Little Rock, Ark. – Southern Bancorp, Inc., one of the nation’s oldest and most impactful Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), has announced the appointment of Jeremy Loftin as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). This announcement follows the successful closure of Southern Bancorp’s acquisition of Legacy Bank & Trust earlier this month, where Loftin has served as COO since 2019. Loftin will serve as dual COO of both organizations until the eventual conversion and integration of Legacy Bank & Trust in Q4 2026.
“Jeremy’s appointment to COO comes at a critical time for Southern Bancorp as we work to integrate Legacy Bank & Trust into our organization and prepare for the most significant growth phase in our organization’s history. Jeremy is the perfect person to help lead us through these milestones,” said Darrin Williams, CEO of Southern Bancorp, Inc. “His proven track record of operational excellence, people-focused leadership, and purpose-driven results will be instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition for Legacy’s staff and customers later this year, as well as for the long-term growth and impact of our mission.”
Loftin brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience to the position, including expertise in trust administration, investment management, and operational governance. He has served as COO of Legacy Bank & Trust since 2019, and before that as Chief Administrative Officer for Missouri Trust & Investment Company.
“Jeremy has been an invaluable part of Legacy Bank & Trust for many years, and we are proud to see him take on this expanded role,” said John Everett, CEO of Legacy Bank & Trust. “His dedication, expertise, and commitment to our customers have been second to none, and we are grateful for his service and leadership as he helps guide our organization into the future.”
In his new role with Southern Bancorp, Loftin will oversee Southern Bancorp’s enterprise operations as well as lead the operations integration efforts currently underway to align both organizations ahead of the Q4 conversion.
The role was previously held by Vance Smiley, a long-time leader at Southern Bancorp who in 2023 agreed to step away from his role as Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) and into this newly created role to establish its functions and lead the CDFI’s operations during the search for a long-term candidate. Smiley will remain with the organization, returning his focus to advancing Southern Bancorp’s mission and growth through technology and innovation.
“I am honored to join Southern Bancorp’s leadership team and help advance its unique mission of creating economic opportunity for everyone in the communities we serve,” said Jeremy Loftin. “I look forward to combining our incredible teams and working together to make an even greater difference for families and businesses across our footprint.”
Loftin holds an MBA in Finance from Missouri State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Drury University. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA), as well as a graduate of the American Bankers Association’s National Trust School and Graduate Trust School. He currently serves on the boards of several nonprofit and professional organizations, including the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, the Missouri Bankers Association, and the First Kids of Marshfield.
Jeremy lives in Marshfield, Mo., with his wife, Leah, and their two children, Connor and Blaire.
About Southern Bancorp, Inc.
Founded in 1986 by some of the nation’s leading political, business, and philanthropic leaders with an initial investment of $10 million, Southern Bancorp, Inc., along with its development partners – Southern Bancorp Bank, Legacy Bank & Trust, and Southern Bancorp Community Partners – has grown into a $4.7 billion asset organization with 66 locations serving customers throughout the South and Central United States. Southern Bancorp has a unique array of financial products and services designed to help individuals at all stages of life’s financial journey – from teaching kids how to save to helping entrepreneurs and families realize the American Dream. Southern Bancorp is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, certified B-Corp, and proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values. Learn more at www.BankSouthern.com and www.LegacyBankandTrust.com.
