SmartBank Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

SmartBank has 10 executives leading key functions including technology, operations, risk, finance, and market presence.

Driven by a commitment to community banking, SmartBank focuses on delivering comprehensive financial solutions across its extensive network, fostering economic growth and client prosperity through strategic leadership.

Leadership Roles at SmartBank

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Ronald Gorczynski
  • Chief Operating Officer - Chihaya Akaike
  • Market President - Matthew Jenne
  • Regional President - Brian Groeschell
  • Market President - James Fuller
  • Market President - Aaron White
  • Regional President - David Scott
  • Chief Technology Officer - Bradley Place
  • Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer - Yuta Horii
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Jarrod Trumpp
  • Ronald Gorczynski - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Ronald Gorczynski, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at SmartBank, directs the institution's financial planning, reporting, and capital management. Gorczynski oversees all fiscal operations, ensuring financial integrity and optimizing resource allocation across SmartBank's extensive network in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. This leadership position involves strategic financial forecasting, managing investor relations, and maintaining robust internal controls. By guiding SmartBank's financial strategy, Ronald Gorczynski directly supports the bank's growth objectives and commitment to fiscal responsibility. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's expertise is fundamental to the bank's long-term economic viability and operational stability.
    Ronald Gorczynski

    Chihaya Akaike - Chief Operating Officer

    Chihaya Akaike, the Chief Operating Officer at SmartBank, manages the day-to-day operational functions across all 27 bank locations. Overseeing branch operations, process optimization, and service delivery, Akaike ensures seamless execution of SmartBank's banking services throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. This critical role involves enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining high standards of customer service. By aligning operational strategies with the company's growth objectives, Chihaya Akaike directly supports the bank's mission of providing accessible financial solutions. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities extend to risk mitigation within operational frameworks and fostering a productive work environment for all staff.

    Matthew Jenne - Market President

    Matthew Jenne, the Market President at SmartBank, spearheads strategic initiatives and client relationships within a designated market area. Jenne drives business development and oversees the execution of SmartBank's financial services tailored to local economic needs across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, or Tennessee. This role involves fostering strong community ties and ensuring alignment with the bank's overall mission. By cultivating key partnerships and expanding market penetration, Matthew Jenne directly contributes to SmartBank's regional growth and client satisfaction. The Market President's leadership ensures localized focus while upholding the bank's broader strategic objectives.

    Brian Groeschell - Regional President

    Brian Groeschell, the Regional President at SmartBank, directs strategic operations and market development across a defined geographic region. Groeschell oversees the implementation of SmartBank's banking services and growth strategies, ensuring consistent service delivery and client engagement throughout key territories in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. This executive role focuses on expanding the bank's footprint and strengthening its presence within the communities served. By driving regional performance and fostering strong stakeholder relationships, Brian Groeschell directly enhances SmartBank's market position. The Regional President's leadership is integral to achieving localized success and overall institutional growth.

    James Fuller - Market President

    James Fuller, the Market President at SmartBank, leads strategic market development and client engagement within a specific geographic area. Fuller directs the expansion of SmartBank's financial products and services, ensuring they meet the unique demands of the local economy across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, or Tennessee. This position emphasizes building robust community relationships and driving business growth through localized strategies. By cultivating key client relationships and overseeing market-specific operations, James Fuller directly contributes to SmartBank's sustained success and client loyalty. The Market President's focus ensures effective execution of the bank's mission at the local level.

    Aaron White - Market President

    Aaron White, the Market President at SmartBank, champions strategic growth and client relations within a designated market. White oversees the deployment of SmartBank's comprehensive banking solutions, driving business development and ensuring exceptional service delivery across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, or Tennessee. This role is pivotal in strengthening the bank's community presence and expanding its client base through targeted initiatives. By fostering key partnerships and optimizing market-specific strategies, Aaron White directly impacts SmartBank's regional performance and overall profitability. The Market President's leadership ensures localized success aligns with the bank's broader financial objectives.

    David Scott - Regional President

    David Scott, the Regional President at SmartBank, directs overarching regional strategy and operational oversight. Scott manages the execution of SmartBank's business objectives, ensuring consistent service quality and market penetration across key territories within Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. This executive function focuses on driving regional performance and expanding the bank's reach through strategic planning and execution. By leading regional teams and fostering strong market relationships, David Scott directly contributes to SmartBank's growth and operational excellence. The Regional President's role is essential for achieving cohesive and impactful regional development.

    Bradley Place - Chief Technology Officer

    Bradley Place, the Chief Technology Officer at SmartBank, directs the institution's technological infrastructure and digital strategy. Overseeing all IT operations, Place ensures the security, scalability, and efficiency of SmartBank's systems, supporting the bank's expansion across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. This leadership role involves evaluating and implementing innovative technologies to enhance customer experience and streamline internal processes. By driving digital transformation initiatives, Bradley Place directly contributes to SmartBank's competitive edge in the financial services sector. The Chief Technology Officer's focus remains on maintaining robust cybersecurity measures and fostering a culture of technological advancement throughout the organization.

    Yuta Horii - Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer

    Yuta Horii, the Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer at SmartBank, co-architects the technological vision and foundational systems of the institution. Beyond general technology oversight, Horii's role emphasizes strategic innovation and long-term technological roadmap development, aligning with SmartBank's expansion across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. This dual capacity involves both entrepreneurial vision and deep technical leadership, ensuring the bank's technology infrastructure supports its evolving business needs. By championing cutting-edge solutions, Yuta Horii significantly influences SmartBank's ability to adapt and thrive in the dynamic financial landscape. The Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer's strategic input is vital for future-proofing the bank's digital capabilities.
    Yuta Horii

    Jarrod Trumpp - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Jarrod Trumpp, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at SmartBank, executes dual mandates critical to the institution's financial health and market expansion. Trumpp oversees the comprehensive risk management framework, safeguarding SmartBank's assets and ensuring regulatory compliance across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. Simultaneously, this executive drives revenue generation strategies, identifying opportunities to increase market share and profitability. By balancing prudent risk assessment with aggressive revenue growth initiatives, Jarrod Trumpp plays a pivotal role in SmartBank's sustained success. The Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer's integrated approach ensures both financial stability and commercial advancement.

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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 Matthew Jenne (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), Matthew Jenne (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, Regional President, Market President.