Southern Bank Executive and Leadership Team

John Squires, the Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision for this long-standing financial institution. Squires manages the expansion of personal banking services and mortgage lending portfolios across North Carolina. By aligning institutional goals with community needs, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all checking and savings products remain accessible to local residents. Squires maintains rigorous oversight of market positioning to sustain the competitive advantage of the bank within the regional finance sector. Through constant evaluation of economic trends, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes the delivery of financial resources to support regional growth. John Squires fosters a culture of stability and trust, ensuring that the institution remains a pillar of the community. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine long-term objectives and maintain the fiscal health of the organization while prioritizing customer-centric service models.

Drew Covert, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, governs the board-level initiatives and high-level corporate strategy. Covert oversees the governance framework that supports the delivery of personal loans and home mortgages throughout the North Carolina market. As the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Covert drives the institutional commitment to community-focused banking, ensuring that all service lines align with the core mission of the organization. This role requires balancing shareholder interests with the practical financial needs of local clients. Drew Covert monitors the competitive landscape to identify opportunities for service enhancement and market penetration. By chairing board meetings and setting the tone for corporate policy, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the bank. Covert ensures that the institution continues to provide reliable financial support to the community, reinforcing the reputation of the bank as a trusted partner in regional economic development.

Gates Little, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, manages the daily execution of corporate strategy and operational performance. Little directs the implementation of banking services, including checking accounts and personal loans, to ensure consistent quality for all clients. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Little coordinates with department heads to streamline the delivery of mortgage products across the North Carolina footprint. This leadership position focuses on maintaining operational efficiency while expanding the reach of the bank into new local markets. Gates Little evaluates performance metrics to ensure that the institution meets its growth targets and service standards. By fostering strong relationships with community stakeholders, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the market position of the bank. Little drives the development of internal processes that support the long-term sustainability of the organization, ensuring that every financial service provided reflects the commitment to community-based banking excellence.

Huong Nguyen, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, supports the executive team by managing critical internal functions and strategic initiatives. Nguyen oversees the integration of new financial technologies into the existing service framework, ensuring that checking and savings accounts remain modern and secure. As the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Nguyen facilitates communication between the executive office and operational teams to ensure alignment with the broader mission of the bank. This role involves analyzing market data to refine the delivery of personal loans and mortgage services across the North Carolina region. Huong Nguyen drives efficiency by identifying bottlenecks in service delivery and implementing solutions that enhance the customer experience. By providing analytical support to the leadership team, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures that strategic decisions are based on accurate financial insights. Nguyen maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the bank continues to serve the community with reliability and precision.

Preston Conner, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, leads the board in defining the long-term trajectory of the institution. Conner focuses on the strategic expansion of mortgage lending and personal loan services to better serve the North Carolina community. As the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Conner ensures that the bank adheres to its founding principles while adapting to modern financial requirements. This leadership role involves overseeing the risk management framework to protect the assets of the bank and its clients. Preston Conner collaborates with other executives to ensure that the corporate culture remains centered on community service and financial integrity. By chairing the board, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer provides the necessary guidance to navigate complex regulatory environments. Conner drives the development of policies that support sustainable growth, ensuring that the bank remains a stable and effective financial partner for all local residents and businesses.

Mark Lane, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, manages the tactical execution of the business model to ensure consistent service delivery. Lane oversees the retail banking division, focusing on the growth of checking and savings accounts throughout the North Carolina market. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Lane coordinates the efforts of the branch network to ensure that personal loans and mortgage services are accessible to the community. This role involves optimizing the customer journey to improve satisfaction and retention. Mark Lane monitors the competitive environment to adjust service offerings in response to changing local needs. By driving operational improvements, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the bank maintains its reputation for reliability. Lane fosters a collaborative environment where staff can effectively meet the financial goals of the community, ensuring that the institution remains a cornerstone of the regional economy through dedicated service and professional excellence.

Stephan Chkautovich, the Chief Financial Officer at Southern Bank, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation of the institution. Chkautovich oversees the financial reporting, budgeting, and investment strategies that support the delivery of personal loans and mortgage products. As the Chief Financial Officer, Chkautovich ensures that the bank maintains the necessary liquidity to serve the North Carolina community effectively. This role involves rigorous analysis of financial performance to identify risks and opportunities for growth. Stephan Chkautovich collaborates with the executive team to align financial resources with the strategic goals of the bank. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer protects the assets of the institution and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Chkautovich drives the development of financial models that support the long-term sustainability of the bank, ensuring that every investment contributes to the overall mission of providing reliable financial services to the local population.

David Sauls, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Southern Bank, directs the treasury and accounting functions to ensure the financial stability of the organization. Sauls oversees the management of the loan portfolio, specifically focusing on the profitability and risk assessment of home mortgages and personal loans. As the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Sauls provides the leadership necessary to maintain accurate financial records and transparent reporting for the bank. This role involves coordinating with the board to ensure that capital is deployed efficiently across the North Carolina market. David Sauls monitors economic indicators to adjust the financial strategy of the bank in real-time. By optimizing the balance sheet, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the ability of the bank to offer competitive rates to the community. Sauls ensures that the financial foundation of the institution remains strong, enabling continued service to local clients.

Edward Coltrain, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Southern Bank, manages the internal infrastructure and daily operations of the bank. Coltrain oversees the branch network and the digital platforms that facilitate checking and savings services for the North Carolina community. As the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Coltrain drives the implementation of operational policies that improve the efficiency of mortgage processing and loan approvals. This role involves streamlining workflows to ensure that customers receive timely and accurate service. Edward Coltrain collaborates with the technology team to modernize the banking experience while maintaining the personal touch that defines the institution. By focusing on operational excellence, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the bank can scale its services to meet the growing needs of the region. Coltrain maintains a commitment to high standards of service, ensuring that every operational process supports the core mission of the bank.

Kristi Eller, the Chief Administrative Officer at Southern Bank, manages the human resources, facilities, and administrative functions that support the entire organization. Eller oversees the talent development programs that ensure staff are equipped to provide high-quality service for checking, savings, and loan products. As the Chief Administrative Officer, Eller drives the internal culture of the bank, ensuring that all employees align with the mission of serving the North Carolina community. This role involves managing the physical and digital infrastructure that allows the bank to operate effectively. Kristi Eller collaborates with the executive team to implement policies that promote employee engagement and operational compliance. By overseeing the administrative backbone of the institution, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the bank remains a stable and efficient workplace. Eller maintains a focus on organizational health, ensuring that the bank has the resources and personnel necessary to deliver exceptional financial services to all local clients.