Southern Bank Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southern Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and administration.

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.

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
  • Chief Financial Officer - Stephan Chkautovich
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - David Sauls
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Edward Coltrain
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Kristi Eller
  • 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 product development and service delivery. By optimizing resource allocation, John Squires drives sustainable growth and enhances market competitiveness. The Chief Executive Officer's purview includes cultivating key stakeholder relationships and upholding the bank's reputation for integrity and service excellence. Squires's strategic direction ensures the bank's continued success in meeting the evolving financial needs of its North Carolina customer base.

    Gates Little - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gates Little, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, spearheads the bank's strategic direction and operational management. Little oversees the delivery of comprehensive financial services, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, to the North Carolina community. This executive position involves driving business development and ensuring the bank's financial health and stability. By championing customer-centric initiatives, Gates Little enhances service quality and client satisfaction. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering a culture of excellence and integrity throughout the organization. Little's leadership ensures Southern Bank remains a trusted financial partner, adapting to market dynamics and client needs.

    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. Covert directs the long-term vision, ensuring the bank's commitment to community service and financial assistance remains paramount. This critical role involves guiding the expansion of services such as savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages across North Carolina. By fostering robust corporate governance, Drew Covert ensures operational integrity and regulatory compliance. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's influence extends to shaping the bank's market position and driving its financial performance. Covert's leadership solidifies Southern Bank's foundation as a reliable community financial partner.
    Drew Covert

    Preston Conner - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Preston Conner, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, provides strategic oversight and executive direction for the financial institution. Conner guides the bank's mission to serve the North Carolina community with a full spectrum of financial products, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. This leadership position involves setting the strategic agenda and ensuring the bank's sustained growth and operational efficiency. By championing sound financial practices, Preston Conner reinforces the bank's stability and trustworthiness. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's focus includes cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders and driving initiatives that enhance customer value. Conner's tenure ensures Southern Bank continues its legacy of community financial support.

    Huong Nguyen - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Huong Nguyen, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, supports the Chief Executive Officer in executing the bank's strategic objectives and operational plans. Nguyen plays a key part in overseeing the delivery of essential financial services, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, to the North Carolina community. This role involves driving operational efficiency and ensuring seamless service delivery across all departments. By collaborating with executive leadership, Huong Nguyen contributes to strategic decision-making and risk management. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer's focus is on enhancing the bank's service capabilities and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Nguyen's efforts support Southern Bank's commitment to community financial well-being.

    Mark Lane - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Mark Lane, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, directs the institution's strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations. Lane oversees the provision of comprehensive financial services, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, to the North Carolina community. This executive position is central to driving the bank's growth and ensuring its financial resilience. By fostering strong client relationships, Mark Lane enhances customer loyalty and satisfaction. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals and uphold the bank's mission. Lane's leadership ensures Southern Bank remains a vital financial resource for its customers.

    Stephan Chkautovich - Chief Financial Officer

    Stephan Chkautovich, the Chief Financial Officer at Southern Bank, manages the institution's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Chkautovich oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring the bank's stability and profitability. This role is critical in guiding investment strategies and managing financial risks associated with providing services like savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. By maintaining robust financial controls, Stephan Chkautovich supports the bank's long-term growth objectives and regulatory compliance. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital in optimizing financial performance and resource allocation across the North Carolina market. Chkautovich's stewardship ensures fiscal responsibility.
    Stephan Chkautovich

    David Sauls - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    David Sauls, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Southern Bank, directs the financial strategy and operational fiscal management of the institution. Sauls oversees critical financial functions, including accounting, treasury, and financial analysis, ensuring the bank's sound economic footing. This position is integral to managing the financial aspects of offering services such as savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. By implementing effective financial policies, David Sauls supports sustainable growth and operational efficiency. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include advising executive leadership on fiscal matters and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Sauls's financial acumen strengthens Southern Bank's market position.

    Edward Coltrain - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Edward Coltrain, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Southern Bank, directs the bank's operational efficiency and service delivery across North Carolina. Coltrain oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives, ensuring the seamless provision of financial services, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. This role is pivotal in optimizing internal processes and enhancing customer experience. By managing operational risks and driving process improvements, Edward Coltrain contributes to the bank's overall performance and growth. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer's focus includes leading operational teams and fostering a culture of excellence. Coltrain's leadership ensures Southern Bank meets its community commitments effectively.
    Edward Coltrain

    Kristi Eller - Chief Administrative Officer

    Kristi Eller, the Chief Administrative Officer at Southern Bank, oversees the critical administrative functions that support the bank's operational framework and strategic goals. Eller manages key areas such as human resources, facilities management, and corporate communications, ensuring efficient internal operations. This position is vital for maintaining a productive work environment and facilitating the delivery of financial services like savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. By streamlining administrative processes, Kristi Eller enhances organizational effectiveness and employee engagement. The Chief Administrative Officer's responsibilities include developing policies that support the bank's mission and its commitment to the North Carolina community. Eller's oversight ensures smooth organizational functioning.
    Kristi Eller

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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.