#United States #Jacksonville #SouthState Bank #Chad Clarke #Winter Haven

SouthState Bank Strengthens Workforce Across Five States

SouthState Bank continues its impressive growth trajectory by onboarding 14 seasoned banking professionals across states including Georgia, Virginia, Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina. This strategic hiring initiative is aimed at reinforcing their commitment to client service and community engagement.

Richard Murray, the president of SouthState, expressed excitement about the new hires. He emphasized that this talented group will significantly enhance the bank's overall performance and service quality. 'These bankers are not just employees; they are a pivotal addition to our mission of delivering exceptional banking experiences to our customers,' he stated.

In a notable leadership change, Chad Clarke has been appointed as the new Market President for the Jacksonville area. Clarke, who boasts over 23 years of experience in the Jacksonville banking sector, has spent the last seven years leading commercial banking efforts at SouthState. His new role will pivot on further community integration while solidifying the bank’s standing in the region.

New Talent Across States

Georgia

1. William Barlow - Portfolio Manager, Atlanta:
Barlow brings with him a rich background in client relationship management, drawing from a 25-year career in finance. Previously a senior client investment manager at Wells Fargo, he is certified by both the Wharton School and the University of Chicago Booth.

2. William Buchly - Director of Middle Market Sponsor Coverage, Atlanta:
With 18 years of vast experience in corporate banking, Buchly has worked at firms like Synovus and Truist. He is a dual-degree graduate from Georgia State and the University of Georgia.

3. Shannon Innis - Strategic Initiatives Associate, Atlanta:
Innis recently managed financial strategies at Truist and is recognized for her mentoring and performance optimization skills.

4. Matt Roberts - Payments and Technology Relationship Manager, Atlanta:
Roberts, another veteran, has spent 21 years in finance, focusing on relationship banking and risk management.

5. Payton Wadley - Premier Private Banker, Atlanta:
Previously at Northern Trust, Wadley has extensive experience in strategic banking roles and currently serves on the Georgia Sports Innovation Coalition.

Virginia

1. James Garcia - Commercial Relationship Manager, Richmond:
With nearly two decades in banking, Garcia has previously worked at both PNC and Truist, managing diverse client needs.

2. Rich Johnson - Middle Market Relationship Manager, Virginia Beach:
Johnson specializes in commercial banking for mid-sized corporations and has been involved in community service at the local level.

3. Marcus Boggs - Business Development Officer, Virginia Beach:
A former Marine lieutenant colonel, Boggs previously engaged with mid-corporate clients at Wells Fargo.

Alabama

1. Butch Motley - Commercial Relationship Manager, Auburn:
Bringing 36 years of experience, Motley has a rich history in commercial lending and operations.

Florida

1. Vanessa Bartoszewicz - Commercial Relationship Manager, Vero Beach:
A Florida School of Banking graduate with a decade of experience, she brings strong local connections to SouthState.

2. Tom Fevola - Credit Administrator, Orlando:
Fevola has transitioned from LSQ Funding and has extensive experience in credit management.

South Carolina

1. Tim Webb - Commercial Relationship Manager, Greenville:
Webb has experience in both branch leadership and commercial banking, further strengthening SouthState’s operations.

Community Impact and Future Directions

With these strategic hires, SouthState is not only expanding its operational capacity but is also enhancing customer service capabilities and community involvement in diverse markets. These movements reflect a commitment to deliver tailored solutions in both commercial and retail banking, ensuring that the bank remains responsive to the needs of its client base. As Clarke steps into his new role, the focus will be on sustaining growth while fostering stronger ties within local communities.

About SouthState Bank

SouthState Corporation, listed on the NYSE as SSB, is headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida. It serves over a million customers across the Southeast, specializing in consumer, commercial, mortgage, and wealth management services. With over a century of banking heritage, SouthState is firmly positioned as a trustworthy financial partner in its service areas.