Charleston’s Southern First Bank Appoints Jimmy Bailey as New Regional President

Charleston Welcomes New Regional President at Southern First Bank!

Charleston, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as Southern First Bancshares Inc., the holding company behind the popular Greenville-based Southern First Bank, has made a significant appointment to lead its Lowcountry market. Drumroll, please! The bank has appointed Jimmy Bailey as the new regional president in Charleston. Talk about a big step in the right direction!

A Familiar Face Takes the Helm

If Jimmy Bailey sounds familiar, that’s because he has been a key player in Charleston since 2021, where he’s been serving as a team leader. His leadership style is all about passion—building lasting relationships, leading by example, and nurturing talent within his team. A recent announcement highlighted how Bailey has been instrumental in the growth of Southern First since he arrived. He’s got 25 years of experience under his belt, focusing on everything from strategic planning to operational leadership.

From Local Roots to Leadership Triumphs

With a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, and a wealth of qualifications that include graduating from Leadership Charleston, the South Carolina Bankers School, and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University, it’s clear that Bailey means business! His current role on the City of Charleston Planning Commission shows his commitment to community and leadership. No wonder folks are so optimistic about his new position!

Words from the Top

Art Seaver, the CEO of Southern First Bank, sings Bailey’s praises, saying, “Jimmy is an accomplished leader who has demonstrated a commitment to investing in his teammates and dreaming big since he joined Southern First. We are excited to watch him excel as the leader of our growing Charleston team.” That’s high praise from the top, underscoring their confidence in his ability to steer the ship.

Southern First Bank: A Growing Giant

Now, for a few fun facts: Southern First Bank is the second-largest bank headquartered in South Carolina! Founded in 1999, it operates 12 locations across Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston, boasting approximately $4.2 billion in consolidated assets. Quite an impressive portfolio, wouldn’t you say?

New Beginnings

This new appointment comes at a thrilling time for Southern First Bank as it strives to strengthen its presence in Charleston. With Bailey’s leadership, the bank aims to not only maintain its success but also expand further in the growing market. The initial branches are planned for Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, proving that the team is not just dreaming big, but making it happen!

The Future Looks Bright

Bailey takes on a pivotal role at a time when Charleston is rapidly evolving, with approximately 34 people moving to the region every single day. This influx presents not just challenges but also delightful opportunities for local businesses and financial institutions. With Bailey at the helm, Southern First is well-positioned to meet the needs of both new and existing customers.

As Charleston welcomes Jimmy Bailey, the community can look forward to a positive and productive journey with Southern First Bank. With a leader like him leading the way, it seems likely that the bank will continue to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the Lowcountry. Here’s to great leadership and exciting times ahead for Charleston!