Southern Bank Executive and Leadership Team

John Squires, the Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision for this century-old financial institution. Squires architects long-term growth initiatives by aligning community-focused banking services with modern fiscal requirements. By overseeing the integration of personal loan products and mortgage services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the bank maintains a competitive edge within the North Carolina market. Squires collaborates with the board to refine operational policies, ensuring that every financial service remains accessible to local residents. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of economic trends to safeguard the institution against market volatility. Through rigorous oversight of daily banking operations, John Squires drives the organization toward sustainable profitability. Ultimately, Squires secures the financial health of the community by fostering trust and reliability in every customer interaction, reinforcing the bank's reputation as a cornerstone of regional economic stability.

Drew Covert, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, governs the strategic direction and board-level governance of the organization. Covert manages the high-level alignment of corporate objectives with the specific needs of the North Carolina community. By chairing board meetings, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer facilitates critical decision-making processes regarding capital allocation and institutional expansion. Drew Covert evaluates the performance of core banking services, including savings and checking accounts, to ensure consistent value delivery. This leadership position requires balancing shareholder interests with the mission of providing accessible financial support to local families and businesses. Through the implementation of robust governance frameworks, Covert maintains institutional integrity and regulatory compliance. By fostering a culture of excellence, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer drives the bank toward achieving its long-term mission of community empowerment and financial security for all regional stakeholders.

Mark Lane, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, executes the daily operational strategy and manages the execution of core banking services. Lane oversees the delivery of personal loans and mortgage products, ensuring that these offerings meet the evolving demands of the North Carolina customer base. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Lane coordinates between various departments to streamline internal processes and improve service efficiency. Mark Lane monitors the performance of retail banking branches, driving initiatives that enhance customer engagement and satisfaction. This role involves analyzing market data to identify opportunities for service expansion while maintaining the bank's commitment to community-centric values. By optimizing the deployment of financial resources, Lane ensures that the institution remains a reliable partner for local economic development. Ultimately, Lane strengthens the bank's market position through disciplined management and a focus on delivering high-quality financial solutions to every client.

Gates Little, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, leads the implementation of organizational policies and manages the bank's competitive positioning. Little focuses on the technological modernization of banking services, ensuring that digital platforms support the traditional values of the institution. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Little directs the development of new financial products tailored to the specific needs of North Carolina residents. Gates Little oversees the alignment of branch operations with corporate goals, ensuring that every location provides consistent, high-quality service. This leadership role involves managing relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring that the bank remains responsive to regional economic shifts. By driving efficiency in loan processing and account management, Little enhances the overall customer experience. Through strategic planning and operational oversight, Little ensures that the bank continues to serve as a vital financial resource for the community, maintaining a legacy of trust and excellence.

Preston Conner, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, provides leadership on board-level strategy and long-term institutional planning. Conner oversees the bank's commitment to community development, ensuring that all financial services align with the mission of supporting local growth. As the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Conner facilitates the development of policies that govern risk management and capital investment. Preston Conner evaluates the effectiveness of current banking services, including home mortgages and personal loans, to ensure they meet the needs of the North Carolina market. This role involves maintaining strong relationships with regulators and community leaders to foster a stable banking environment. By guiding the board through complex financial decisions, Conner ensures the institution remains resilient and profitable. Through a focus on sustainable growth and community engagement, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer drives the bank toward achieving its vision of being the premier financial partner for the region.

Stephan Chkautovich, the Chief Financial Officer at Southern Bank, manages the fiscal health and financial reporting of the institution. Chkautovich oversees the bank's balance sheet, ensuring that capital reserves remain sufficient to support the diverse range of personal loans and mortgage services offered. As the Chief Financial Officer, Chkautovich directs the budgeting process and monitors the profitability of various banking products across North Carolina. This leadership role involves analyzing financial data to provide actionable insights for the executive team, enabling informed decision-making regarding interest rates and investment strategies. Stephan Chkautovich ensures that all financial operations comply with regulatory standards, maintaining the integrity of the bank's fiscal reporting. By optimizing the cost structure and managing liquidity, Chkautovich supports the bank's ability to provide consistent financial services to the community. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the long-term stability and growth of the organization.

David Sauls, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Southern Bank, directs the financial planning and analysis functions that underpin the bank's operations. Sauls oversees the management of assets and liabilities, ensuring that the institution maintains a strong financial position while serving the North Carolina community. As the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Sauls coordinates with other senior leaders to develop strategies that enhance revenue growth through checking and savings products. David Sauls monitors market trends to adjust financial strategies, ensuring that the bank remains competitive in a changing economic landscape. This role involves managing the bank's capital structure and ensuring that all financial activities support the broader mission of community service. By implementing robust financial controls, Sauls mitigates risk and ensures the accuracy of all fiscal reporting. Through strategic financial management, Sauls contributes to the overall success and sustainability of the bank's operations.

Christy Roberts, the Market President - Central Arkansas Region at Southern Bank, leads the expansion and management of banking operations within the Central Arkansas market. Roberts oversees the delivery of personal loans, mortgages, and checking services, ensuring that these offerings are tailored to the specific needs of the local community. As the Market President - Central Arkansas Region, Roberts directs the growth of the regional branch network and manages relationships with local business partners. Christy Roberts monitors regional economic performance to identify opportunities for service enhancement and market penetration. This leadership role involves coordinating with the executive team to ensure that regional operations align with the bank's overall mission of community-focused financial service. By fostering strong customer relationships and driving local engagement, Roberts strengthens the bank's presence in the region. Through effective regional management, Roberts ensures that the bank remains a trusted financial partner for residents and businesses in Central Arkansas.

Kristi Eller, the Chief Administrative Officer at Southern Bank, manages the internal infrastructure and operational processes that support the bank's daily functions. Eller oversees human resources, facilities management, and administrative workflows, ensuring that the organization operates efficiently across all North Carolina locations. As the Chief Administrative Officer, Eller directs the implementation of internal policies that foster a productive and compliant work environment. Kristi Eller coordinates with department heads to streamline communication and improve the delivery of banking services to the community. This leadership role involves managing the bank's operational resources to ensure that staff have the tools necessary to provide excellent customer service. By optimizing administrative processes, Eller reduces operational friction and supports the bank's growth objectives. Through a focus on organizational excellence, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the bank remains a well-structured and responsive institution, capable of meeting the diverse financial needs of its clients.

Mark Raynor, the City Executive at Southern Bank, manages the operational success and community engagement of the bank's local branch presence. Raynor oversees the delivery of essential financial services, including savings accounts and personal loans, to ensure that local residents receive personalized attention. As the City Executive, Raynor directs the daily activities of the branch team, focusing on customer satisfaction and service quality. Mark Raynor builds and maintains relationships with local community leaders and business owners, positioning the bank as a key partner in regional economic development. This leadership role involves identifying local market needs and tailoring service delivery to address those requirements effectively. By fostering a culture of service and reliability, Raynor enhances the bank's reputation within the city. Through active community involvement and disciplined branch management, Raynor ensures that the bank remains a vital resource for the local population, supporting the broader mission of Southern Bank.