SouthState Bank Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on delivering comprehensive financial solutions to diverse clients, SouthState Bank drives regional economic growth through a robust network of banking offices and advanced digital service channels.

Leadership Roles at SouthState Bank

  • Market President - Chad Clarke
  • Regional President - Charlie Sherrill
  • Regional President - Christian Lewis
  • Regional President, Greater (Orlando) - Joshua McCoy
  • Regional President (Huntsville) - Tom Busby
  • Regional President, Foothills - Jimmy Lindsey
  • Divison President and E. Cental Florida - Michael Sleaford
  • Treasure Coast Division President - Brett Barnhardt
  • State President, Central Florida - Dale Dreyer
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Kellee McGahey
  • Chad Clarke - Market President

    Chad Clarke, the Market President at SouthState Bank, oversees local business growth and commercial operations within the assigned territory. The Market President drives the delivery of financial solutions by managing relationships with professionals and commercial organizations. This role requires constant collaboration with the executive team to ensure that lending and treasury services meet the specific needs of the local business community. Chad Clarke executes strategies that enhance the bank's presence in key markets, focusing on sustainable expansion and client retention. By monitoring economic indicators, the Market President identifies opportunities for new business development and service optimization. Clarke ensures that all banking offices under this jurisdiction maintain high standards of service and operational efficiency. Through active engagement with local stakeholders, the Market President strengthens the bank's reputation as a primary financial partner. This leadership position directly impacts the overall success of the regional network by maintaining a focus on client-centric financial advisory services.

    Charlie Sherrill - Regional President

    Charlie Sherrill, the Regional President at SouthState Bank, manages the operational performance and strategic direction of banking offices across the designated region. The Regional President coordinates the delivery of wealth management and commercial banking services to ensure alignment with the bank's overarching financial goals. By supervising regional teams, the Regional President drives efficiency in lending processes and treasury management. Charlie Sherrill fosters growth by identifying emerging market opportunities and tailoring financial solutions to the needs of local businesses and professionals. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous compliance standards while expanding the reach of digital service channels. Sherrill collaborates with other regional leaders to share best practices and improve service delivery across the entire institution. By prioritizing client relationships and long-term financial planning, the Regional President supports the bank's mission of providing comprehensive financial support. This focus on regional excellence ensures that Sherrill maintains a strong market position for the bank.

    Christian Lewis - Regional President

    Christian Lewis, the Regional President at SouthState Bank, leads the strategic execution of banking services within the assigned geographic area. The Regional President focuses on scaling commercial operations and enhancing the delivery of financial advisory services to a diverse client base. By overseeing the performance of multiple banking offices, the Regional President ensures that all service channels provide consistent value to individuals and businesses. Christian Lewis directs initiatives that improve lending capabilities and treasury management, supporting the bank's commitment to regional economic development. This role requires close coordination with the executive leadership to implement corporate strategies at the local level. Lewis manages the development of professional teams to ensure high-quality client interactions and effective financial planning. By analyzing regional market dynamics, the Regional President identifies new avenues for growth and service innovation. Through this leadership, Christian Lewis strengthens the bank's footprint and ensures that the institution remains a trusted financial partner for the community.

    Joshua McCoy - Regional President, Greater (Orlando)

    Joshua McCoy, the Regional President, Greater (Orlando) at SouthState Bank, manages the expansion and operational success of banking services in the Greater Orlando area. The Regional President, Greater (Orlando) drives the delivery of commercial and personal banking solutions, ensuring that the bank meets the complex needs of a growing professional and business population. By overseeing local banking offices, the Regional President, Greater (Orlando) ensures that treasury and lending services remain competitive and accessible. Joshua McCoy executes growth strategies that leverage the bank's digital service channels to reach a broader client base. This leadership role involves building strong relationships with local commercial organizations to support their long-term financial planning. McCoy coordinates with other regional leaders to ensure that the bank's service model remains consistent and effective. By focusing on market-specific opportunities, the Regional President, Greater (Orlando) enhances the bank's influence in the region. This strategic approach allows McCoy to drive significant business growth and maintain high service standards.

    Tom Busby - Regional President (Huntsville)

    Tom Busby, the Regional President (Huntsville) at SouthState Bank, oversees the strategic operations and business development efforts within the Huntsville market. The Regional President (Huntsville) directs the provision of comprehensive banking, lending, and wealth management services to local businesses and individuals. By managing the performance of banking offices, the Regional President (Huntsville) ensures that all financial solutions align with the bank's mission of supporting regional growth. Tom Busby executes initiatives that enhance the bank's treasury services and commercial advisory capabilities. This leadership role involves fostering deep connections with the professional community to drive long-term financial planning and client success. Busby coordinates with the executive team to implement corporate strategies that address the unique economic landscape of the region. By focusing on operational excellence and client satisfaction, the Regional President (Huntsville) strengthens the bank's market position. Through this dedicated leadership, Tom Busby ensures that the bank remains a vital financial resource for the Huntsville area.

    Jimmy Lindsey - Regional President, Foothills

    Jimmy Lindsey, the Regional President, Foothills at SouthState Bank, leads the operational and strategic initiatives across the Foothills region. The Regional President, Foothills directs the delivery of banking and financial advisory services, ensuring that individuals and commercial organizations receive tailored solutions. By overseeing the regional network of banking offices, the Regional President, Foothills ensures that lending and treasury services support local business growth. Jimmy Lindsey executes strategies that integrate digital service channels with traditional banking to improve client accessibility. This leadership role involves building strong partnerships with professionals to facilitate long-term financial planning. Lindsey coordinates with the broader executive team to ensure that regional performance aligns with the bank's overall objectives. By analyzing market trends in the Foothills, the Regional President, Foothills identifies opportunities for service expansion and operational improvement. Through this focused leadership, Jimmy Lindsey maintains the bank's reputation for excellence and ensures that the institution remains a key driver of regional economic stability.

    Michael Sleaford - Divison President and E. Cental Florida

    Michael Sleaford, the Divison President and E. Cental Florida at SouthState Bank, manages the strategic direction and business operations for the East Central Florida division. The Divison President and E. Cental Florida oversees the delivery of comprehensive banking, lending, and wealth management services to a diverse client base. By supervising the regional banking offices, the Divison President and E. Cental Florida ensures that treasury and commercial advisory services meet the needs of local businesses. Michael Sleaford executes growth strategies that leverage the bank's extensive network to support regional economic development. This leadership role involves building strong relationships with professionals to facilitate long-term financial planning. Sleaford coordinates with the executive team to ensure that divisional performance aligns with the bank's corporate mission. By focusing on market-specific opportunities, the Divison President and E. Cental Florida enhances the bank's influence in the region. Through this strategic approach, Michael Sleaford drives business growth and maintains high service standards across the division.

    Brett Barnhardt - Treasure Coast Division President

    Brett Barnhardt, the Treasure Coast Division President at SouthState Bank, leads the strategic operations and business development efforts within the Treasure Coast division. The Treasure Coast Division President directs the provision of banking, lending, and wealth management services to local businesses and individuals. By managing the performance of banking offices, the Treasure Coast Division President ensures that all financial solutions align with the bank's mission of supporting regional growth. Brett Barnhardt executes initiatives that enhance the bank's treasury services and commercial advisory capabilities. This leadership role involves fostering deep connections with the professional community to drive long-term financial planning and client success. Barnhardt coordinates with the executive team to implement corporate strategies that address the unique economic landscape of the division. By focusing on operational excellence and client satisfaction, the Treasure Coast Division President strengthens the bank's market position. Through this dedicated leadership, Brett Barnhardt ensures that the bank remains a vital financial resource for the Treasure Coast area.

    Dale Dreyer - State President, Central Florida

    Dale Dreyer, the State President, Central Florida at SouthState Bank, oversees the strategic operations and business development efforts across the Central Florida state market. The State President, Central Florida directs the provision of banking, lending, and wealth management services to local businesses and individuals. By managing the performance of banking offices, the State President, Central Florida ensures that all financial solutions align with the bank's mission of supporting regional growth. Dale Dreyer executes initiatives that enhance the bank's treasury services and commercial advisory capabilities. This leadership role involves fostering deep connections with the professional community to drive long-term financial planning and client success. Dreyer coordinates with the executive team to implement corporate strategies that address the unique economic landscape of the state. By focusing on operational excellence and client satisfaction, the State President, Central Florida strengthens the bank's market position. Through this dedicated leadership, Dale Dreyer ensures that the bank remains a vital financial resource for the Central Florida area.

    Kellee McGahey - Chief Marketing Officer

    Kellee McGahey, the Chief Marketing Officer at SouthState Bank, directs all brand positioning and customer acquisition strategies across the regional footprint. By analyzing market trends, the Chief Marketing Officer architects campaigns that highlight the comprehensive range of banking, lending, and wealth management services available to individuals and commercial organizations. This leadership role involves aligning digital service channels with the broader corporate mission to ensure consistent brand messaging. Kellee McGahey manages the integration of marketing initiatives with business development goals to support long-term financial planning for clients. Through data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes outreach efforts to increase market share. By fostering strong connections between the bank and the professional community, McGahey secures a competitive advantage in the financial services sector. This strategic oversight ensures that the bank remains a preferred partner for businesses and individuals seeking reliable financial advisory services throughout the operational territory.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SouthState Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SouthState Bank?
    SouthState Bank is led by Chad Clarke (Market President), along with executives such as Charlie Sherrill (Regional President) and Christian Lewis (Regional President).
    Who is part of SouthState Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of SouthState Bank includes leaders such as Chad Clarke (Market President), Charlie Sherrill (Regional President), Christian Lewis (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 Market President, Regional President, Regional President, Regional President, Greater (Orlando), Regional President (Huntsville).