SmartBank Executive and Leadership Team

Ronald Gorczynski, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at SmartBank, manages the financial health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Overseeing the budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes, Gorczynski ensures that the bank maintains a strong balance sheet while pursuing growth opportunities. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to inform investment decisions and risk management strategies across the Southeast. By optimizing the capital structure, Ronald Gorczynski directly impacts the bank's ability to fund new initiatives and support community development projects. Through rigorous financial oversight, Gorczynski ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and fiscal standards. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to align financial goals with the bank's mission, providing the necessary resources to sustain operations across all 27 locations while maximizing long-term value for stakeholders and the communities served.

Chihaya Akaike, the Chief Operating Officer at SmartBank, manages the daily administrative and operational workflows across the entire branch network. Overseeing the execution of corporate policies, Akaike ensures that all 27 locations operate with maximum efficiency and regulatory compliance. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to support the bank's expansion throughout the Southeast. By optimizing resource allocation and staff productivity, Chihaya Akaike directly impacts the bottom line and the quality of service provided to the community. Through rigorous oversight of operational standards, Akaike maintains consistency in service delivery across diverse regional markets. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with other executive leaders to implement strategic initiatives that enhance organizational agility and responsiveness to market shifts. Ultimately, Akaike secures the operational foundation required for sustainable growth, ensuring that every branch functions as a cohesive part of the broader financial institution.

Christopher Plemons, the Sevier County Market President at SmartBank, directs all banking activities and client relationships within the Sevier County region. Overseeing the local branch performance, Plemons ensures that the bank's financial products meet the specific needs of the local community and business owners. This leadership role involves building strong partnerships with local stakeholders to drive economic development and community engagement. By fostering a culture of exceptional customer service, Christopher Plemons directly impacts the bank's market share and reputation in the area. Through active participation in local business initiatives, Plemons strengthens the bank's presence and influence. The Sevier County Market President coordinates with regional leadership to implement corporate strategies while maintaining the flexibility to address unique local market dynamics. Ultimately, Plemons secures the bank's position as a trusted financial partner, ensuring that the institution remains a cornerstone of the local economy through consistent and reliable service.

Erik Davis, the Market President at SmartBank, manages the strategic growth and client acquisition efforts within the assigned market territory. Overseeing the performance of local branches, Davis ensures that the bank delivers high-quality financial services tailored to the specific economic conditions of the region. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with key business leaders and community organizations to expand the bank's reach. By driving loan production and deposit growth, Erik Davis directly impacts the overall financial success of the market. Through effective team leadership, Davis maintains high standards of service and operational excellence. The Market President collaborates with regional executives to align local activities with the broader corporate mission, ensuring that the bank remains a vital resource for individuals and businesses alike. By focusing on sustainable growth and community involvement, Davis strengthens the bank's competitive position and fosters long-term loyalty among the local client base.

David Scott, the Regional President at SmartBank, directs the operational and strategic initiatives across a broad geographic region. Overseeing multiple market presidents and branch managers, Scott ensures that the bank's objectives are consistently met across all locations within the assigned territory. This leadership role involves coordinating regional resources to optimize performance and enhance service delivery. By analyzing regional market data, David Scott directly impacts the bank's ability to capture new opportunities and mitigate risks. Through effective communication and mentorship, Scott fosters a high-performance culture across the regional team. The Regional President works closely with the executive leadership to translate corporate strategy into actionable plans that drive growth and profitability. By maintaining a deep understanding of the regional economic landscape, Scott ensures that the bank remains responsive to the needs of the community while upholding the highest standards of financial integrity and operational efficiency.

Haven Duff, the Market President at SmartBank, manages the day-to-day banking operations and business development activities within the designated market. Overseeing the local team, Duff ensures that the bank provides comprehensive financial solutions that support the growth of local businesses and individuals. This leadership role involves identifying new market opportunities and building strong relationships with community leaders to enhance the bank's visibility. By driving revenue growth and maintaining high levels of client satisfaction, Haven Duff directly impacts the bank's success in the region. Through proactive management of the local branch network, Duff ensures that all services are delivered with efficiency and professionalism. The Market President collaborates with other regional leaders to share best practices and implement corporate initiatives that align with the bank's mission. By focusing on community engagement and personalized service, Duff strengthens the bank's reputation as a reliable and supportive financial partner.

W. Stallings, the Market President at SmartBank, directs the strategic direction and operational performance of the bank within the assigned market area. Overseeing the local branch staff, Stallings ensures that the bank's products and services are effectively marketed to meet the needs of the local population. This leadership role involves building and maintaining relationships with key clients to drive business development and retention. By focusing on operational excellence and customer service, W. Stallings directly impacts the bank's market presence and financial performance. Through active involvement in local community events, Stallings enhances the bank's brand and fosters trust among local residents. The Market President works with regional leadership to ensure that corporate goals are achieved while addressing the unique challenges of the local market. By prioritizing sustainable growth and community-focused banking, Stallings ensures that the bank remains a key contributor to the economic vitality of the region.

Stacy Faison, the Area President at SmartBank, manages the oversight and strategic coordination of banking operations across a specific area. Overseeing the performance of multiple markets, Faison ensures that the bank's standards for service and compliance are upheld throughout the territory. This leadership role involves developing and implementing strategies to increase market share and improve operational efficiency. By analyzing performance metrics and market trends, Stacy Faison directly impacts the bank's ability to achieve its growth targets. Through effective leadership and team development, Faison fosters a culture of excellence and accountability across the area. The Area President collaborates with the executive team to align area-specific initiatives with the bank's overall mission, ensuring that all branches contribute to the institution's long-term success. By focusing on strategic planning and community engagement, Faison strengthens the bank's position as a leading financial institution in the region.

Brad Place, the Chief Technology Officer at SmartBank, directs the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks necessary for modern banking operations. Overseeing the integration of secure financial platforms, Place ensures that all 27 bank locations maintain robust connectivity and data integrity. This leadership role involves architecting scalable software solutions that support the diverse needs of clients across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. By modernizing internal systems, Brad Place directly impacts the efficiency of daily transactions and the overall security posture of the institution. Through constant evaluation of emerging fintech trends, Place optimizes the technological landscape to provide seamless user experiences. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with the executive team to align digital initiatives with long-term growth objectives, ensuring that the bank remains competitive in an increasingly digital financial marketplace while maintaining the highest standards of operational reliability and client trust.

Yuuta Horii, the Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer at SmartBank, drives the long-term vision for the bank's proprietary software and innovation roadmap. Overseeing the development of advanced banking tools, Horii ensures that the institution leverages cutting-edge technology to solve complex financial challenges for clients. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence within the engineering teams. By spearheading the implementation of high-performance computing and data analytics, Yuuta Horii directly impacts the bank's ability to provide personalized financial services at scale. Through strategic partnerships with technology vendors, Horii expands the capabilities of the digital banking suite. The Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer works closely with the board to define the future of the bank's digital presence, ensuring that all technical investments support the overarching mission of providing accessible and secure financial solutions across the regional footprint.