Leadership Overview
SmartBank has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, technology, finance, and regional markets.
Driven by a commitment to community banking, SmartBank focuses on delivering personalized financial solutions and fostering economic growth across its operational footprint.
Driven by a commitment to community banking, SmartBank focuses on delivering personalized financial solutions and fostering economic growth across its operational footprint.
Leadership Roles at SmartBank
Ronald Gorczynski - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Ronald Gorczynski, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at SmartBank, manages the institution's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Overseeing all financial operations, Gorczynski ensures robust capital management, accurate financial reporting, and compliance with regulatory standards across SmartBank's extensive network. This vital role involves developing financial strategies that support sustainable growth and profitability throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. By guiding investment decisions and risk management, Ronald Gorczynski directly contributes to the bank's long-term stability and market position. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's leadership is essential for maintaining investor confidence and operational integrity.

Chihaya Akaike - Chief Operating Officer
Chihaya Akaike, the Chief Operating Officer at SmartBank, directs the daily operations across the institution's 27 locations. Overseeing branch network efficiency and service delivery, Akaike ensures seamless execution of banking services throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. This leadership role involves optimizing internal processes to enhance customer experience and operational scalability. By managing resource allocation and workflow, Chihaya Akaike directly supports the bank's strategic objectives for sustained growth and market penetration. The Chief Operating Officer's focus remains on maintaining high standards of service and operational excellence across all banking functions.
Haven Duff - Market President
Haven Duff, the Market President at SmartBank, spearheads strategic initiatives and business development within a designated market region. Overseeing client relationships and community engagement, Duff drives revenue growth and expands SmartBank's presence in key areas. This leadership position involves fostering strong connections with local businesses and individuals, ensuring tailored financial solutions meet market needs. By leading market-specific teams, Haven Duff ensures alignment with the bank's broader objectives for customer satisfaction and operational expansion. The Market President's focus is on cultivating a strong local brand identity and driving performance within the assigned territory.
Erik Davis - Market President
Erik Davis, the Market President at SmartBank, directs market-specific growth strategies and operational oversight. Responsible for cultivating client relationships and expanding SmartBank's footprint within a key geographic area, Davis ensures localized financial services meet diverse customer needs. This executive role involves leading market teams to achieve revenue targets and enhance brand visibility. By driving strategic partnerships and community involvement, Erik Davis strengthens SmartBank's position in its operating regions. The Market President's efforts are crucial for adapting the bank's offerings to local economic conditions and customer demands, fostering sustained market success.
David Scott - Regional President
David Scott, the Regional President at SmartBank, oversees strategic operations and business expansion across multiple market areas. Leading a portfolio of regional branches, Scott drives performance by ensuring consistent service delivery and fostering strong client relationships throughout SmartBank's operational territories. This executive position involves developing and executing regional growth plans that align with the company's overall mission. By managing regional leadership teams, David Scott ensures operational efficiency and market penetration. The Regional President's role is critical in adapting SmartBank's comprehensive financial services to the unique demands of each region, promoting sustained development and customer loyalty.
Brian Groeschell - Regional President
Brian Groeschell, the Regional President at SmartBank, directs strategic growth and operational excellence across a defined regional segment. Overseeing multiple market areas, Groeschell focuses on enhancing client engagement and expanding SmartBank's service reach within these territories. This leadership role involves guiding regional teams to achieve ambitious performance metrics and uphold the bank's commitment to community banking principles. By fostering strong local partnerships and driving market-specific initiatives, Brian Groeschell ensures robust business development. The Regional President's expertise is vital for navigating regional economic landscapes and maximizing SmartBank's impact across its operational footprint.
James Fuller - Market President
James Fuller, the Market President at SmartBank, leads strategic market development and client acquisition efforts. Responsible for driving business growth and enhancing SmartBank's presence within a specific geographic area, Fuller cultivates key relationships with businesses and individuals. This executive position involves managing market-level operations to ensure exceptional service delivery and customer satisfaction. By championing local initiatives and adapting financial solutions to community needs, James Fuller strengthens SmartBank's regional standing. The Market President's dedication to localized service is fundamental to achieving sustained success and deepening customer loyalty across the market.
Michael Honeycutt - Division President (State of Tennessee)
Michael Honeycutt, the Division President (State of Tennessee) at SmartBank, spearheads strategic operations and market leadership specifically within Tennessee. Overseeing all divisional activities in the state, Honeycutt drives SmartBank's growth and community engagement initiatives across its Tennessee locations. This critical role involves ensuring alignment with the bank's broader objectives while tailoring strategies to the unique economic landscape of Tennessee. By leading the state-level team, Michael Honeycutt fosters strong client relationships and expands the bank's service offerings. The Division President's focus is on maximizing SmartBank's impact and market share within this key operational region.
Bradley Place - Chief Technology Officer
Bradley Place, the Chief Technology Officer at SmartBank, architects the institution's technological infrastructure and digital strategy. Overseeing all IT operations, Place drives innovation in banking technology to enhance service delivery and security across SmartBank's extensive network. This critical role involves managing the development and implementation of new digital platforms and ensuring the robustness of existing systems. By leading technology initiatives, Bradley Place ensures SmartBank remains competitive in the evolving financial landscape. The Chief Technology Officer's efforts are central to providing secure, efficient, and modern banking solutions to customers throughout its service regions.
Yuta Horii - Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
Yuta Horii, the Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer at SmartBank, shapes the foundational technology vision and ongoing innovation for the institution. As a co-founder, Horii brings a deep understanding of SmartBank's origins and strategic direction, guiding technological advancements that align with the company's mission. Overseeing the integration of cutting-edge solutions, Yuta Horii ensures that the bank's digital offerings are both robust and forward-thinking. This leadership position involves fostering a culture of technological excellence and driving the development of scalable systems that support SmartBank's expansion. The Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer's expertise is pivotal in maintaining the bank's competitive edge through strategic technological deployment.

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