Leadership Transition Announced at Bank of South Carolina Corporation Amid Management Changes

Bank of South Carolina Corporation Announces Management Succession Plan

In a significant development for the banking sector, the Bank of South Carolina Corporation (OTCQX: BKSC) held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders where a pivotal management succession plan was unveiled. Douglas H. Sass, who has served as Executive Vice President and Senior Lender, is set to retire on December 31, 2025. His influential career with the bank has spanned over 31 years, during which he has made substantial contributions to both the organization and the community. Despite his retirement, Mr. Sass will retain his position on the Board of Directors and will continue to engage in commercial lending and business development activities.

As part of this transition, Robert M. Hollings, III has been appointed to succeed Sass as the Senior Lender, effective January 1, 2026. Hollings has a commendable tenure with the bank, having joined the organization in 2010 and progressively moving through various roles in credit and lending before being named Senior Vice President in 2022. A local to Charleston, his educational background includes degrees from Hampden-Sydney College and further training at the South Carolina Bankers School. Hollings is also actively involved in the community as Treasurer on the Board of Trustees for the Lowcountry Land Trust.

Additionally, the bank has promoted Jennifer A. Arato to the position of Chief Credit Officer, effective the same date. Arato joined the Bank of South Carolina in 2002 and has steadily progressed through key roles, showcasing her expertise in managing credit operations since 2006. A graduate of the College of Charleston and holder of an MBA from The Citadel, she’s recognized for her community engagement, particularly with the South Carolina Community Loan Fund.

Eugene H. Walpole, IV, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, expressed his appreciation for Mr. Sass's enduring contributions and enthusiastic support for the incoming leadership. Walpole emphasized the importance of this planned transition, ensuring that the Bank's strength and leadership remain intact while fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation.

This leadership shift comes at a crucial time for the Bank of South Carolina, which has been in continuous operation since 1987 and provides essential financial services throughout various offices in Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, James Island, and the West Ashley community. With a commitment to uphold the organization’s robust community and customer service values, both Hollings and Arato are poised to steer the bank towards new heights.

As the bank navigates forward, it holds a promising outlook for continued operational excellence and responsiveness to customer needs, fortified by capable leaders and a well-established legacy of service. For more information about its services and operations, the Bank invites interested parties to visit their website at www.banksc.com. With the corporate stock trading under the symbol "BKSC," shareholders and potential investors are likely to watch these transitions closely, anticipating positive outcomes under the new management team.