Southern Bancorp Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southern Bancorp has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and market development.

Driven by a commitment to community growth, Southern Bancorp operates as a development bank, focusing on impactful financial services and fostering economic progress across its service regions.

Leadership Roles at Southern Bancorp

  • Chief Executive Officer - Darrin Williams
  • President and Chief Executive Officer Office - John Olaimey
  • Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer - Donna Gambrell
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Warren Jennings
  • Chief Operating Officer - Vance Smiley
  • City President - Joey Temples
  • Market President - Joshua Newsom
  • City President - Dale DeLoach
  • President, Metro (Jackson) - Anthony Webb
  • Market President - Ronald Magby
  • Darrin Williams - Chief Executive Officer

    Darrin Williams, the Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bancorp, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the development bank. Williams guides the institution's mission to provide essential financial services and drive economic opportunity, particularly in underserved communities. This leadership role involves aligning all departments toward achieving the company's growth objectives and reinforcing its position as a key financial partner. Overseeing strategic initiatives, Darrin Williams ensures the bank's continued impact and financial stability. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on expanding the bank's reach and enhancing its service offerings to meet evolving community needs. This executive's vision shapes the future direction of Southern Bancorp's development finance activities.
    Darrin Williams

    John Olaimey - President and Chief Executive Officer Office

    John Olaimey, the President and Chief Executive Officer Office at Southern Bancorp, manages the executive operations and strategic implementation of the company's development banking initiatives. Olaimey ensures that the core mission of fostering economic growth and providing accessible financial services is consistently executed across all operational levels. This position involves close collaboration with other senior leaders to refine business strategies and operational efficiencies. The President and Chief Executive Officer Office's responsibilities include overseeing key projects that support community development and financial inclusion. John Olaimey drives the execution of policies designed to strengthen the bank's market presence and service delivery. This role is critical in translating strategic goals into tangible operational outcomes for Southern Bancorp.

    Donna Gambrell - Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer

    Donna Gambrell, the Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bancorp, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire organization. Gambrell chairs the board, guiding governance and long-term planning to ensure the bank's mission of community development is upheld. This multifaceted role encompasses overseeing all executive functions, including strategic partnerships and financial oversight. The Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer's influence extends to shaping the bank's impact in its operational regions. Donna Gambrell champions initiatives that promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment. This leadership position is central to Southern Bancorp's commitment to serving its communities effectively and sustainably.
    Donna Gambrell

    Warren Jennings - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Warren Jennings, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bancorp, leads the strategic vision and operational execution of the bank's development finance activities. Jennings is responsible for driving growth and ensuring the effective delivery of financial services that support community economic advancement. This executive role involves overseeing key business units and fostering a culture of innovation and service excellence. The President & Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes strengthening the bank's financial performance and expanding its positive community impact. Warren Jennings directs efforts to enhance customer relationships and develop new market opportunities. This leadership ensures Southern Bancorp remains a vital resource for economic development.

    Vance Smiley - Chief Operating Officer

    Vance Smiley, the Chief Operating Officer at Southern Bancorp, directs the day-to-day operational activities and ensures the efficient functioning of all bank departments. Smiley oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives, focusing on optimizing processes and enhancing service delivery to meet client needs. This role is critical in managing resources and driving operational excellence across the organization. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include streamlining workflows and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Vance Smiley plays a key part in managing the bank's infrastructure and technology to support its development finance mission. This executive ensures operational stability and scalability for Southern Bancorp's continued growth.

    Joey Temples - City President

    Joey Temples, the City President at Southern Bancorp, leads the bank's operations and market presence within a specific urban area. Temples is responsible for driving local business development, managing client relationships, and ensuring the effective delivery of financial services tailored to the community's needs. This role involves overseeing branch operations and spearheading initiatives that promote economic growth at the city level. The City President's focus is on strengthening Southern Bancorp's local impact and expanding its customer base. Joey Temples works to align city-specific strategies with the bank's broader development finance objectives. This executive ensures localized success contributes to the overall mission of Southern Bancorp.

    Joshua Newsom - Market President

    Joshua Newsom, the Market President at Southern Bancorp, oversees the strategic direction and operational performance within a designated market region. Newsom is tasked with expanding the bank's footprint and deepening its engagement with local businesses and communities. This leadership position involves managing market-specific growth strategies and ensuring the delivery of comprehensive financial solutions. The Market President's objective is to enhance Southern Bancorp's brand recognition and client satisfaction in their territory. Joshua Newsom drives initiatives focused on community development and financial inclusion, aligning local efforts with the bank's core mission. This executive ensures robust market penetration and sustained growth.

    Dale DeLoach - City President

    Dale DeLoach, the City President at Southern Bancorp, directs the strategic initiatives and operational management for the bank within a key city. DeLoach focuses on cultivating strong community ties and expanding the bank's service offerings to meet local economic demands. This role involves leading local teams to achieve performance targets and foster client loyalty. The City President's primary goal is to enhance Southern Bancorp's presence and impact in the urban landscape. Dale DeLoach champions programs that support small businesses and promote financial literacy. This executive ensures the city's operations effectively contribute to the bank's overall development finance objectives.

    Anthony Webb - President, Metro (Jackson)

    Anthony Webb, the President, Metro (Jackson) at Southern Bancorp, leads the strategic development and operational oversight for the Jackson metropolitan area. Webb is responsible for expanding the bank's market share and strengthening its commitment to community economic development within this key region. This executive role involves managing all aspects of the metro operations, including business development and client services. The President, Metro (Jackson)'s focus is on driving growth and ensuring the effective implementation of Southern Bancorp's mission. Anthony Webb cultivates strategic partnerships to enhance the bank's impact and reach. This leadership ensures robust performance and community engagement in the Jackson area.

    Ronald Magby - Market President

    Ronald Magby, the Market President at Southern Bancorp, spearheads the strategic growth and operational management within a defined market. Magby is dedicated to enhancing the bank's service delivery and expanding its influence in supporting local economic development initiatives. This leadership position involves overseeing market-specific strategies and fostering strong relationships with community stakeholders. The Market President's objective is to drive performance and ensure Southern Bancorp's mission is effectively executed in the region. Ronald Magby directs efforts to increase market penetration and client satisfaction. This executive ensures the market's success aligns with the bank's broader financial inclusion goals.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Southern Bancorp Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Southern Bancorp?
    Southern Bancorp is led by Darrin Williams (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Olaimey (President and Chief Executive Officer Office) and Donna Gambrell (Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Southern Bancorp’s executive team?
    The executive team of Southern Bancorp includes leaders such as Darrin Williams (Chief Executive Officer), John Olaimey (President and Chief Executive Officer Office), Donna Gambrell (Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Southern Bancorp have?
    Southern Bancorp has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Southern Bancorp’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Southern Bancorp includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer Office, Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer.