IS IO N B OA R D Chair.........................................................................................Scott M. Frierson, Southern Bank Immediate Past Chair............................................ Brooks A. Melton, Beacon Community Bank Directors...............................................................Vaughan R. Dozier, Jr., First Community Bank Hammond E. Edwards, Optus Bank John C. Gregory, Arthur State Bank Thomas O. Hutto, Farmers & Merchants Bank of SC Travis A. Minter, South Atlantic Bank Mike M. Sarvis, Carter Bank David H. Stafford, Oconee Federal Savings & Loan Russell A. Vedder, Coastal Carolina National Bank L. Andrew Westbrook, Palmetto State Bank 2026-27 SOUTH C AROLIN A B A N KE R S S CH O O L B OA R D Chair..................................................................... Thomas C. Anderson, Jr., First Palmetto Bank Chair-Elect.............................................................. Charles K. Talbert, Bank of the Lowcountry Immediate Past Chair.................................................. Joseph A. Painter, First Community Bank Directors................................................................. 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 James B. Smith, The Citizens Bank Course Coordinators........................................................ John C. Griggs III, Pinnacle + Synovus Ford P. Menefee, The Bank of South Carolina Marvin E. Robinson, Jr., Ameris Bank Allison P. Stout, American Pride Bank 2026-27 EMERGI NG L E A D E R S D IV IS IO N B OA R D O F DI R EC T OR S Chair....................................................................................... Reid J. Boehm, Pinnacle + Synovus Chair-Elect.......................................................................J. Jefferson Manning, SouthState Bank First Vice-Chair.............................................M. Charles Abbott, Jr., Carolina Bank & Trust Co. Immediate Past Chair........................................................Margi M. Fleming, The Citizens Bank Directors............................................................................. Laura Black, CBL State Savings Bank Aferdita M. Brown, First Citizens Bank W. Scott Goettee, First Bank Christopher D. Johns, Enterprise Bank of South Carolina Justin A. Johnson, Optus Bank Angela T. Klosterman, First Citizens Bank Parker H. Lee, The Bank of South Carolina Anna Q. Mills, Bank of Travelers Rest Dustin T. Morris, Ameris Bank Michael C. Naioti, TD Bank, N.A. Lindsey Spires Griffin, Bank of America Michael T. Tecosky, Pinnacle Financial Partners Joseph W. Thomas, First Palmetto Bank Andrew W. Vinson, Arthur State Bank Wilson G. Wicker, South Atlantic Bank
Contents
5 2025-26 Chairman: H. Richard Sturm 6 2026 Annual Convention: Naples, FL 14 2026-27 Chairman: Samuel R. Small, Jr. 16 ABA Update 18 South Carolina Legislative Update 20 Women in Banking Leadership Symposium 24 2026 Palmetto Scholarship Winners 26 Preferred Vendor Perspective 28 2026 South Carolina Bankers School 32 Welcome New Associate Members 34 Welcome Member: American Pride Bank 36 Personal Transactions 38 Banking News 40 Education Opportunities 43 Congratulations GSBLSU Graduates SC B A St a f f 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............................................. Jill Valdez 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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Past Chairman
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I N S I G H T:
Richard Sturm on Banking, Advocacy & Service
H. Richard Sturm EVP, Carolina’s Bank President Ameris Bank
B y K evin D ietrich
One lesson Richard Sturm learned in 35-plus years in banking is that learning never stops. Sturm, who began as an entry-level bank employee after college, recently finished his term as chairman of the South Carolina Bankers Association (SCBA) and said the experience gave him a deeper appreciation for the organization.
Sturm’s career path took him from data entry at C&S Bank to credit scoring, teller work, assistant branch manager, and eventually commercial lending. That experience helped prepare him for his move to Ameris Bank 20 years ago, where he was tasked with building the company’s Carolinas presence.
“Serving as chairman brought clarity and a sense of respect for what the South Carolina Bankers Association does,” he said. “I thought I had a clear view previously, but the past year opened my eyes to everything it accomplishes on a daily basis.”
Today, as Carolinas president, he oversees more than $1 billion in South Carolina deposits across 11 offices and another $125 million in North Carolina.
He also gained a better understanding of the SCBA’s relationships with lawmakers. “I spent a lot of time going to political functions this past term,” he said. “It was nice to see how well respected the SCBA is in terms of being a trusted advisor for legislators.” SCBA President and CEO Fred Green said Sturm was especially active during the legislative session. “I have to go to 30 or 40 legislative receptions during the session, and I do that to build and expand relationships,” Green said. “Richard came with me to at least eight to 10 receptions, and it helped him see how things work and why it’s important to go to them.” “That’s the biggest part of the job, nurturing relationships with the folks in the legislature,” Sturm said, noting the success Green and SCBA General Counsel Neil Rashley have each year. That work helped the SCBA support bills that benefited the industry and stop harmful legislation. Sturm said one issue that stood out was fraud prevention. “The one bill that really hit home for me was that which deals with bankers being able to step in on fraudsters trying to hoodwink people,” Sturm said. “The elderly tend to get hit disproportionately by fraud. You hear stories about what happens to people after the fraud happens, and how devastating it can be for victims, so this one was important to me.” Sturm also praised the General Assembly for making mail theft a state offense. He sees the impact check fraud has on his customers; so, giving law enforcement another tool to prosecute mail theft and check fraud is a benefit not only to bank customers and banks, but also to the criminal justice system. “Something that makes it easier to deal with this sort of fraud is a good thing,” Sturm said.
“Richard was hired by Ameris to plant their flag in South Carolina and North Carolina and build a team in the two states, and he’s done a tremendous job at it,” Green said. “He’s a great banker and he was a great chairman this past year. His active involvement helped us to have a successful year.” Sturm said the SCBA stands out because bankers compete in business but still work together for the good of the state. “We may be battling one another for every bit of business, but when it’s all said and done, bankers in South Carolina understand we’re all working for the same thing: To help this state and the businesses and people who live in it,” he said. “One of the great things about the Bankers Association is that everyone pulls together,” Sturm added. He said the SCBA’s advocacy matters statewide. “Access to credit and deposit services is more than a financial convenience; it is a cornerstone of economic opportunity, empowering families to achieve their goals, businesses to grow and communities to prosper,” he said. “When that access is hindered, even unintentionally, the ripple effects are felt far beyond the banking industry, touching the lives of individuals, families and local economies alike.” Sturm still sees banking as a rewarding career. “For someone considering a career in banking, my advice is simple: build strong relationships, maintain integrity and never stop learning,” he said. “Banking is a people business, and success comes from earning trust, understanding clients’ needs and helping them achieve their goals.”
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2026 ANNUAL CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW JUNE 11 – 14
| THE RITZ-CARLTON |
NAPLES, FLORIDA
The South Carolina Bankers Association’s Annual Convention brought members together on Florida’s Gulf Coast in Naples for several days of networking, education, and fellowship. Held at The Ritz-Carlton, the event featured a trade show, business sessions, concurrent educational programs, a golf tournament, and a variety of sponsored receptions and networking breaks. Attendees also enjoyed a morning prayer breakfast, various evening social events, and a festive dinner dance capped by live music. Highlights included an ABA Washington Perspective from Wayne Wicker, moderated by James A. Bennett, which offered insight into national banking priorities and advocacy. Dr. Michael Amiridis, president of the University of South Carolina, shared remarks on “USC — The University FOR South Carolina,” underscoring the university’s impact across the state. The convention also featured a fireside chat with Paul S. Atkins, chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, moderated by C. Dorn Smith III, M.D., providing attendees with thoughtful perspective on regulatory and financial market topics. The convention offered a strong mix of professional development and relaxation in a beautiful coastal setting. Many thanks to all of our gracious sponsors, attendees, and special guests. We hope you will make plans to join us next year in another beautiful coastal setting—Sea Island, Georgia. Our 2027 Convention will be held at The Cloister at Sea Island June 6-9. A Special Thank You Is Extended To The Following Exhibitors For Making Our Trade Show A Success: AmTrust FInancial Services, Inc. BancCard of America, Inc. Compliance Alliance Cornerstone Advisors CSRA Business Lending
DCI Eclipse Brand Builders Federal Reserve Financial Services Fitts and Goodwin IntraFi
StrategyCorps Ken Smith, Inc. Tax Credit Marketplace Profit Resources, Inc. Travelers Insurance RiseImpact Capital, LLC Vericast S&P Global Market Intelligence Southern Bank Equipment & ATMs
2026 Outstanding Young Banker Award: Othniel W. Laffitte The South Carolina Bankers Association is delighted to announce Othniel W. Laffitte as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Young Banker Award. Othniel, who serves as the Senior Vice President and Market Executive for Palmetto State Bank in Greenville, received this recognition from the 2024 Outstanding Young Banker, Rufus T. "Wells" Dunlap V of Countybank in Greenwood. Othniel’s impressive credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics with a concentration in Finance from Wofford College, earned in 2010. He is also a 2016 graduate of the South Carolina Bankers School and a 2022 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. His banking career has been marked by significant accomplishments throughout his 16 years. He joined Palmetto State Bank in February 2025 to lead the bank’s expansion in Greenville, SC. Over this relatively short period of time he has built a team and attracted new customers to the bank contributing to the overall growth of Palmetto State Bank.
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A Special Thank You
To Our 2025-26 SCBA Board Members Who Have Completed Their Term:
William O. Buyck, Jr. Bank of Clarendon Manning, SC
Michael E. Edens First Reliance Bank Columbia, SC
Margi M. Fleming The Citizens Bank Florence, SC
Boyd B. Jones Pinnacle + Synovus Columbia, SC
Benita E. Lefft Optus Bank Columbia, SC
Brooks A. Melton Beacon Community Bank Charleston, SC
Joseph A. Painter First Community Bank Columbia, SC
Mickey M. Renner HomeTrust Bank Charleston, SC
J. Reeves Skeen First Citizens Bank Charleston, SC
Congratulations On 50 years of dedicated service to the banking industry!
ALAN J. GEORGE Vice President, Commercial Banker | Blythewood
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T H E S C B A C O N G R AT U L AT E S T H O S E W H O H AV E S E R V E D 50 YEARS Alan J. George First Community Bank Blythewood, SC David L. Johns Enterprise Bank Ehrhardt, SC
T H E S C B A C O N G R AT U L AT E S T H O S E W H O H AV E S E R V E D 3 5 Y E A R S Rovina C. Andrade The Bank of South Carolina Charleston, SC
Samuel L. Erwin First Horizon Greenville, SC
Paul Peeples South Atlantic Bank Myrtle Beach, SC
Melissa Smyly Bank of the Lowcountry Walterboro, SC
Karen Atwood South Atlantic Bank Myrtle Beach, SC
Mark Freeman HomeTrust Bank Greenville, SC
Sheri Phillips Pinnacle Financial Partners Myrtle Beach, SC
Alice Sorrow First Citizens Bank Abbeville, SC
Marc Bogan Bank of the Lowcountry Walterboro, SC
John Hanna The Citizens Bank Florence, SC
Paula Potter First Citizens Bank Elgin, SC
Tiffany Suggs The Citizens Bank Conway, SC
Marsha Busche SouthState Bank Columbia, SC
Gina L. Harmon First Community Bank Prosperity, SC
Marlene Ray South Atlantic Bank Bluffton, SC
Greg Suggs The Citizens Bank Myrtle Beach, SC
Melissa Butler The Citizens Bank Andrews, SC
Hope Hodge The Citizens Bank Pawleys Island, SC
Kaye Redding The Citizens Bank Hartsville, SC
Tammy Thompson CBL State Savings Bank Greer, SC
Jolene Campbell The Citizens Bank Myrtle Beach, SC
Lynn Mack First Citizens Bank Irmo, SC
Brian Rogers HomeTrust Bank Greenville, SC
Pam Turner The Citizens Bank Pamplico, SC
Susan Codispoti Pinnacle Financial Partners Charleston, SC
Jill Mason SouthState Bank Columbia, SC
Duffy Scarborough The Citizens Bank Hartsville, SC
Jane T. Wilks First Community Bank Lexington, SC
Lisa C. Cope Palmetto State Bank Hampton, SC
Angella McClain The Citizens Bank Florence, SC
Gail A. Seagroves Blue Ridge Bank Walhalla, SC
Frank Wingate HomeTrust Bank Greenville, SC
Stephen Courtwright First Citizens Bank Columbia, SC
Richie McCutcheon The Citizens Bank Lake City, SC
Tina W. Sheffield Palmetto State Bank Hampton, SC
Robert Moore HomeTrust Bank Spartanburg, SC
Jeffrey C. Sherman First Community Bank Lexington, SC
Thank You Sponsors
Congratulations
to Kathleen Robinson, daughter of Marvin E. Robinson, Jr. of Ameris Bank in Columbia for making a HOLE-IN-ONE during the annual convention golf tournament!
I S S U E T W O 2 0 2 6 • PALMETTO BANKER
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Congratulations On 50 years of dedicated service to the banking industry! DAVID JOHNS Chief Operating Officer | Ehrhardt
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CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Anyone personally contributing $1,000 to SCBA BankPAC is recognized as a member of the Chairman’s Circle. Laurence S. Bolchoz Coastal Carolina National Bank
Richards H. Green South Carolina Bankers Association
Paul J. Rogers CBL State Savings Bank
Thomas Bouchette The Citizens Bank
Julie Gurtis United Bank
Daniel F. Siau South Atlantic Bank
William O. Buyck Bank of Clarendon
Robert P. Hucks Coastal Carolina National Bank
Samuel R. Small, Jr. First Palmetto Bank
R. Thornwell Dunlap Countybank
Jennifer T. Jones CBL State Savings Bank
H. Richard Sturm Ameris Bank
Michael E. Edens First Reliance Bank
J. Ted Nissen First Community Bank
K. Wayne Wicker South Atlantic Bank
Fred L. Green South Carolina Bankers Association
R. Scott Plyler South Atlantic Bank
PR E SI DE N T ’S CLU B
Anyone personally contributing $500 to SCBA BankPAC is recognized as a member of the President’s Club. Todd M. Bogdan Park National Bank
Benita E. Lefft Optus Bank
F. Justin Strickland First Reliance Bank
Thomas R. Britt Bank of Travelers Rest
Julie McMakin CBL State Savings Bank
Eugene M. Varn Enterprise Bank of SC
Charles J. Fehlig United Bank
William G. Medich SouthState Bank
Dennis L. Wade Coastal Carolina National Bank
Mary Garcia Pinnacle Financial Partners
Julian A. Ratterree Beacon Bank
R. Bruce White Bank of Travelers Rest
Gary Hadwin Coastal Carolina National Bank
Mickey M. Renner HomeTrust Bank
Ilya Zaretsky United Bank
M.J. Huggins Southern Bank
Ron Shaw Park National Bank
Coleman A. Kirven The Peoples Bank
Donald W. Snipes Enterprise Bank of SC I S S U E T W O 2 0 2 6 • PALMETTO BANKER
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2026 - 27 S C BA C H A I R M A N O F T H E B OA R D : S A M M Y S M A LL , J R .
Banking on Community, Leading with Purpose B y K evin D ietrich
Sammy Small, Jr. possessed few thoughts of a career in banking 20 years ago. Yes, he’d grown up in a banking family, with his father running Camden-headquartered First Palmetto Savings Bank for many years, but he had his eye on a decidedly different prize.
“One of the highest compliments someone can receive is being selected as a leader by peers and competitors,” said Fred Green, longtime president and CEO of the SCBA. “Sammy was selected because of his success, intellect and warm personality. He’ll be a great chairman of the SCBA.”
By 2006, Small had graduated from the University of South Carolina’s dual juris doctor-international MBA program and he’d already completed a business internship in New Zealand. He was serving a judicial clerkship while speaking with different law firms about a job.
To outsiders, Small’s success at First Palmetto might not seem surprising. His father, also named Sammy, ran the bank for decades. But Small said family ties played little part in his opportunity with the bank.
“I was pretty far along toward joining a Charleston law firm when I was approached by senior executives at First Palmetto about joining their bank,” Small said. Small’s only tangible experience at First Palmetto to that point was as a customer, but he’d seen the impact his father had had in Camden by helping people and businesses. It was a sudden about-face for someone who was in the process of hitting the ground running in the legal profession. “They told me if you come on board with us, you have the chance to earn your way through,” Small said. “I started out as general counsel for the bank and took on different positions over time. Ultimately, that gave me a chance to do everything at the bank. “It was a difficult decision to go into banking instead of the law, but it ended up being the right decision,” he added. Small started as general counsel for the bank and began working his way up the corporate ladder at First Palmetto. Today, he serves as president and chief executive officer. Additional recognition came earlier this year, when Small was named chairman of the South Carolina Bankers Association.
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“My dad never pushed me into banking,” Small said. “Even when I was recruited to come into the bank, he stayed out of it. He wanted to be completely impartial.” Small said his father has been a strong influence throughout his life, even if he didn’t try to mold him into a banker. “Every day when I was growing up I got to watch him, and I learned how a banker can shape a community,” he said. “You can do so many things: Help a business get off the ground, help a business expand, help a developer put in a subdivision, help a family save for college. “There were always people seeking out what the community banker could do for the community, and he always responded,” Small added. His mother also played a key role in inspiring Small, he said. “My mom was a school administrator; she was a school principal and before that a teacher,” he said. “She and my father really instilled in me a work ethic. They were working all the time so my sisters and I could get ahead. They sacrificed so we could succeed. I’m blessed with the two parents I have.”
Small took on more responsibility over time at the bank. He was appointed chief operating officer in 2009 and president six years after that. In 2024, he added chief executive officer to his duties. Despite filling the same shoes as his father at First Palmetto, Small has made his own mark. First Palmetto – which decades ago focused almost solely on the Camden area – now has more than 20 offices around the state, including locations in Columbia, Greenville, Mount Pleasant and Myrtle Beach, and about $1.1 billion in assets. First Palmetto also services about $180 million in mortgage loans. “Sammy is good at selling a vision,” said Thomas Anderson, First Palmetto’s chief financial officer and Small’s first significant hire. “He’s probably the hardest worker at our bank,” Anderson said. “He’s willing to get down and dirty inside the bank when it comes to getting the job done. And he doesn’t ask people to do things that he hasn’t done.” As with most successful bankers, Small has learned from his experiences. “It wasn’t long after I joined the bank that the Great Recession came along. Getting through that taught me a great deal,” he said of the 2007-2010 financial downturn. “I had seasoned bankers tell me that I’d seen more in those three years at the bank than many 40-year bankers.”
“
We want to continue to promote integrity in all things. I like being part of a bank where a handshake means something.
Working his way through each part of the bank also paid dividends for Small. “HR is different than collections, which is different than sales, and having the training involved with the different areas and being able to deal with different types of people was extremely important,” he said. Part of what makes Small’s style work at First Palmetto is ensuring everyone understands the bank’s objectives. “We’ve been around for nearly 125 years, and it’s been many years of hard work that’s put us where we are today,” Anderson said. “Sammy wants to continue putting in the hard work, so the bank will be here for generations to come. “When we hire people we don’t want them to look at this as just working at a job; we want people to see it as a career,” he added. First Palmetto, founded in 1904 as a building and loan association and now a state-chartered commercial bank, is still headquartered in Camden, but Small works from an office in Columbia. First Palmetto’s corporate leadership is split between Camden and Columbia, a strategy that enables the institution to compete with other banks in the state seeking top-caliber executives. “Despite the changes that have come with growth,” Small said “First Palmetto hasn’t altered how it does business.” “We’re a slow, steady, consistent performer, and that’s what we want,” he said. “We want to continue to promote integrity in all things. I like being part of a bank where a handshake means something.” I S S U E T W O 2 0 2 6 • PALMETTO BANKER
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ABA U pd a t e
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Rob Nichols, President and CEO American Bankers Association nichols@aba.com
On July 4, cities and towns across the nation celebrated 250 years of American independence. By and large, Americans all know our founding story: how a group of thirteen original colonies broke free from Great Britain, formed a union, and grew over two and a half centuries into a global superpower. But perhaps a lesser-known part of that story is the critical role that banks played in securing American independence, and transforming this nation into what it is today. Great Britain forbade its American colonies from operating their own banks — just one of the many restrictions that pushed the colonies to rebel. With no established banking system, the colonists found themselves at a disadvantage, and the Revolutionary War effort faltered, until the Bank of North America was chartered by the Second Continental Congress in 1781. Based in Philadelphia, the bank began operations in 1782, and was an immediate success, paying strong dividends to investors, and providing a critical line of credit to the fledgling Congress. The Bank of North America was the first commercial bank in the U.S., and while it refashioned itself in the 1780s, it lived on as a model for the First Bank of the United States, which was founded in 1791 by Alexander Hamilton to help stabilize a nascent U.S. financial system beleaguered by heavy war debts. Hamilton believed in the power of the private banking model for maintaining discipline; when the Bank of the United States 16
I S S U E T W O 2 0 2 6 • PALMETTO BANKER
was opened, it marked the first IPO in American history. Private investors owned 80% of the Bank of the United States, with the government owning the remaining 20%. While the Bank of the United States charter lapsed, briefly at first and then permanently in 1836, it demonstrated to young leaders like Abraham Lincoln what a diverse, well-capitalized banking system could do to grow our economy. Throughout moments that followed — the Civil War, the growth of the United States as an industrial superpower, our victory in two world wars — banking was what helped propel America forward and into new stages of growth and development. Throughout our history, Americans have relied on banks of all sizes to provide the credit needed for individuals and businesses to thrive. Our financial ecosystem is unique in terms of the diversity of institutions that operate today — from small community banks, mutuals, and minority depository institutions that serve niche markets, to midsize and regional banks, to the largest global financial institutions operating on multiple continents. Our country has thrived thanks to that interconnected network of financial institutions, and it's helped create the opportunity for Americans from sea to shining sea to participate in the economy and pursue their dreams. And that's an American tradition worth protecting and worth celebrating.
Congratulations
Top Participating Member Awards for 2025
Ted Nissen of First Community Bank accepts the 2025 Top Participating Lender Award for the SBA 7a Program.
Wes Wilbanks of Southern First Bank accepts the 2025 Top Participating Lender Award for the SBA 504 Program.
Brandi Grim of First Citizens Bank accepts the 2025 Top Participating Lender Award for the SC CAP Program.
Holt Chetwood of First Citizens Bank accepts the 2025 Top Participating Lender Award for the SSBCI Program. Awards presented by Peter Shand, President and CEO, BDC.
A Leader in Small Business Lending
BDCofSC.com
L e g i s l at i v e U pd at e
A. O’Neil Rashley, Jr., Esq. Senior Vice President & General Counsel SCBA
SCBA Secures Key Wins as South Carolina General Assembly Tackles Fraud, Credit Unions, Top Banking Issues
The 2025-2026 legislation session proved to be a productive and busy one for SCBA and its banks. The General Assembly passed key SCBA initiatives such as anti-fraud bills addressing mail theft and financial exploitation, while also responding to proposals that created problems, such as credit unions’ expansion of powers. New legislative issues affecting banks also received significant consideration, such as interchange fees and debanking. All of these issues had a significant impact on South Carolina’s banks and stressed the need for bankers to stay involved in advocacy so that legislators understand that impact. FIGHTING FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION AND MAIL THEFT With fraud a constant challenge for banks and their customers, the General Assembly strongly supported and enacted two of SCBA’s top legislative priorities – establishment of a state crime of mail theft, and increasing banks’ ability to combat financial exploitation of older customers as well as vulnerable adults. Bankers are well aware that check fraud is rampant and that the theft of checks from the mail is one of the primary sources of the fraud; however, South Carolina did not have a state level crime of mail theft that would allow for local prosecutions. Chairman Luke Rankin of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Chairman Weston Newton of the House Judiciary Committee both championed a mail theft bill, S357, that created a mail theft state crime that carries a 10-year felony punishment. With the enactment of this bill, local law enforcement and prosecutors now have a strong tool to use against check fraud and mail theft. Banks also face many circumstances where they see a potential fraudulent transaction occurring with an older customer, only to be frustrated by requirements that the transaction be honored even when fraud is suspected. As such, the General Assembly again supported an SCBA priority bill that allows banks to decline or halt suspected fraudulent transactions involving financial exploitation of customers 55 and older and also customers that are vulnerable adults. The bill (S851) received unanimous support from both chambers as Senate President Thomas Alexander and Chairman Bill Herbkersman of the 18
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House Labor, Commerce and Industry committee steered it through their chambers. Additionally, the bill included a new way for banks to address fraud – allowing “protected adult” customers the option of designating a list of trusted contacts the bank may notify in cases of suspected exploitation. The concept of a list of trusted contacts is similar to that of medical offices offering patients the ability to provide a list of contacts for in order to share medical information. The strong bipartisan support for these measures underscores a shared recognition: combating fraud requires coordination between financial institutions, lawmakers, and law enforcement. EXPANSION OF CREDIT UNION POWERS For decades, Congress and the states have set clear statutory differences between banks and credit unions, with credit unions established as financial institutions that serve the banking needs of low to moderate income consumers, and, in some cases, small businesses. With these limitations they receive advantages such as no taxation of income or compliance with statutes such as the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code and the Community Reinvestment Act. Even so, the credit union industry has continually pushed the last few years for changes in state law that would expand their powers beyond serving consumers and allow them to do the same business as banks, but not have the financial and compliance burdens that go with that business. In the 202526 session one such issue was the deposits of local subdivisions. South Carolina, along with many states, provides that local subdivisions can place their deposits only in FDIC-insured banks; banks that must then collateralize these deposits that are over $250,000. Two bills this session, H3221 and S60, sought to change this and allow local subdivisions to place their funds in credit unions, even though cities and counties fall outside of the credit union mission of serving consumers and small businesses. A coalition of the credit unions, cities, and counties, on the behalf nine large credit unions, lobbied the General Assembly stating the need for this change was that banks were not serving rural
communities and that passage of these bills would aid rural communities. However, the truth is that banks are throughout rural South Carolina and serve the deposits needs of all cities and counties. In fact it would be the large, urban cities and counties that would benefit from these bills the most. Neither bill passed the Senate or the House as a Senate Banking subcommittee met and declined to advance S60, while the House Labor, Commerce and Industry committee did not take up H3221 due to lack of support as well as banker opposition. Banker advocacy was critical in keeping these bills from advancing as bankers educated legislators on the reality of local subdivision deposits and banks serving rural community needs. Still, the credit unions’ coalition aggressively pushed for their proposal by attempting to amend other unrelated bills, even though these proposals and had been previously voted down and did not move out of committees. Again, strong banker advocacy prevented these end-around attempts and the amendments did not pass. As concerning as these actions were, the debate created an opportunity for bankers to engage directly with legislators— particularly on the role banks play in serving rural and underserved communities. Bankers emphasized the importance of maintaining the longstanding distinctions between tax-paying community banks and tax-exempt credit unions, especially as a small number of large credit unions seek expanded powers. The consistent engagement of bankers across the state was instrumental in educating legislators on what banks do and the importance of requiring credit unions to stick to their mission and stay in their lane. ELECTRONIC TITLING FOR VEHICLES On April 6th, Governor Henry McMaster signed H3856 into law, authorizing the development of an electronic titling system for vehicles to complement the state’s existing electronic lien framework. The General Assembly also appropriated funding to DMV to create the system and set a deadline of March 31, 2027, for implementation. H3856 started as a simple DMV bill in the House but the Senate Transportation committee added electronic titling When this occurred, SCBA identified problematic language in the amendment that would have required banks to release vehicle liens within rigid timeframes—three days for electronic payments and ten days for paper payments—far before a bank could confirm that payment was proper. Excellent discussions with Senate Transportation chairman Larry Grooms and subcommittee chairman Sen. Danny Verdin allowed banks to point out that these deadlines would cause problems and possibly even lead to fraud. Quickly, the amendment was changed to allow banks to confirm that funds are good and that there is full satisfaction before the lien was released. All stakeholders supported this change, and the law now becomes effective on October 6, 2026. Present lien release law remains in effect until that date.
INTERCHANGE FEES For the first time the South Carolina General Assembly dealt with interchange fees as H4616 was introduced and a “testimony only” subcommittee was held. H4616 was similar to many bills that state legislatures have rejected throughout the country that would exempt the sales tax portion of a transaction from an interchange fee. Under such legislation, banks would still bear the risk and cost of the transaction’s entire amount, even though the interchange fee could only be applied to a portion of the transaction. This issue is new, and most state legislators do not realize that interchange fees are not profit mechanisms that place burdensome costs on merchants; instead they support a range of banks’ essential functions, including fraud prevention, credit risk management, customer service, and cardholder rewards programs. For community banks in particular, interchange revenue represents a critical source of non-interest income that helps sustain modern payment infrastructure and local banking services. It is this payment infrastructure that is a benefit to merchants and their customers as transaction increasingly go cashless. A secure and speedy card payment system is a significant benefit for merchants and their customers. Now that the interchange issue was discussed in the General Assembly, it will most likely come up again next session. It is important for bankers to continue to educate legislators that interchange fees help support a safe card payment system and critical banking operations that benefit merchants and their customers. THE GUARANTEE BANKING ACT One of the most complicated bills of the session was the Guarantee Banking Act, H5538, a bill that held banks with more than $100 billion in assets accountable if they denied banking services to a consumer or business for political reasons or for the type of business it is. H5538 was similar to President Trump’s 2025 executive order on guaranteeing banking that applied to all financial institutions of all sizes. However, H5538 went further and created a legal action the South Carolina Attorney General could bring against one these banks over $100 billion in assets. The bill arose in the last few weeks in the session and there was political pressure from the White House to pass the bill. Even under these circumstances, SCBA worked hard to remove the private right of action, clarify legal standards, and create a transparent complaint process. H5538 has a six-month implementation delay and will not effective until January 2027. THE IMPORTANCE OF BANKER ADVOCACY The 2025–2026 legislative session reflected both the opportunities and challenges facing South Carolina’s banking sector. From defending the industry’s structure against competitive imbalances to advancing tools that combat fraud and modernize operations, bankers remained actively engaged in the policymaking process. While some issues may carry over into the next session, the progress made this year highlights the importance of sustained advocacy and strong relationships with their legislators. For South Carolina’s banks, that engagement made a significant, positive difference in 2025-26. I S S U E T W O 2 0 2 6 • PALMETTO BANKER
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2026
SOUTH
CAROLINA
BANKERS
ASSOCIATION
Women in Banking LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM
The Women in Banking Leadership Symposium, held April 14–15, brought together banking professionals from across South Carolina for two inspiring days of learning, connection, and leadership development. The event featured engaging sessions on sales culture, economic trends, team building, and leadership, along with a dynamic panel discussion showcasing the insight and experience of women leaders in banking. With valuable takeaways, meaningful networking opportunities, and a strong spirit of collaboration, the symposium offered attendees fresh perspectives and practical tools to help them grow as leaders. It was a powerful reminder of the impact women continue to make across the banking industry — and a preview of the even greater opportunities ahead at next year’s event, scheduled for March 17-18 at the Hilton Columbia Center, Columbia, SC.
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2027 SCBA Women in Banking Leadership Symposium March 17–18 2027 | The Hilton Columbia Center | Columbia, SC
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Thank You Sponsors
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2026 Palmetto Scholarship
The South Carolina Bankers Association believes offering scholarships to deserving children of bank employees, as well as part-time employees who are also in college, helps demonstrate its appreciation to member banks and their employees and serves as a means for building a path to a better, more prosperous South Carolina. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been awarded over the years to deserving college students through money raised by the Emerging Leaders Division Scholarship Golf Tournament and a significant transfer of funds from our Education Foundation.
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 12th at The Palmetto Club in Columbia.
“
I am truly grateful for your support as I continue to study Civil Engineering at Clemson University. With this support, I am able to focus on my studies as I enter my senior year. Your generosity truly means a lot to me and motivates me to work even harder to achieve everything I strive for this year.
“
– Scholarship Recipient
Much appreciation to South Carolina Student Loan Corporation for sponsoring our reception.
SAVE THE DATE FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, AND JOIN US AT THE FORT JACKSON GOLF CLUB IN COLUMBIA FOR THE 2026 SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT!
AMERIS BANK Braden Earwaker, son of Ryan Earwaker Andrew Gesser, son of Ryan Gesser Emma Gesser, daughter of Ryan Gesser ANDERSON BROTHERS BANK Landry Carsten, son of Jamie Carsten Emerson Rea, son of Stephanie Rea, Donna Major Recipient ARTHUR STATE BANK Perry Dyer, son of Autumn Dyer Abby Gregory, daughter of Melissa Gregory BANK OF AMERICA Dylan Meetze, son of Tammie Meetze BANK OF CLARENDON Jackson McGregor, son of Josh McGregor Eliza Rose Newton, daughter of Rose Buyck Newton BANK OF THE LOWCOUNTRY Lilly Henderson, daughter of Gray Henderson BANK OF TRAVELERS REST Addie Sanders, daughter of Jason Sanders BEACON COMMUNITY BANK Kathryn Owens, daughter of Thomas Owens CAROLINA BANK AND TRUST Emma Matthews, daughter of Tegy Matthews Mary Elizabeth Segars, daughter of Marianne Segars CBL STATE SAVINGS BANK Carter Trout, son of Dennis Trout CONWAY NATIONAL BANK Chelsea Hearl, daughter of Angela Hearl COUNTYBANK Madi Chisam, employee Haley Homme, daughter of Donna-Marie Homme Jayden Krebs, son of Ashley Krebs Adam Prince, son of April Prince Natalie Thompson, daughter of Anne Thompson ENTERPRISE BANK OF SC Bree Gilbert, daughter of Elease Gilbert Owen Jenkins, son of Scott Jenkins FARMERS AND MERCHANTS BANK OF SOUTH CAROLINA Ashby Rickenbacker, son of Tammie Rickenbacker FIRST BANK Ethan Timmons, son of Allison Timmons FIRST CITIZENS BANK Annie Chetwood, daughter of Holt Chetwood Caroline Davis, daughter of Adam Davis Shelby McIntyre, daughter of Bryan McIntyre FIRST COMMUNITY BANK Shelby Addison, daughter of Bill Addison Ben Holmes, son of Will Holmes Roman White, son of Kristi White FIRST PALMETTO BANK Caroline Green, daughter of Mary Ellen Green Henry Green, son of Mary Ellen Green Mac Long, son of Walter Long
OPTUS BANK Justin Rickenbacker, son of Terence Rickenbacker PALMETTO STATE BANK Annie Bray Bennett, daughter of Hal Bennett PARK NATIONAL BANK Addison Halfacre, daughter of Robert Halfacre PINNACLE FINANCIAL PARTNERS/SYNOVUS Caroline Campbell, daughter of Ross Campbell Ella Cox, daughter of Bradley Cox Sylvia Dobbe, daughter of Sarah Dobbe William Hudson, son of Tyler Hudson Carrie Jordan, daughter of Kip Jordan Maddox Robinson, son of Brett Robinson Hanna Walter, daughter of Paul Walter SOUTH CAROLINA BANKERS ASSOCIATION Lilly Anna Green, daughter of Rick Green SECURITY FEDERAL BANK Emma Grace Ciesielski, daughter of Mary Ciesielski Zoey Roberts, daughter of Menia Roberts SOUTH ATLANTIC BANK Liza Branham, daughter of Beth Branham Anna Brown, daughter of Denise Brown Ethan Rile, son of Heather Rile Ava Smith, daughter of Amanda Smith Caroline Uram, daughter of Alan Uram SOUTHERN FIRST BANK Hayden Avant, son of Sarah Snyder Grayson Diehl, son of Amanda Diehl Charlie Whitlock, son of James Whitlock SOUTHSTATE BANK Ella Ferguson, daughter of Scott Ferguson Emma Gaylard, daughter of Kristin Gaylard Zariah Hollington, daughter of LaToya Hollington Krystal Judy, daughter of Lynn Judy, Katie Skeen Recipient Jonay McQueen, daughter of Melonie McQueen Molly Blair Ward, daughter of Chris Ward TD BANK, N.A. Riley Case, daughter of Trey Gardner Olivia Costello, daughter of Anthony Costello Sanai Ferguson, daughter of Robert Ferguson Beatriz Goncalves, daughter of Mariana Bueno Smith Crystal Grant, daughter of Ciara Seawright Matthew Perez, son of Denise Perez Dimonde Shamley, employee THE CITIZENS BANK Alex Burns, employee Nathan Gause, son of Kevin Gause Lani Kirby, daughter of Bob Kirby Madison White, employee THE PEOPLES BANK Addison Church, daughter of Chrystal Church TRUIST Anthony Lattanzio, son of Mark Lattanzio UNITED COMMUNITY Emily Brown, daughter of Cynthia Brown Peyton Nash, daughter of Amy Nash Darby Scroggins, daughter of Jana Scroggins
KINGSTREE FEDERAL SAVINGS & LOAN Rylie Ann Roark, daughter of Jill Roark I S S U E T W O 2 0 2 6 • PALMETTO BANKER
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Tom Evans, CFA Senior Consultant
PERSPECTIVES
HUB | Taylor Advisors, a Division of HUB International
Asset Recycling Renaissance For the past year, we’ve encouraged many financial institutions to recycle legacy assets into higher-coupon loans and investments. With that framework in mind, we thought it would be timely to break down the key contributors to overall earning asset yield, as yield drives margin. We talk frequently about the importance of mix, selection, and pricing on both sides of the balance sheet. This article will focus on the asset side of the balance sheet, given the continued runway for asset cash flow repricing. 1. MIX Intentionally listed first, the asset mix is generally the largest contributor to overall earning asset yields. The mix is as simple as the asset allocation: loans, investments, and cash. Despite sounding rather elementary, many factors contribute to each institution’s unique asset mix, including geography, market area, competition, credit risk tolerance, and other important ALCO risk factors. Given that most financial institutions accept the bulk of financial risk within the loan portfolio, higher allocations to loans over investments and cash largely translates to a higher overall earning asset yield. As an added benefit, lending creates opportunities for related deposits, which can and should provide margin benefit. When liquidity builds, and the share of loans on the balance sheet shrinks, earning asset yield compresses as the balance sheet shifts towards a suboptimal mix. 2. SELECTION Once the target mix is established, selection becomes the next critical lever. Not all loans are created equal from a yield and structure perspective, and the same is true for investments. Within the loan portfolio, selection involves evaluating risk-return tradeoffs across product types: commercial real estate, commercial & industrial, residential, construction, and consumer lending all carry different yield profiles, duration characteristics, optionality, and risk weights. Additionally, the selection within the loan portfolio can have an outsized impact on the mix, selection, and pricing within a bank’s liabilities. Non-owner-occupied CRE, construction, and participation loans are generally not deposit-rich lending verticals. Selection extends to the investment portfolio as well. The decision among agency MBS, municipal bonds, US Treasuries, or alternative sectors has meaningful implications for yield, duration, liquidity, and pledgeability, all of which contribute to net interest margin and risk management. Importantly, selection also considers the repricing, maturity, amortization and cash flow nature of a particular asset, which is an integral part for charting the path for earning asset yields through various interest rate cycles. 3. PRICING Pricing is the most visible lever and often the most contested. Financial institutions routinely face competitive pressures to match or undercut competitors' pricing, and, oftentimes, pricing discussions can dominate an ALCO meeting. While a disciplined approach to pricing is important, mix and selection should largely be prioritized. Institutions should keep in mind that pricing can be flexible and should be reflective of each institution’s unique risk profile, balance sheet mix, and balance sheet selection. Two important concepts related to pricing include: • How else can we get compensated for a loan beyond just yield? Origination fees? New deposit relationship or larger deposit balances? Treasury management services? Call protection via prepayment penalties? All of these ancillary items add value to lending beyond just yield. • Typical bank investment products have very transparent markets. Why give up yield via paying unnecessarily higher bond prices due to excessive broker markups? Sometimes, excessive markups can translate to 10-30bps of annual yield give up. HUB INTERNATIONAL’S TAKE: The liability side of the net interest margin demanded outsized attention for the better part of the last three years. That urgency is fading. Institutions that outperform will be those that turn focus to assets with equal intensity. Mix, selection, and pricing work in concert, but have a hierarchy. An institution can have the right mix but still lose yield due to poor selection/structure. It can have the right selection but deliver lower yields due to improper pricing, leading to a suboptimal mix. A strong ALCO should consistently evaluate the mix, selection, and pricing within the asset base. The decisions made today will impact earning asset yields for years to come. The window is still open…make it count! An Associate Member of SCBA, HUB | Taylor Advisors – a Division of HUB International – provides consulting and advisory services in the areas of ALCO, capital, liquidity, interest rate risk and investments to community-based financial institutions throughout the country. To learn more, visit www.tayloradvisor.com or contact Tom Evans at tom.evans@hubinternational.com and Brett Walburn at brett.walburn@hubinternational.com. 26
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South Carolina Bankers School Celebrates Class of 2026
The South Carolina Bankers School marked a special milestone on July 16, 2026, as 69 graduates received their diplomas during a ceremony in Columbia, closing out the school's 64th annual session.
known for its strong curriculum, accomplished faculty, and lasting impact on careers across the industry. More than 3,600 students have graduated from the program over the years.
The weeklong school brought banking and finance professionals together at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina for an intensive and rewarding week of study, discussion, and connection.
This year's graduation ceremony, held at the Pastides Alumni Center, was especially meaningful as bank CEOs and senior leaders joined to celebrate the graduates' three-year achievement.
Since its founding in 1961, SCBS has become one of the Southeast's most respected banking schools,
For generations of bankers, SCBS has offered more than education — it has created a community of peers, mentors, and future leaders.
The Lillie H. Magalis Memorial Award is given each year to the graduate with the highest cumulative average for 3 years at the South Carolina Bankers School. Students receive grades on two examinations and six home study problems. All eight grades count one eighth each. The award recipient this year was Christopher David “Chris” Johns (left), Information Technology Officer, VP with Enterprise Bank of South Carolina in Ehrhardt, with an outstanding GPA of 98.38. He was presented the award by 2026 SCBS Chair, Joseph A. “Drew” Painter (right) of First Community Bank. 28
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And the winners of the 2026 SCBS BankExec Competition are...
COMMUNITY A – "STABLE BANK"
COMMUNITY B – "EL BANCO DE TRES"
COMMUNITY C – "IRONWOOD BANK"
Cason Lea, Security Federal Bank (CEO) Adam Odom, SouthState Bank Sam Kelly, Beacon Community Bank Travis Robinson, Ameris Bank Chelsea Connelly, First National Bank of SC Sam Murdaugh, Bank of the Lowcountry
Stuart Bailey, Coastal Carolina National Bank Sarah Carmichael, Anderson Brothers Bank Jon Norris, Carolina Bank & Trust Nikki Lawson, SouthState Bank Stacy Dyer, Western Alliance Bank Daniel Wooten, First Capital Bank (CEO)
Douglas Ernest, United Bank Amy Brock, United Community Stephanie Alexander, The Peoples Bank Avrey Colo, SouthState Bank Dalton Coursey, The Citizens Bank Cooper James, Ameris Bank (CEO)
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profitresources.com I S S U E T W O 2 0 2 6 • PALMETTO BANKER
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New Members
Welcome
We are fortunate to have an active and engaged roster of Associate members and proudly welcome these new members:
Asure 405 Colorado Street, Suite 1800 Austin, TX 78701 (888) 277-2583 asuresoftware.com Mr. Mark Cornelius, Strategic Partnerships, Alliance Team - Carolinas 405 Colorado Street, Suite 1800 Austin, TX 78701 (512) 551-4423 mark.cornelius@asuresoftware.com
Brean Capital 505 5th Ave Fl 5 New York, NY 10017 (212) 702-6500 breancapital.com Mr. John Schramm, Managing Director, Investment Banking 3414 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 750 Atlanta, GA 30326 (919) 349-8541 jschramm@breancapital.com
Colliers International of South Carolina,LLC 1301 Gervais Street, Suite 600 Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 254-2300 colliers.com/en/united-states/cities/columbia-sc Mr. E. Craig Waites, Jr. Market President 1301 Gervais Street, Suite 600 Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 401-4224 Craig.Waites@colliers.com
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Asure Software (Nasdaq: ASUR) is a cloud-based Human Capital Management platform built for the way businesses actually work today — lean, fast-moving, and compliance-driven. From HR and payroll to time and attendance, benefits administration, payroll tax management, and talent management, Asure delivers an integrated suite that eliminates administrative drag and keeps organizations ahead of regulatory change. Powered by AI, Asure's compliance services scale with your business while keeping the human connection front and center. Whether you're a 10-person startup or a multilocation enterprise, Asure gives you the tools to hire, manage, and grow your workforce with confidence.
Brean Capital is an independent investment bank focused on delivering high-quality investment ideas and investment banking services to institutional investors and corporate clients. Brean Capital offers fixed income sales, trading, and strategy, investment banking, and loan facilitation products and services.
Colliers of South Carolina is the largest full-service commercial real estate firm in South Carolina with an annual transaction volume of $1.5 billion. The firm has 225 real estate professionals covering the state with locations in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville and Spartanburg. Colliers is the largest manager of commercial real estate properties in South Carolina with a portfolio of over 31 million square feet of office, industrial, retail and healthcare properties. Colliers of South Carolina’s sister company, LCK, provides project management services across the Southeast and beyond with an annual project value of $1.3 billion. LCK helps clients maximize the value of their development projects while remaining on schedule and within budget. Colliers and LCK staff hold more professional designations than any other commercial real estate firm in South Carolina.
MMB Milne Leone Consulting 3801 Westerre Parkway, Suite A Richmond, VA 23233 (434) 996-6509 mmbconsulting.net Mr. Ryan S. Lesser Member 3801 Westerre Parkway, Suite A Richmond, VA 23233 (434) 996-6509 rlesser@mmbconsulting.net
NBID (National Bank InterDeposit Company) 386 Park Avenue S New York, NY 10016-8842 US (239) 248-5764 nbid.com Mr. Tony Karalekas Head of Strategic Partnerships 386 Park Avenue S New York, NY 10016 (239) 248-5764 tony@modernfi.com
Renasant Bank Financial Institutions Group 209 Troy Street Tupelo, MS 38804 (706) 596-4641 renasant.com Mr. Richard K. Lane (Rik), Director Financial Institutions Group, Head of Repo Sales 6333 Whitesville Road Columbus, GA 31904 (478) 733-0756 rik.lane@renasant.com
MMB specializes in the design, implementation, service, and administration of BOLI, ICOLI, COLI, and executive benefit plans for banks, insurance companies, and professional firms. They provide custom solutions utilizing the best-in-class products in the insurance industry. The firm includes attorneys, CPAs, and MBAs with the experience necessary to frequently speak on BOLI, ICOLI, COLI, and executive benefit related topics at Federal and State Bank Regulator Conferences as well as Professional Associations. Their team of experienced professionals provide all service and administration inhouse. Internal controls have been independently tested and certified with a SOC 1, Type II Report. MMB offices are located in Richmond, VA and Pittsburgh, PA.
National Bank InterDeposit Company (NBID) is the first bankdriven reciprocal deposit network, formed to give community and regional banks direct oversight, transparency, and long-term alignment over a critical component of their deposit infrastructure. Founded in spring 2025, NBID has grown rapidly to over 650 member banks across 49 states, including 8 South Carolina banks and counting. NBID is governed by a Board of senior bank executives representing a broad range of sizes and geographies (nbid.com/board). Through the network, banks can offer expanded deposit insurance, attract large value relationships, source funding on demand, and manage balance sheet size. Members benefit from materially lower costs than legacy platforms, modern API-driven technology, profit-sharing, and a direct ownership stake in the network.
With 20 of years of reliable experience, Renasant Bank’s Financial Institutions Group understands the diverse, ever changing needs of community bankers. Their goal is to deliver strategic financial solutions, operational support and exceptional service to community banks across the United States. Renasant welcomes the opportunity to discuss how they can best partner with you to increase efficiencies and revenue while expanding the product and service offering you provide to your customers.
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 Bradley by email at carolynbradley@scbankers.org. Scan here for our complete Associate Member Directory. I S S U E T W O 2 0 2 6 • PALMETTO BANKER
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Welcome New Bank Member American Pride Bank is a community bank headquartered in Macon, Georgia with locations in the Southeast. The bank has been serving ambitious, high-potential customers since 2007. American Pride Bank specializes in high-touch, friendly, and flexible financial products and services that create pathways for generational wealth-building and business success. As a designated Minority Depository Institution, American Pride Bank prioritizes partnering with underestimated people and places to build wealth, grow wealth, and ensure customers can pass it on for future generations. Visit www.AmericanPride.Bank for more information.
Proudly serving South Carolina’s banking industry since 1900, the SCBA is the key advocate in helping our member banks by providing leadership in legislative, regulatory, educational and value-added services.
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NOT YOUR AVERAGE ACCOUNTING FIRM With a specialty in accounting and advisory services for banks, Scott and Company has served South Carolina’s business community for over 30 years — with the kind of depth generalist firms can't match.
Banking Services • External Audits
• IT Assurance
• Tax Planning & Compliance
• Bank Secrecy Act
• Internal Audits
Get in Touch (803) 256-6021 www.scottandco.com I S S U E T W O 2 0 2 6 • PALMETTO BANKER
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Personal Transactions
Jessica Suggs
Marvin Robinson
P.J. Watson
Rivers Cahill
Melissa Myotte-Carter
Morgan Holden
Keith Norris
Charlee Rhodes
Katelyn Willoughby
Chip McLeod
Chris Farris
Grier Sandifer
Brad Medcalf
AMERIS BANK Dustin Morris has been promoted to Greenville market president, where he will lead the bank’s Greenville market and support continued growth across the region. Marvin Robinson has been named Midlands market president, overseeing the bank’s commercial and retail banking operations throughout the Lexington and Columbia areas. P.J. Watson has joined the bank as Charleston market president, leading market strategy, customer relationships and business development efforts across the Charleston region.
ANDERSON BROTHERS BANK Rivers Cahill has joined as a commercial lending officer in Myrtle Beach. Melissa Myotte-Carter has joined as the bank’s new director of human resources. Morgan Holden has been promoted to marketing communications coordinator within the bank’s marketing department. 36
Dustin Morris
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Keith Norris has joined as commercial loan officer at the Loris 701 branch.
Mike Hill has been elected Chairman of the Board and will remain CEO of the bank.
Charlee Rhodes has joined as commercial loan officer in Florence.
William Langford has retired as CFO, but will continue on the Board.
Jessica Suggs, CFMP, has been promoted to Brand and Creative Manager within the Bank’s Marketing Department.
Robert Grier Sandifer, Jr. has been named President of Bank of York and their holding company, York Bancshares, Inc.
Katelyn Willoughby has joined the marketing department in Mullins as social media promotions coordinator.
FIRST CAROLINA BANK
BANK OF AMERICA Chip McLeod, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management senior resident director, has been named president of Upstate South Carolina. He succeeds Stacy Brandon, who led the market for more than 10 years and retired from the company after 39 years.
BANK OF YORK Christopher Farris has been appointed as CFO of the bank.
Brad Medcalf has been appointed to market president for the South Carolina market.
FIRST COMMUNITY BANK Vaughan R. Dozier will become chief executive officer of First Community Bank effective January 1, 2027 and will also join the holding company, First Community Corporation, and bank’s board of directors. J. Ted Nissen will retire from his role as CEO and president of First Community Bank and as a director of the bank and its holding company, effective December 31, 2026.
Vaughan R. Dozier
Ted Nissen
Drew Painter
Sammy Small
Curt Evatt
David Stafford
Benita Lefft
Tony Ateca
Nathan Crowe
Darrell Rains
J. Chris Verenes
Philip Wahl II
Jeff Manning
Margi Fleming
Rebecca Costanzo
Joseph A. “Drew” Painter will become president of First Community Bank effective January 1, 2027 and will also join the holding company’s and bank’s board of directors.
SECURITY FEDERAL BANK
SOUTHSTATE BANK
Tony Ateca has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer of the bank.
FIRST PALMETTO BANK
Nathan Crowe has been appointed CFO of Security Federal and Security Federal Bank.
J. Jefferson “Jeff ” Manning has been appointed to the 2026-27 ABA Emerging Leaders Council.
Samuel R. Small, Jr. has been elected to serve on South Carolina Student Loan's Board of Directors.
OCONEE FEDERAL SAVINGS & LOAN Curt Evatt, CEO of the bank, has been elected Chairman of the Board. David Stafford has been promoted to president of the bank.
OPTUS BANK Benita Lefft, President and Chief Operating Officer of Optus Bank, has joined the Board of Directors of Business Development Corporation (BDC).
Darrell Rains has retired as CFO of Security Federal and its subsidiary, Security Federal Bank. He was appointed to serve on the boards of both Security Federal and Security Federal Bank. J. Chris Verenes has retired as CEO of Security Federal and its subsidiary, Security Federal Bank. He remains chairman of Security Federal Bank and has also become vice chairman of Security Federal.
THE CITIZENS BANK Margi M. Fleming has been appointed to the 2026-27 ABA Emerging Leaders Council.
UNITED COMMUNITY Rebecca Costanzo, has joined the bank as director of mortgage originations.
Philip Wahl II has been appointed CEO of Security Federal and Security Federal Bank. He remains the bank's president and has joined the boards of both Security Federal and Security Federal Bank. Let us know the latest personnel news at YOUR bank! Please send text and high resolution photos to dkrell@scbankers.org. I S S U E T W O 2 0 2 6 • PALMETTO BANKER
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Banking News
ANDERSON BROTHERS BANK
FIRST CITIZENS BANK
Anderson Brothers Bank proudly hosted its 27th Annual High School Invitational Golf Tournament, bringing together top high school golfers from across the Southeast for a two-day showcase of talent, competition, and sportsmanship. Longtime participant River Bluff High School mounted a strong come-from-behind victory over James Island Charter and Trinity Collegiate.
First Citizens Bank is supporting United Way of the Midlands with a $100,000 grant for programs focused on family stability and career preparation for young men. The funding will go toward housing, education, workforce support, and postsecondary planning.
Anderson Brothers Bank celebrated the groundbreaking of its newest full-service branch in Sumter, South Carolina, located at 2831 Broad Street.
FIRST RELIANCE BANK First Reliance Bank and Colony Bank are moving forward with a planned strategic partnership rooted in shared values, community commitment, and a common purpose of making lives better. Colony Bankcorp, Inc., the holding company for Colony Bank, and First Reliance Bancshares, Inc., the holding company for First Reliance Bank, jointly announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement in which Colony has agreed to acquire 100% of the stock of First Reliance in a combined stock-and-cash transaction. The boards of directors of Colony and First Reliance have unanimously approved the transaction — expected to close in fourth quarter 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, shareholder approval, and other customary closing conditions. OPTUS BANK Optus Financial Corporation has announced a definitive agreement to merge with M&F Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for M&F Bank in Durham, North Carolina, in a transaction that will create the nation’s largest African American-owned bank. The merger brings together two of the country’s longest-standing minority-owned financial institutions with a shared mission of expanding access to capital and financial services in underserved communities. Once completed, M&F Bank will merge into Optus Bank. THE CITIZENS BANK
FIRST BANK First Bancorp (Nasdaq: FBNC), the parent company of First Bank, and First Carolina Bancshares Corporation ("First Carolina"), the parent company of Carolina Bank & Trust Company ("Carolina Bank"), announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement under which First Bancorp will acquire First Carolina in a stock and cash transaction. The merger agreement, unanimously approved by the board of directors of each company, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026 or early in the first quarter of 2027, subject to customary closing conditions.
SCBA IS MOVING IN LATE FALL of 2026... 38
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to The Meridian Building on Main Street... stay tuned for more details!
The Citizens Bank had many employees who reached the 35-year milestone in their banking careers this year. Margi Fleming, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at The Citizens Bank in Florence was honored to present John Hanna with his 35-year award from The South Carolina Bankers Association.
WHEN PUBLIC NOTICES REACH THE PUBLIC, EVERYONE BENEFITS. 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. SCPublicNotices.com is designed to help citizens and businesses know more about the actions of local, county and state government and the courts.
There’s no better way to notify the public than through the combination of South Carolina newspapers and SCPublicNotices.com... the permanency of print paired with the accessibility of a statewide, searchable site. SUBSCRIBE to the site’s Smart Search function to receive revelant public notices emailed to you daily. Email admin@scpublicnotices.com for a 30-day free trial of Smart Search.
SCPublicNotices.com This free service is provided by the Palmetto State’s newspapers. I S S U E T W O 2 0 2 6 • PALMETTO BANKER
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Educational Opportunities
Scan for dates, times, and locations of events coming in 2026-27!
COMMERCIAL LENDING SCHOOL • TRUST AND WEALTH MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE BANK SECURITY CONFERENCE • FALL COMPLIANCE CONFERENCE • CREDIT CONFERENCE COMMUNITY BANKERS CONFERENCE • WOMEN IN BANKING LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM ASSET LIABILITY MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE • BSA/AML/CFT WORKSHOP BANK OPERATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE AND TRADESHOW HUMAN RESOURCES CONFERENCE
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K E E P
G R O W I N G
Keep Learning In today’s fast-moving world, professional development never stops. That’s why, in addition to our in-person conferences and seminars, we’re proud to offer online webinars designed to fit your schedule and expand your expertise. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, explore new ideas, or stay current in your field, our webinars deliver convenient, high-quality learning from anywhere. Best of all, many sessions offer continuing education credits, helping you grow professionally while meeting your career requirements. Because learning should never stop — and with our online webinars, it doesn’t have to. Join us online and take the next step in your professional journey.
ProBank Education Services
S C B A
W E B I N A R S —
Another source for your training needs Please visit scbankers.org/online-training-opportunities to see the myriad of courses and webinars offered and to register!
I S S U E T W O 2 0 2 6 • PALMETTO BANKER
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STEP INSIDE...
The Morning Vault WHERE LEADERSHIP IS UNLOCKED
Join a community of emerging banking leaders for a monthly power hour designed to sharpen your leadership skills, expand your network, and prepare you for what’s next in banking. Each session delivers real-world insight, practical tools, and inspiring conversations that help you lead with confidence—whether you’re managing a team, a portfolio, or your career path.
9:00 - 10:00 am
Your Time. Your Vault. Your Future. September 9
Jon Antonucci, Founder, SML Consultive
October 14
Kirsten Sutton, SVP, Global Government Affairs & Public Policy, RBC (Tentative)
November 4
David Lominack, President, TowneBank South Carolina
December 9
TBD
January 13
Keller Kissam, President, Dominion Energy South Carolina
February 10
Kim Wilkerson, retired South Carolina President, Bank of America
March 17
Debbie Antonelli, Naismith and Women's Basketball Hall of Famer, men’s and women’s college basketball analyst for ESPN and CBS
April 14
Andrew Daniel, SVP, Technology and Operations Innovation First Palmetto Bank
May 12
Doug Van Dyke, CEO, Leadership Simplified To listen to the morning vault podcast, please scan the spotify link or the apple podcast QR code. You can also search THE MORNING VAULT on both streaming platforms.
Scan QR Code to join zoom meeting
Spotify
Apple
QUESTIONS? CONTACT: Carolyn Bradley at 803.779.0850 or carolynbradley@scbankers.org
Congratulations to South Carolina Bankers who recently received their diplomas from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University: Charlie Edwards with Bank of Travelers Rest in Greenville and Hannah Gurtis with United Bank in Charleston. Learn more about GSB at gsblsu.org.
Save the Date NOVEMBER 18
SCBA BankPAC Annual Sporting Clays Fundraiser
Palmetto Shooting Complex
535 Gary Hill Road Edgefield, SC
2009 Park Street • PO Box 1483 Columbia, SC 29202-1483
EMERGING LEADERS DIVISION ANNUAL CONFERENCE
FEB. 26-28, 2027 Francis Marion Hotel Charleston, SC
2026 Scholarship Golf Tournament Hosted by the Emerging Leaders Division
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026 THE OLD HICKORY COURSE FORT JACKSON GOLF CLUB COLUMBIA, SC
REGISTER NOW!