Wes Wilbanks Takes on Chief Credit Officer Role at Southern First Bancshares

Southern First Bancshares Elevates Wes Wilbanks

Southern First Bancshares, Inc., based in Greenville, South Carolina, has recently announced the promotion of Wes Wilbanks to the position of Chief Credit Officer and Executive Vice President. This significant move reflects the company's ongoing commitment to excellence in banking services and strategic growth.

Wes Wilbanks, who has been with Southern First since 2021 as the Senior Credit Risk Officer, has brought his extensive banking experience to the organization. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has developed a strong expertise in credit risk management and relationship growth. His educational background includes graduating from the South Carolina Bankers School and the LSU Graduate School of Banking.

Before joining Southern First, Wilbanks spent more than a decade with a regional bank, where he held various senior credit positions. His journey in banking began in relationship management, giving him a well-rounded perspective on both credit processes and customer needs. In his new role as Chief Credit Officer, he aims to bolster Southern First's growth strategy while navigating the complexities of risk management.

Art Seaver, the Chief Executive Officer of Southern First, expressed his enthusiasm about Wilbanks' promotion, stating, "Wes has been an effective and dedicated leader to our credit team in his tenure, and we are excited to have him step into this new role to create additional positive impact on our company." This sentiment signals a strong confidence in Wilbanks' capabilities to lead the credit department effectively.

Southern First, a registered bank holding company, operates the Southern First Bank—the second-largest bank headquartered in South Carolina. Established in 1999, the bank has expanded its reach to 13 locations across various markets including Greenville, Columbia, Charleston in South Carolina, and extending into North Carolina and Georgia. With consolidated assets amounting to approximately $4.1 billion, Southern First Bancshares is well-positioned for further growth.

The bank's commitment to customer service excellence is evident as they continue to evolve their offerings in a competitive market. Wilbanks' leadership is expected to play an integral role in the bank's ongoing efforts to provide personalized banking solutions and robust financial products to its clients.

This transition comes at a time when the financial landscape continues to change rapidly, emphasizing the need for strong leadership and innovative strategies in credit management. As Wilbanks takes the helm as Chief Credit Officer, his focus will be on ensuring that Southern First Bank not only meets the demands of its current clientele but also attracts new customers by bolstering its reputation in credit lending and risk assessment.

To find out more about Southern First Bancshares and its commitment to superior banking services, visit southernfirst.com.