SouthState Bank Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

SouthState Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, regional operations, commercial banking, and wealth management.

Focused on delivering robust financial solutions across the Southeast, SouthState Bank prioritizes customer-centric banking and operational excellence to maintain its status as a top-ranked institution in the American financial sector.

Leadership Roles at SouthState Bank

  • Managing Director. Senior Vice President. Chief Operating Officer - USSI and U. S. Western Region Middle Market Banking - Ashton Todd
  • Regional President, Bay (Tampa) - Steve Stagg
  • Regional President - Jay Lasater
  • Group President - Texas and Colorado - Dan Strodel
  • Regional President - Chad Barnhardt
  • President, State Wealth (South) - George King
  • Regional President - John Boretti
  • Regional President - Dale Zeglin
  • President, Carolina (South) - William Medich
  • Chief Information Officer - Chris Chris
  • Ashton Todd - Managing Director. Senior Vice President. Chief Operating Officer - USSI and U. S. Western Region Middle Market Banking

    Ashton Todd, the Managing Director. Senior Vice President. Chief Operating Officer - USSI and U. S. Western Region Middle Market Banking at SouthState Bank, oversees the operational execution of middle market banking strategies across the Western region. Ashton Todd manages complex commercial portfolios and ensures that lending solutions meet the specific needs of small business and commercial clients. By streamlining internal processes and optimizing resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer - USSI and U. S. Western Region Middle Market Banking drives revenue growth and maintains high service standards. This role requires constant coordination with regional leadership to ensure consistent delivery of wealth management and mortgage products. Through rigorous risk management and strategic oversight, the Chief Operating Officer - USSI and U. S. Western Region Middle Market Banking strengthens the bank's market position. Ultimately, Todd fosters sustainable expansion by aligning operational capabilities with the diverse financial requirements of the regional business community.

    Steve Stagg - Regional President, Bay (Tampa)

    Steve Stagg, the Regional President, Bay (Tampa) at SouthState Bank, manages all banking operations and client relationships within the Tampa Bay market. Steve Stagg drives local growth by overseeing consumer banking, mortgage services, and commercial lending initiatives tailored to the specific economic landscape of Florida. By cultivating strong ties with local businesses and community leaders, the Regional President, Bay (Tampa) ensures that the bank remains a primary financial partner for residents and enterprises alike. This leadership role involves mentoring branch staff and maintaining high standards of service excellence to uphold the bank's reputation. Through the strategic deployment of wealth management resources, the Regional President, Bay (Tampa) supports the financial health of the regional customer base. Ultimately, Stagg executes the corporate mission by delivering personalized banking solutions that address the unique needs of the Tampa market while contributing to the overall success of the organization.

    Jay Lasater - Regional President

    Jay Lasater, the Regional President at SouthState Bank, directs the strategic operations and business development efforts across designated regional territories. Jay Lasater oversees the integration of consumer and commercial banking services to ensure consistent performance and customer satisfaction. By analyzing regional market trends and competitive dynamics, the Regional President identifies opportunities for expansion and service enhancement. This role involves coordinating with cross-functional teams to deliver robust mortgage and wealth management solutions that align with the bank's broader objectives. Through effective leadership of branch networks, the Regional President drives operational efficiency and fosters a culture of service excellence. By maintaining strong relationships with local stakeholders, the Regional President ensures that the bank remains deeply embedded in the communities served. Ultimately, Lasater supports the bank's commitment to providing high-quality financial services while driving sustainable growth across the regional footprint.

    Dan Strodel - Group President - Texas and Colorado

    Dan Strodel, the Group President - Texas and Colorado at SouthState Bank, leads the expansion and operational management of banking services within the Texas and Colorado markets. Dan Strodel architects growth strategies that leverage the bank's commercial and small business banking expertise to capture new market share. By overseeing regional teams and ensuring the delivery of high-value financial products, the Group President - Texas and Colorado drives revenue and strengthens the bank's presence in these key territories. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and adapting service models to meet the specific demands of the local business climate. Through the strategic alignment of resources, the Group President - Texas and Colorado ensures that customers receive consistent, high-quality support. Ultimately, Strodel executes the bank's vision for regional growth by fostering strong client relationships and maintaining a focus on operational excellence in every transaction.

    Chad Barnhardt - Regional President

    Chad Barnhardt, the Regional President at SouthState Bank, manages the daily operations and strategic direction of banking activities within assigned regional markets. Chad Barnhardt drives the implementation of consumer and commercial banking initiatives, ensuring that all branches meet the bank's high standards for service and performance. By overseeing the development of local talent and optimizing branch workflows, the Regional President enhances the overall customer experience. This role involves collaborating with other regional leaders to share best practices and ensure the consistent delivery of mortgage and wealth management solutions. Through proactive engagement with the local business community, the Regional President identifies new avenues for growth and service improvement. By maintaining a focus on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, the Regional President supports the bank's long-term objectives. Ultimately, Barnhardt ensures that the bank remains a trusted financial partner for customers across the region.

    George King - President, State Wealth (South)

    George King, the President, State Wealth (South) at SouthState Bank, directs the wealth management division's strategic initiatives and client advisory services across the Southern region. George King architects comprehensive financial planning and investment strategies designed to preserve and grow client assets. By overseeing a team of financial advisors and portfolio managers, the President, State Wealth (South) ensures that high-net-worth individuals receive personalized and effective wealth solutions. This leadership role involves coordinating with commercial banking teams to provide holistic financial services that address both personal and business needs. Through the implementation of rigorous investment standards and client-focused service models, the President, State Wealth (South) drives the growth of the wealth management portfolio. By maintaining a deep understanding of market dynamics, the President, State Wealth (South) provides the guidance necessary for long-term financial success. Ultimately, King secures the bank's position as a premier provider of wealth management services.

    John Boretti - Regional President

    John Boretti, the Regional President at SouthState Bank, oversees the operational performance and strategic growth of banking services within designated regional territories. John Boretti drives the execution of consumer and commercial banking strategies, ensuring that all locations deliver the high-quality service expected of the brand. By managing regional teams and fostering strong client relationships, the Regional President ensures that the bank remains a key financial resource for local businesses and individuals. This role involves coordinating with corporate leadership to align regional activities with the bank's overall mission and performance goals. Through the effective deployment of mortgage and small business banking products, the Regional President enhances the bank's market impact. By focusing on operational efficiency and community engagement, the Regional President supports the bank's commitment to excellence. Ultimately, Boretti executes the strategic vision by delivering consistent and reliable financial solutions across the region.

    Dale Zeglin - Regional President

    Dale Zeglin, the Regional President at SouthState Bank, leads the regional operations and business development efforts to ensure the successful delivery of banking services. Dale Zeglin oversees the implementation of consumer and commercial banking strategies, focusing on driving growth and maintaining high service standards across the branch network. By managing regional staff and optimizing operational processes, the Regional President ensures that the bank meets the diverse financial needs of its customer base. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to integrate mortgage and wealth management solutions into the regional service offering. Through proactive market analysis and community involvement, the Regional President identifies opportunities to expand the bank's reach and influence. By maintaining a focus on performance and customer satisfaction, the Regional President supports the bank's long-term success. Ultimately, Zeglin executes the corporate strategy by fostering strong relationships and delivering exceptional financial value.

    William Medich - President, Carolina (South)

    William Medich, the President, Carolina (South) at SouthState Bank, directs all banking operations and strategic initiatives within the South Carolina market. William Medich architects growth plans that leverage the bank's full suite of consumer, commercial, and mortgage banking products to serve the local population. By overseeing regional branch performance and ensuring the delivery of superior customer service, the President, Carolina (South) drives the bank's success in this competitive territory. This leadership role involves building strong partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to enhance the bank's visibility and impact. Through the strategic management of regional resources, the President, Carolina (South) ensures that the bank remains a trusted financial partner for residents and enterprises. By focusing on operational excellence and community-focused banking, the President, Carolina (South) supports the bank's broader mission. Ultimately, Medich executes the corporate strategy by delivering personalized financial solutions that meet the unique needs of the Carolina market.

    Chris Chris - Chief Information Officer

    Chris Chris, the Chief Information Officer at SouthState Bank, directs the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks supporting over one million customers. Chris Chris architects scalable cloud solutions and data protection protocols to ensure seamless consumer and commercial banking experiences across the Southeast. By modernizing core banking platforms, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency and protects sensitive financial assets against evolving digital threats. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the executive team to align technological investments with long-term growth objectives. Through the implementation of advanced analytics and secure mobile banking interfaces, the Chief Information Officer enhances the overall service quality provided at 240+ locations. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer secures the technological foundation necessary for the bank to maintain its competitive edge in the regional finance market while supporting the broader mission of banking forward.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SouthState Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SouthState Bank?
    SouthState Bank is led by Ashton Todd (Managing Director. Senior Vice President. Chief Operating Officer - USSI and U. S. Western Region Middle Market Banking), along with executives such as Steve Stagg (Regional President, Bay (Tampa)) and Jay Lasater (Regional President).
    Who is part of SouthState Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of SouthState Bank includes leaders such as Ashton Todd (Managing Director. Senior Vice President. Chief Operating Officer - USSI and U. S. Western Region Middle Market Banking), Steve Stagg (Regional President, Bay (Tampa)), Jay Lasater (Regional President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SouthState Bank have?
    SouthState Bank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SouthState Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SouthState Bank includes roles such as Managing Director. Senior Vice President. Chief Operating Officer - USSI and U. S. Western Region Middle Market Banking, Regional President, Bay (Tampa), Regional President, Group President - Texas and Colorado, Regional President.