Southern Bank Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southern Bank has 11 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and finance.

Driven by a commitment to community support, Southern Bank provides a comprehensive suite of financial services, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, solidifying its market presence in North Carolina since 1901.

Leadership Roles at Southern Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - John Squires
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Gates Little
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Drew Covert
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Preston Conner
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Huong Nguyen
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Mark Lane
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Matthew Funke
  • Chief Financial Officer - Stephan Chkautovich
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Edward Coltrain
  • Community Bank President - Dustin Hawkins
  • John Squires - Chief Executive Officer

    John Squires, the Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the financial institution. Squires guides the company's expansion initiatives and ensures alignment with its core mission of community assistance. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in financial products and services, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. By optimizing resource allocation and driving operational efficiencies, John Squires directly impacts the bank's ability to serve its North Carolina customer base. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on sustainable growth and enhancing the bank's long-standing reputation for reliability and community engagement.

    Gates Little - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gates Little, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, spearheads the strategic direction and operational management of the bank's comprehensive financial services. Little oversees the delivery of essential banking products, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the North Carolina community. This executive champions initiatives that strengthen the bank's market position and enhance customer relationships. By driving strategic partnerships and fostering a culture of service excellence, Gates Little ensures the bank's continued success and its commitment to community development. The President & Chief Executive Officer's leadership is pivotal in maintaining the bank's legacy since 1901.

    Drew Covert - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Drew Covert, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, presides over the institution's strategic governance and executive leadership, guiding its mission to serve the North Carolina community. Covert directs the overall business strategy, ensuring the robust delivery of financial services such as savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. This critical role involves setting the long-term vision for the bank and overseeing its financial health and operational integrity. By championing community-focused initiatives and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships, Drew Covert reinforces Southern Bank's position as a trusted financial partner. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's influence is key to the bank's sustained growth and commitment to its founding principles.
    Drew Covert

    Preston Conner - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Preston Conner, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, directs the strategic oversight and executive management of the bank's operations, reinforcing its commitment to the North Carolina community. Conner guides the institution's long-term vision, ensuring the effective provision of a full line of financial services, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. This leadership position involves setting corporate policy and ensuring the bank's financial stability and ethical conduct. By fostering a culture of integrity and service, Preston Conner upholds Southern Bank's legacy and its dedication to supporting community development. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's strategic guidance is fundamental to the bank's ongoing success.

    Huong Nguyen - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Huong Nguyen, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, supports the Chief Executive Officer in directing the bank's strategic initiatives and operational execution. Nguyen plays a vital role in overseeing the delivery of comprehensive financial services, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, to the North Carolina community. This position involves collaborating with various departments to enhance service offerings and operational efficiency. By focusing on strategic implementation and fostering cross-functional collaboration, Huong Nguyen contributes significantly to the bank's growth and its mission of community support. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer's efforts are integral to maintaining Southern Bank's strong market presence.

    Mark Lane - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Mark Lane, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, leads the strategic planning and operational management of the bank's extensive financial services portfolio. Lane oversees the delivery of critical banking solutions, such as savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, ensuring they effectively serve the North Carolina community. This executive is responsible for driving the bank's growth strategies and enhancing its competitive position in the financial sector. By championing customer-centric approaches and operational excellence, Mark Lane reinforces Southern Bank's commitment to community development and financial stability. The President & Chief Executive Officer's leadership is instrumental in upholding the bank's long-standing reputation.

    Matthew Funke - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Matthew Funke, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, directs the overall strategic vision and operational framework for the institution's comprehensive financial offerings. Funke oversees the provision of essential banking services, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, tailored to the needs of the North Carolina community. This leadership role involves driving innovation in financial products and ensuring the bank's robust market performance. By fostering strong community ties and promoting operational efficiency, Matthew Funke solidifies Southern Bank's role as a trusted financial partner. The President & Chief Executive Officer's guidance is crucial for the bank's continued expansion and service excellence.

    Stephan Chkautovich - Chief Financial Officer

    Stephan Chkautovich, the Chief Financial Officer at Southern Bank, manages the institution's financial health and strategic fiscal planning, ensuring robust economic performance. Chkautovich oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, critical for supporting the bank's full line of services like savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. This role involves developing financial strategies that align with the bank's mission of community assistance and sustainable growth within North Carolina. By maintaining stringent financial controls and identifying investment opportunities, Stephan Chkautovich safeguards the bank's assets and enhances its profitability. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for the bank's long-term stability and expansion.
    Stephan Chkautovich

    Edward Coltrain - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Edward Coltrain, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Southern Bank, directs the day-to-day operational activities and ensures the efficient delivery of all banking services. Coltrain oversees the implementation of operational strategies that support the bank's offerings, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, across North Carolina. This position involves optimizing internal processes, managing resources, and driving operational excellence to enhance customer satisfaction and support the bank's community focus. By streamlining workflows and fostering a culture of efficiency, Edward Coltrain plays a key part in the bank's overall performance and its ability to meet client needs effectively. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer's leadership ensures seamless service delivery.
    Edward Coltrain

    Dustin Hawkins - Community Bank President

    Dustin Hawkins, the Community Bank President at Southern Bank, leads regional banking operations and fosters strong relationships within local North Carolina communities. Hawkins oversees the delivery of personalized financial services, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, ensuring they meet the specific needs of the communities served. This role involves driving business development initiatives and enhancing the bank's local presence and impact. By championing community engagement and providing accessible financial solutions, Dustin Hawkins reinforces Southern Bank's commitment to local economic growth and customer support. The Community Bank President's focus is on building trust and delivering exceptional service at the local level.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Southern Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Southern Bank?
    Southern Bank is led by John Squires (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Gates Little (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Drew Covert (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Southern Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of Southern Bank includes leaders such as John Squires (Chief Executive Officer), Gates Little (President & Chief Executive Officer), Drew Covert (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Southern Bank have?
    Southern Bank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Southern Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Southern Bank includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer.