Southern Bank Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southern Bank has 10 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, fostering economic growth and stability across North Carolina since its founding in 1901.

Leadership Roles at Southern Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - John Squires
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Drew Covert
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Preston Conner
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Huong Nguyen
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Gates Little
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Mark Lane
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - David Sauls
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Edward Coltrain
  • Community Bank President - Richard Viar
  • Market President - Melvin Jackson
  • John Squires - Chief Executive Officer

    John Squires, the Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the financial institution. Overseeing all departments, Squires ensures alignment with the company's mission of community assistance and financial service provision. This leadership role involves guiding the bank's expansion and maintaining its established reputation for reliability in North Carolina. By focusing on sustainable growth, John Squires drives the bank's commitment to offering essential services like savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. The Chief Executive Officer's strategic decisions directly impact the bank's market position and its ability to serve its customer base effectively, ensuring long-term financial health and community engagement.

    Drew Covert - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Drew Covert, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, presides over the strategic direction and executive leadership of the financial establishment. Covert's responsibilities encompass setting long-term objectives and ensuring the bank's operational framework supports its community-focused mission. This dual role involves guiding the board of directors and overseeing the executive team to maintain the integrity and growth of services such as savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. By championing the bank's core values, Drew Covert ensures continued service excellence and financial stability across North Carolina. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's oversight is critical for navigating market dynamics and reinforcing Southern Bank's position as a trusted financial partner.
    Drew Covert

    Preston Conner - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Preston Conner, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, leads the strategic governance and executive management of the financial institution. Conner's purview includes defining the overarching goals and ensuring the bank's operational integrity aligns with its commitment to community financial services. This leadership position involves directing the board's strategic initiatives and overseeing the executive team's execution of services like savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. Through strategic oversight, Preston Conner reinforces Southern Bank's dedication to North Carolina's economic well-being. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's role is pivotal in maintaining the bank's robust market presence and fostering client trust through consistent service delivery.

    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 management. Nguyen's responsibilities include overseeing key departmental functions and ensuring the seamless delivery of financial services across North Carolina. This role is crucial for maintaining the bank's commitment to providing savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. By collaborating closely with the executive team, Huong Nguyen drives initiatives that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer's focus on strategic implementation ensures the bank's continued growth and its ability to meet the evolving financial needs of the community.

    Gates Little - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gates Little, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, spearheads the bank's comprehensive operational strategy and executive leadership. Little's mandate involves guiding the institution's growth and ensuring its financial services, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, effectively serve the North Carolina community. This leadership position requires direct oversight of all business units and strategic planning to maintain market competitiveness. By championing innovation and customer-centric approaches, Gates Little drives the bank's mission forward. The President & Chief Executive Officer's vision is instrumental in solidifying Southern Bank's reputation for reliability and community partnership.

    Mark Lane - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Mark Lane, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, directs the overall strategic direction and operational execution of the financial institution. Lane's responsibilities encompass leading all facets of the bank's business, ensuring the effective provision of services such as savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages throughout North Carolina. This executive role involves fostering a culture of excellence and driving initiatives that enhance customer satisfaction and financial performance. By focusing on sustainable development, Mark Lane ensures Southern Bank remains a cornerstone of community financial support. The President & Chief Executive Officer's leadership is vital for navigating the evolving financial landscape and reinforcing the bank's commitment to its clients.

    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 fiscal management of the institution. Sauls oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring the bank's fiscal health and compliance with regulatory standards across North Carolina. This leadership position is crucial for managing the bank's assets and investments to support its community-focused services like savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, David Sauls safeguards the bank's stability and profitability. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's expertise is fundamental to the bank's long-term sustainability and growth.

    Edward Coltrain - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Edward Coltrain, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Southern Bank, manages the day-to-day operational activities and oversees the execution of strategic initiatives across the bank's North Carolina operations. Coltrain's purview includes optimizing internal processes and ensuring the efficient delivery of all financial services, from savings and checking accounts to personal loans and home mortgages. This critical role involves leading various departments to enhance service quality and operational effectiveness. By focusing on streamlining workflows and implementing best practices, Edward Coltrain drives operational excellence. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer's leadership ensures the bank functions smoothly and continues to meet the financial needs of its community.
    Edward Coltrain

    Richard Viar - Community Bank President

    Richard Viar, the Community Bank President at Southern Bank, leads the bank's engagement and service delivery within specific local markets in North Carolina. Viar's responsibilities focus on strengthening community relationships and ensuring the bank's offerings, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, meet local needs. This role involves overseeing branch operations and fostering a customer-centric approach to financial services. By actively participating in community initiatives, Richard Viar reinforces Southern Bank's commitment to local economic development. The Community Bank President's dedication ensures personalized service and sustained trust within the communities served.

    Melvin Jackson - Market President

    Melvin Jackson, the Market President at Southern Bank, drives business development and client relations within designated market areas across North Carolina. Jackson's role involves cultivating strategic partnerships and ensuring the effective delivery of the bank's comprehensive financial services, such as savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of local market dynamics and customer needs. By championing the bank's community-oriented mission, Melvin Jackson enhances its regional presence and impact. The Market President's focus on growth and service excellence solidifies Southern Bank's position as a trusted financial partner in the communities it serves.

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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 Drew Covert (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and Preston Conner (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), Drew Covert (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Preston Conner (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, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer.