SouthState Bank Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

SouthState Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including marketing, regional operations, and divisional leadership.

Driven by a commitment to customer success, SouthState Bank offers robust banking solutions across the Southeast, fostering a culture of care and innovation that has earned national recognition for its service and workplace environment.

Leadership Roles at SouthState Bank

  • Regional President - Jay Lasater
  • Alabama Division President - Patrick Carlton
  • President, Central Region - Montague Laffitte
  • Group President, Carolina & Virginia (North) - Jay Reagan
  • President, Virginia State, State Bank (South) - Robert Cowgill
  • Regional President - Amber Adams
  • Regional President, Roads (Hampton) - Adam Jobe
  • State President, Central Florida - Dale Dreyer
  • Regional President - Christian Lewis
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Kellee McGahey
  • Jay Lasater - Regional President

    Jay Lasater, the Regional President at SouthState Bank, spearheads strategic operations and business development across key geographic territories. Overseeing multiple market areas, Lasater ensures the consistent delivery of SouthState Bank's comprehensive financial solutions, including consumer banking, mortgage services, and wealth management. This executive position involves fostering strong relationships with local communities and businesses throughout the Southeast, driving market share growth and operational efficiency. By aligning regional strategies with the bank's overarching mission, Jay Lasater champions the 'banking at its best' philosophy. The Regional President's focus extends to cultivating a high-performing team dedicated to exceptional customer service, reinforcing the bank's award-winning workplace environment and its commitment to serving over one million customers.

    Patrick Carlton - Alabama Division President

    Patrick Carlton, the Alabama Division President at SouthState Bank, directs all banking operations and strategic growth within the state of Alabama. Overseeing the Alabama division, Carlton ensures the delivery of robust financial solutions, from consumer and small business banking to commercial lending and wealth management, tailored to the local market needs. This leadership role involves cultivating strong community ties and driving business development initiatives that align with SouthState Bank's mission of providing exceptional service. By focusing on customer relationships and operational excellence, Patrick Carlton strengthens the bank's presence and impact in Alabama. The Alabama Division President's efforts are vital in maintaining the bank's reputation for service and its commitment to being a leading regional financial partner.

    Montague Laffitte - President, Central Region

    Montague Laffitte, the President, Central Region at SouthState Bank, leads the strategic direction and operational execution across a significant geographic area. Overseeing the central region's banking activities, Laffitte ensures the seamless delivery of a wide array of financial products and services, including consumer banking, mortgage solutions, and commercial lending. This executive role focuses on expanding market penetration and deepening customer relationships within the region, reinforcing SouthState Bank's commitment to personalized service. By driving business development and fostering a culture of excellence, Montague Laffitte contributes directly to the bank's overall growth and its reputation as a top-tier financial institution. The President, Central Region's leadership is instrumental in achieving regional targets and upholding the bank's core values.

    Jay Reagan - Group President, Carolina & Virginia (North)

    Jay Reagan, the Group President, Carolina & Virginia (North) at SouthState Bank, commands the strategic oversight and operational management for the northern Carolina and Virginia markets. Overseeing this key group, Reagan drives the expansion of SouthState Bank's comprehensive financial offerings, including consumer banking, small business support, and commercial lending, ensuring alignment with regional economic landscapes. This critical leadership position focuses on enhancing market presence, cultivating strong client relationships, and championing the bank's dedication to exceptional service and community engagement. By implementing targeted growth strategies, Jay Reagan strengthens SouthState Bank's position as a leading regional financial partner in these vital territories. The Group President's leadership ensures consistent delivery of banking solutions that meet diverse customer needs.

    Robert Cowgill - President, Virginia State, State Bank (South)

    Robert Cowgill, the President, Virginia State, State Bank (South) at SouthState Bank, directs all banking operations and strategic initiatives within the southern Virginia market. Overseeing the Virginia State (South) division, Cowgill ensures the effective delivery of robust banking solutions, encompassing consumer, mortgage, small business, and commercial banking services, tailored to the specific needs of the region. This executive role emphasizes building strong community relationships and driving business development to enhance SouthState Bank's market footprint. By focusing on customer-centric strategies and operational efficiency, Robert Cowgill reinforces the bank's commitment to providing 'banking at its best.' The President, Virginia State, State Bank (South)'s leadership is key to achieving regional growth and upholding the bank's esteemed reputation.

    Amber Adams - Regional President

    Amber Adams, the Regional President at SouthState Bank, leads strategic growth and operational excellence across designated market areas. Overseeing key regions, Adams ensures the consistent delivery of SouthState Bank's diverse financial products, including consumer banking, mortgage lending, and wealth management services, to over one million customers. This executive position focuses on strengthening client relationships and expanding the bank's reach throughout the Southeast. By championing a culture of dedicated customer service and operational efficiency, Amber Adams directly supports the bank's mission of providing 'banking forward' solutions. The Regional President's leadership is vital in driving regional performance and reinforcing SouthState Bank's standing as a respected financial institution.

    Adam Jobe - Regional President, Roads (Hampton)

    Adam Jobe, the Regional President, Roads (Hampton) at SouthState Bank, directs the strategic expansion and operational management within the Hampton Roads area. Overseeing this vital region, Jobe ensures the comprehensive delivery of SouthState Bank's financial services, including consumer banking, small business support, and commercial lending, to meet the unique demands of the local market. This leadership role is focused on cultivating robust client relationships and driving business development initiatives that align with the bank's core values of customer care and innovation. By implementing effective strategies, Adam Jobe strengthens SouthState Bank's presence and impact in the Hampton Roads territory. The Regional President's efforts are crucial for achieving regional growth and maintaining the bank's reputation for excellence.

    Dale Dreyer - State President, Central Florida

    Dale Dreyer, the State President, Central Florida at SouthState Bank, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for the bank's activities within Central Florida. Overseeing this dynamic market, Dreyer ensures the delivery of robust banking solutions, encompassing consumer banking, mortgage services, and commercial lending, tailored to the region's economic landscape. This executive position focuses on expanding SouthState Bank's market share and deepening customer relationships through exceptional service. By fostering a strong local presence and driving business development, Dale Dreyer reinforces the bank's commitment to being a leading financial partner in Central Florida. The State President's leadership is essential for achieving regional objectives and upholding the bank's esteemed reputation.

    Christian Lewis - Regional President

    Christian Lewis, the Regional President at SouthState Bank, spearheads strategic initiatives and operational oversight across key geographic territories. Overseeing multiple market areas, Lewis ensures the consistent delivery of SouthState Bank's comprehensive suite of financial solutions, including consumer banking, mortgage, and wealth management services, to its extensive customer base. This executive role emphasizes fostering strong community ties and driving business development to enhance the bank's regional footprint. By championing a culture of dedicated customer service and operational efficiency, Christian Lewis directly contributes to the bank's mission of providing 'banking at its best.' The Regional President's leadership is pivotal in achieving regional growth targets and maintaining the bank's recognized excellence.

    Kellee McGahey - Chief Marketing Officer

    Kellee McGahey, the Chief Marketing Officer at SouthState Bank, directs all brand strategy and customer engagement initiatives. Overseeing the marketing department, McGahey ensures cohesive messaging across all communication channels, amplifying the bank's commitment to customer care and innovative financial solutions. This leadership role involves developing and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns that highlight SouthState Bank's strong market presence in the Southeast, spanning Florida, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia. By analyzing market trends and customer feedback, Kellee McGahey drives initiatives to enhance brand visibility and customer acquisition, directly supporting the bank's growth objectives. The Chief Marketing Officer's efforts are crucial in maintaining the bank's reputation for excellence, as recognized by Forbes and workplace awards, solidifying its position as a leading regional financial institution.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SouthState Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SouthState Bank?
    SouthState Bank is led by Jay Lasater (Regional President), along with executives such as Patrick Carlton (Alabama Division President) and Montague Laffitte (President, Central Region).
    Who is part of SouthState Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of SouthState Bank includes leaders such as Jay Lasater (Regional President), Patrick Carlton (Alabama Division President), Montague Laffitte (President, Central Region) 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 Regional President, Alabama Division President, President, Central Region, Group President, Carolina & Virginia (North), President, Virginia State, State Bank (South).