Southern Bank Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southern Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, 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 role as a vital financial establishment in North Carolina since its founding in 1901.

Leadership Roles at Southern Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - J. Huggins
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Drew Covert
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Matthew Funke
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Mark Lane
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Preston Conner
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Gates Little
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Huong Nguyen
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Edward Coltrain
  • Community Bank President - Dustin Hawkins
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Kristi Eller
  • J. Huggins - Chief Executive Officer

    J. Huggins, the Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the financial institution. Huggins oversees the integration of all departmental functions, ensuring alignment with the bank's mission to serve the North Carolina community. This leadership role involves guiding the expansion of services, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, to meet evolving client needs. By fostering a culture of financial stewardship, J. Huggins drives the bank's commitment to community assistance and sustainable growth. The Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses all aspects of the bank's performance, from client relations to regulatory compliance, ensuring robust financial health and market presence.
    J. Huggins

    Drew Covert - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Drew Covert, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, establishes the overarching governance framework and strategic direction for the organization. Covert leads the board of directors, ensuring robust oversight of the bank's operations and financial performance. This executive position involves championing the bank's long-standing commitment to community service and financial accessibility throughout North Carolina. By setting high standards for ethical conduct and client service, Drew Covert guides the institution in offering a full spectrum of financial products, from savings and checking accounts to personal loans and home mortgages. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's influence extends to fostering key stakeholder relationships and driving initiatives that enhance the bank's market position and community impact.
    Drew Covert

    Matthew Funke - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Matthew Funke, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, spearheads the daily operational management and strategic growth initiatives of the financial services firm. Funke directs the execution of the bank's comprehensive service offerings, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, across its North Carolina footprint. This leadership position involves fostering innovation in financial products and client engagement strategies to better serve the community. By ensuring operational efficiency and client satisfaction, Matthew Funke drives the bank's mission of providing essential financial assistance. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include overseeing departmental performance, managing key partnerships, and maintaining the bank's strong reputation for reliability and community support.

    Mark Lane - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Mark Lane, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, commands the strategic direction and operational execution for the bank's financial services. Lane oversees the delivery of a complete range of banking solutions, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, tailored to the North Carolina market. This executive role focuses on enhancing client relationships and expanding the bank's reach within the community it serves. By driving efficiency and client-centric practices, Mark Lane ensures the bank upholds its legacy of financial assistance and support. The President & Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes fostering a culture of excellence and guiding the institution through evolving market dynamics to maintain its position as a trusted financial partner.

    Preston Conner - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Preston Conner, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, provides critical leadership in setting the strategic course and governance standards for the financial institution. Conner chairs the board, guiding executive decisions and ensuring adherence to the bank's core mission of community service in North Carolina. This position involves overseeing the bank's comprehensive financial offerings, such as savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, with a focus on accessibility and client benefit. By championing responsible financial practices, Preston Conner reinforces the bank's role as a pillar of support for individuals and families. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's influence is vital in maintaining the bank's integrity and its commitment to fostering economic well-being within the communities it serves.

    Gates Little - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gates Little, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Bank, directs the strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations of the bank's financial services. Little oversees the provision of essential banking products, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, ensuring they meet the needs of the North Carolina community. This executive leadership focuses on strengthening client relationships and expanding the bank's service capabilities. By promoting a client-first approach and operational excellence, Gates Little upholds the bank's commitment to providing reliable financial assistance. The President & Chief Executive Officer's role is crucial in navigating market changes and ensuring the bank's continued success as a trusted community financial partner.

    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 directives. Nguyen plays a key part in overseeing the delivery of financial services, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, ensuring they align with the bank's community-focused mission in North Carolina. This role involves collaborating across departments to enhance service efficiency and client satisfaction. By contributing to strategic planning and operational oversight, Huong Nguyen helps maintain the bank's strong financial standing and its commitment to assisting the community. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer's efforts are integral to the bank's ongoing success and its ability to adapt to evolving financial landscapes.

    Edward Coltrain - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Edward Coltrain, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Southern Bank, manages the bank's extensive operational infrastructure and service delivery. Coltrain oversees the implementation of policies and procedures that govern the bank's core functions, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, ensuring seamless execution across North Carolina. This leadership position focuses on optimizing operational efficiency, enhancing client experience, and driving process improvements. By directing daily operations, Edward Coltrain ensures the bank functions effectively and maintains its commitment to providing accessible financial solutions. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities are critical to the bank's ability to scale its services and uphold its reputation for reliability and community support.
    Edward Coltrain

    Dustin Hawkins - Community Bank President

    Dustin Hawkins, the Community Bank President at Southern Bank, leads the bank's engagement and service delivery within specific local markets in North Carolina. Hawkins focuses on building strong relationships with community members and businesses, ensuring the bank's offerings, such as savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, are accessible and responsive to local needs. This role involves driving local business development and overseeing branch operations to foster client loyalty and satisfaction. By championing the bank's community-centric approach, Dustin Hawkins reinforces its commitment to financial assistance and economic growth at the grassroots level. The Community Bank President's dedication is vital to maintaining the bank's local presence and its reputation as a trusted financial partner.

    Kristi Eller - Chief Administrative Officer

    Kristi Eller, the Chief Administrative Officer at Southern Bank, directs the internal operations and administrative functions that support the bank's overall strategic goals. Eller oversees human resources, facilities management, and corporate governance, ensuring a well-structured and efficient working environment. This role is crucial for maintaining the bank's operational integrity and its capacity to deliver comprehensive financial services, including savings and checking accounts, personal loans, and home mortgages, throughout North Carolina. By managing key administrative processes, Kristi Eller contributes to the bank's stability and its ability to focus on client needs and community engagement. The Chief Administrative Officer's leadership ensures that internal systems effectively support the bank's mission and its commitment to service excellence.
    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 J. Huggins (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Drew Covert (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and Matthew Funke (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Southern Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of Southern Bank includes leaders such as J. Huggins (Chief Executive Officer), Drew Covert (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Matthew Funke (President & 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, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer.