Southern Independent Bank Opens
Southern Independent Bank opened its doors in Opp and Andalusia Monday December 4, 2006. Wes Laird of Laird, Baker & Blackstock has served as President of the organizing group since its inception in the fall of 2005. Andy Blackstock, also of the firm, served as an organizer as well.
“This has been the result of great teamwork by our Board and executive officers,” said Laird. Speaking at the meeting on December 1 when the Board was presented with their charter, Laird spoke of the Biblical passage “to those whom have been given much, much is expected. I believe our children and grandchildren will look back on this day in years to come and recognize that we all did something extraordinary for our communities.”
The executive team is made up of Buddy Wilkes as CEO (formerly of Regions Bank), John Adams as CFO (formerly of Aldridge, Borden CPA firm), Micah Garner as Senior Lender (formerly of Wachovia) and Brett Ballard, Senior Vice President (formerly of Superior Bank). Ballard served as Secretary of the organizing group.
The Board of Directors is made up of Laird, Charles Smith, Steve Sexton, Dr. Steve Boothe, Johnny Jackson, Butch Youmans, Dr. J.H. Tillman, Gary Smith, Norman Hobson, C.P. Cope, Dr. Bob Burkhardt, and Olan Harden. The Board will be chaired by Johnny Jackson, owner of J.M. Jackson in Opp.