Southern First Bancshares Welcomes Bryan Kennedy to its Board of Directors
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. has recently made an important addition to its Board of Directors by appointing Bryan Kennedy, effective June 1, 2026. This move is part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance its leadership and governance as it continues to grow in the banking sector.
Bryan Kennedy brings a wealth of experience to the Board, having an illustrious career spanning over 43 years in commercial banking. He is notably recognized for founding Park Sterling Bank, which holds the record as the largest bank startup in North Carolina's history. Kennedy's journey in finance began at NCNB (now known as Bank of America), where he honed his banking skills. He subsequently joined First Charlotte Bank before assisting in the establishment of Park Meridian Bank, which was acquired by Regions Bank in 2001. His tenure at Regions Bank was marked by significant contributions, including expanding the bank's reach within three additional North Carolina markets as the North Carolina Market President.
In 2006, he founded Park Sterling Bank, providing valuable banking services until its sale to SouthState Bank in 2017. After this transition, he took on the role of Northern Banking Group President at SouthState, overseeing operations in both North Carolina and Virginia while participating in the bank's Operating Committee. His extensive background offers Southern First Bancshares a strong foundation in strategic banking operations and expanding market influence.
Kennedy holds distinguished degrees including a bachelor's in commerce from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of North Carolina. Additionally, he is an Honors graduate from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. His governance experience is further underscored by his role as the Lead Independent Director for The Cato Corporation (NYSE: CATO) since 2009, along with previous board positions at Park Sterling Bank.
Moreover, Kennedy is committed to community service, as shown by his involvement in numerous nonprofit organizations in the Charlotte area, including his chairmanship at Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region. His multifaceted roles in both finance and community service align perfectly with the values of Southern First Bancshares.
Art Seaver, the CEO of Southern First, expressed enthusiasm about Kennedy's appointment, noting, "We are honored to welcome Bryan to our Board of Directors. His experience and strategic perspective will be invaluable as we continue to grow Southern First and deliver exceptional value to our clients, teammates, shareholders, and communities." This sentiment reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining a strong leadership team that can navigate the evolving financial landscape.
Southern First Bancshares operates as a registered bank holding company incorporated under South Carolina laws. The company’s primary subsidiary, Southern First Bank, serves as the second-largest bank based in South Carolina. Founded in 1999, Southern First Bank has expanded its footprint to encompass 13 locations across major markets in South Carolina, as well as regions in North Carolina and Georgia. With consolidated assets of approximately $4.6 billion, the bank actively competes in delivering comprehensive financial services, aiming to meet the diverse needs of its clients. For more information about Southern First Bancshares, interested parties can visit their official website at www.southernfirst.com.
In conclusion, Bryan Kennedy's appointment to Southern First Bancshares' Board of Directors is a significant move that promises growth and enhanced strategic direction for the bank. His extensive experience in banking, coupled with a strong commitment to community engagement, is expected to help the organization navigate its future challenges effectively, fostering stronger client relationships and continued operational excellence.
Bryan Kennedy brings a wealth of experience to the Board, having an illustrious career spanning over 43 years in commercial banking. He is notably recognized for founding Park Sterling Bank, which holds the record as the largest bank startup in North Carolina's history. Kennedy's journey in finance began at NCNB (now known as Bank of America), where he honed his banking skills. He subsequently joined First Charlotte Bank before assisting in the establishment of Park Meridian Bank, which was acquired by Regions Bank in 2001. His tenure at Regions Bank was marked by significant contributions, including expanding the bank's reach within three additional North Carolina markets as the North Carolina Market President.
In 2006, he founded Park Sterling Bank, providing valuable banking services until its sale to SouthState Bank in 2017. After this transition, he took on the role of Northern Banking Group President at SouthState, overseeing operations in both North Carolina and Virginia while participating in the bank's Operating Committee. His extensive background offers Southern First Bancshares a strong foundation in strategic banking operations and expanding market influence.
Kennedy holds distinguished degrees including a bachelor's in commerce from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of North Carolina. Additionally, he is an Honors graduate from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. His governance experience is further underscored by his role as the Lead Independent Director for The Cato Corporation (NYSE: CATO) since 2009, along with previous board positions at Park Sterling Bank.
Moreover, Kennedy is committed to community service, as shown by his involvement in numerous nonprofit organizations in the Charlotte area, including his chairmanship at Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region. His multifaceted roles in both finance and community service align perfectly with the values of Southern First Bancshares.
Art Seaver, the CEO of Southern First, expressed enthusiasm about Kennedy's appointment, noting, "We are honored to welcome Bryan to our Board of Directors. His experience and strategic perspective will be invaluable as we continue to grow Southern First and deliver exceptional value to our clients, teammates, shareholders, and communities." This sentiment reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining a strong leadership team that can navigate the evolving financial landscape.
Southern First Bancshares operates as a registered bank holding company incorporated under South Carolina laws. The company’s primary subsidiary, Southern First Bank, serves as the second-largest bank based in South Carolina. Founded in 1999, Southern First Bank has expanded its footprint to encompass 13 locations across major markets in South Carolina, as well as regions in North Carolina and Georgia. With consolidated assets of approximately $4.6 billion, the bank actively competes in delivering comprehensive financial services, aiming to meet the diverse needs of its clients. For more information about Southern First Bancshares, interested parties can visit their official website at www.southernfirst.com.
In conclusion, Bryan Kennedy's appointment to Southern First Bancshares' Board of Directors is a significant move that promises growth and enhanced strategic direction for the bank. His extensive experience in banking, coupled with a strong commitment to community engagement, is expected to help the organization navigate its future challenges effectively, fostering stronger client relationships and continued operational excellence.
Topics Financial Services & Investing）
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