SmartBank Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

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 providing accessible financial services across its extensive network, fostering economic growth and client prosperity through dedicated leadership.

Leadership Roles at SmartBank

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Ronald Gorczynski
  • Chief Operating Officer - Chihaya Akaike
  • Market President - Erik Davis
  • Sevier County Market President - Christopher Plemons
  • Regional President - Brian Groeschell
  • Market President - Matthew Jenne
  • Market President - W. Stallings
  • Regional President - David Scott
  • Chief Technology Officer - Bradley Place
  • Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer - Yuta Horii
  • Ronald Gorczynski - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Ronald Gorczynski, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at SmartBank, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Gorczynski oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital management, ensuring the bank's stability and growth across its 27 locations. This executive's responsibilities encompass managing financial risk and optimizing profitability to support SmartBank's mission. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer plays a crucial part in strategic decision-making, guiding investments and resource allocation. Ronald Gorczynski's financial acumen is essential for maintaining investor confidence and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. By managing the institution's financial resources effectively, Gorczynski underpins SmartBank's capacity to serve its communities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.
    Ronald Gorczynski

    Chihaya Akaike - Chief Operating Officer

    Chihaya Akaike, the Chief Operating Officer at SmartBank, directs the daily operations across the institution's 27 locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. This leadership role ensures the seamless execution of banking services, optimizing efficiency and client experience throughout the network. Akaike oversees the integration of operational strategies that support SmartBank's mission of providing accessible financial solutions. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing inter-departmental workflows and implementing best practices to maintain high service standards. This involves coordinating with regional presidents to ensure consistent service delivery and operational excellence across all markets. Chihaya Akaike drives the continuous improvement of internal processes, directly impacting the bank's ability to serve its communities effectively and maintain its strong market presence.

    Erik Davis - Market President

    Erik Davis, the Market President at SmartBank, leads strategic initiatives and client relations within a designated market area. Davis is responsible for driving business development and ensuring the delivery of exceptional banking services to clients in the region. This leadership role involves fostering strong community ties and expanding SmartBank's presence. The Market President oversees local operations, working to meet regional financial needs and support economic growth. Erik Davis's focus is on cultivating client relationships and enhancing the bank's reputation within the community. By championing SmartBank's values, Davis ensures consistent service quality and operational effectiveness in the market.

    Christopher Plemons - Sevier County Market President

    Christopher Plemons, the Sevier County Market President at SmartBank, spearheads the bank's operations and strategic growth within Sevier County. Plemons is dedicated to strengthening community relationships and expanding SmartBank's client base through personalized service and local engagement. This executive oversees all market-specific initiatives, ensuring alignment with the bank's broader objectives. The Sevier County Market President's responsibilities include driving revenue growth and enhancing customer satisfaction. Christopher Plemons's leadership ensures that SmartBank effectively serves the unique financial needs of the Sevier County community. By focusing on local market dynamics, Plemons reinforces SmartBank's commitment to regional development and client success.

    Brian Groeschell - Regional President

    Brian Groeschell, the Regional President at SmartBank, directs the strategic expansion and operational oversight for a key geographic region. Groeschell is instrumental in driving market penetration and fostering robust client relationships across multiple locations. This leadership position involves managing regional performance, ensuring adherence to SmartBank's service standards and financial objectives. The Regional President's duties include cultivating a high-performing team and identifying new business opportunities. Brian Groeschell's expertise is vital in navigating regional market dynamics and supporting the bank's overall growth strategy. By leading regional efforts, Groeschell ensures SmartBank effectively serves its diverse customer base and contributes to local economic vitality.

    Matthew Jenne - Market President

    Matthew Jenne, the Market President at SmartBank, leads the strategic direction and client engagement within a specific market territory. Jenne is responsible for driving business growth and ensuring the delivery of superior banking services to clients in the region. This executive role focuses on building strong community partnerships and enhancing SmartBank's local presence. The Market President oversees market operations, working to address regional financial requirements and promote economic development. Matthew Jenne's commitment to client success and community involvement strengthens SmartBank's position in the market. By championing local initiatives, Jenne ensures consistent service excellence and operational efficiency.

    W. Stallings - Market President

    W. Stallings, the Market President at SmartBank, directs market-specific growth strategies and client relationship management. Stallings is tasked with expanding SmartBank's client portfolio and ensuring the delivery of high-quality financial services within the designated market. This leadership position involves overseeing local business development efforts and reinforcing the bank's community presence. The Market President's responsibilities include achieving regional financial targets and enhancing customer satisfaction. W. Stallings's strategic approach is crucial for adapting to local market conditions and supporting SmartBank's overall expansion. By focusing on market dynamics, Stallings ensures effective service delivery and client retention.

    David Scott - Regional President

    David Scott, the Regional President at SmartBank, oversees strategic operations and business development across a defined geographic region. Scott is responsible for driving market share growth and cultivating strong client relationships throughout the region. This executive role involves managing regional teams and ensuring the consistent application of SmartBank's service standards. The Regional President's focus includes identifying and capitalizing on new market opportunities. David Scott's leadership ensures that SmartBank effectively meets the financial needs of its regional customers and contributes to local economic progress. By guiding regional initiatives, Scott reinforces the bank's commitment to client success and operational excellence.

    Bradley Place - Chief Technology Officer

    Bradley Place, the Chief Technology Officer at SmartBank, architects the technological infrastructure supporting the bank's extensive operations and client services. This executive drives innovation in digital banking solutions, ensuring secure and efficient platforms for customers across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. Place oversees the development and implementation of new technologies that enhance user experience and operational capabilities. The Chief Technology Officer's focus includes cybersecurity, data management, and the integration of advanced financial technologies. By leading the technology division, Bradley Place ensures SmartBank remains competitive and responsive to evolving digital demands. This strategic oversight supports the bank's growth objectives and its commitment to providing modern, reliable banking services to its diverse customer base.

    Yuta Horii - Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer

    Yuta Horii, the Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer at SmartBank, shapes the foundational technology strategy and ongoing innovation for the institution. Horii's leadership guides the evolution of SmartBank's digital platforms, ensuring they align with the company's mission of accessible banking. This role involves overseeing the technological roadmap, from initial concept to implementation across all 27 locations. The Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering a culture of technological advancement and security. Yuta Horii's vision is critical in maintaining SmartBank's competitive edge in the financial services sector. By driving technological development, Horii directly supports the bank's expansion and its commitment to serving communities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee with cutting-edge solutions.
    Yuta Horii

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SmartBank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SmartBank?
    SmartBank is led by Ronald Gorczynski (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Chihaya Akaike (Chief Operating Officer) and Erik Davis (Market President).
    Who is part of SmartBank’s executive team?
    The executive team of SmartBank includes leaders such as Ronald Gorczynski (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Chihaya Akaike (Chief Operating Officer), Erik Davis (Market President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SmartBank have?
    SmartBank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SmartBank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SmartBank includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Market President, Sevier County Market President, Regional President.