Higgins joins SmartBank's Franklin team. Apr 30, 2026 FRANKLIN, Tenn. - SmartBank is pleased to announce the addition of Chip Higgins to its Franklin team as Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager. With more than 42 years of banking experience and a strong understanding of the local market, Higgins will play a key role in strengthening client relationships and supporting SmartBank's continued growth across the greater Nashville area. "We are excited to welcome Chip to SmartBank," said Lee Hunter, Area President. "His passion for serving clients, along with his valuable knowledge and perspective, will support the bank's continued growth in Middle Tennessee." Chip brings extensive experience in corporate relationship management and leadership, with a proven track record in operational execution and building longterm partnerships. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a graduate of the Tennessee Commercial Lending School. Active in the community, Higgins is a Founding Partner of the John Maxwell Team, serves as treasurer of the Green Hills Rotary Club, and is a graduate of Leadership Franklin. "I'm honored to join the SmartBank team," Higgins said. "I look forward to working alongside such a dedicated group of professionals and contributing to the positive impact SmartBank continues to make in the communities it serves." About SmartBank Founded in 2007, SmartBank is a fullservice commercial bank providing banking, investment, and mortgage financial services, with 42 financial centers spanning Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida, as well as loan production offices in Columbus, Georgia, and Brentwood, Tennessee. Recruiting the best people, delivering exceptional client service, strategic expansion, and a disciplined approach to lending have contributed to SmartBank's success. For more information on SmartBank, visit www.smartbank.com.

SmartBank welcomes Scott Bendure as Director of Private Banking and Wealth Management. Apr 28, 2026 KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - SmartBank is pleased to announce the addition of Scott Bendure as Director of Private Banking and Wealth Management. In this role, Bendure will further strengthen the bank's private banking and wealth management capabilities, aligning teams and resources to deliver a seamless client experience and tailored strategies. With more than two decades of experience, Bendure brings a strong track record of aligning teams and accelerating growth. He has led wealth platforms serving high-net-worth clients, with an emphasis on collaboration, long-term relationship management, and consistent delivery. That same approach will guide his leadership of SmartBank's Private Banking and Wealth Management unit. "Scott's appointment reflects our continued investment in advisory capabilities that help clients plan with confidence," said Billy Carroll, President and CEO of SmartBank. "He brings a thoughtful, relationship-centered approach that aligns with who we are and where we are headed." "This role allows us to continue building strong, trusted relationships with our clients," said Martin Schrodt, Chief Banking Officer at SmartBank. "Scott brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach and a deep understanding of client needs that will strengthen how we serve them across their financial journey." Scott is actively involved in the community, having served as Chairman and a current board member of the Orpheum Theatre Group-Memphis and as President of his local fraternity advisory board. Scott maintains his Series 7, 63, 24 licenses and is a CFP(R) professional. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Memphis and a Master of Business Administration from Union University. "I'm pleased to join SmartBank at a moment of strong momentum," Bendure said. "My focus is to build on the excellent work already underway, strengthen partnership across private banking and wealth management, and support clients with clear, thoughtful guidance as their financial needs evolve. I look forward to working alongside our teams to deliver the expertise and solutions our clients expect." About SmartBank Founded in 2007, SmartBank is a fullservice commercial bank providing banking, investment, and mortgage financial services, with 42 financial centers spanning Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida, as well as loan production offices in Columbus, Georgia, and Brentwood, Tennessee. Recruiting the best people, delivering exceptional client service, strategic expansion, and a disciplined approach to lending have contributed to SmartBank's success. For more information on SmartBank, visit www.smartbank.com.

Smartbank strengthens Executive team with appointment of Cynthia A. Cain as Chief Operating Officer. Mar 31, 2026 KNOXVILLE, Tenn., March 31, 2026 - SmartBank announced today the promotion of Cynthia A. Cain to Chief Operating Officer ("COO"), effective immediately. The addition of the COO role reflects SmartBank's continued focus on strengthening its leadership structure and positioning the organization for longterm growth amid rapid industry change. In her new role, Ms. Cain will oversee Operations, Technology, Data, AI Governance, Digital & Innovation, and all Payments functions - areas that are increasingly critical to delivering efficiency, scalability, and exceptional client experiences. Establishing a dedicated, fulltime COO enhances coordination across these functions and sharpens SmartBank's ability to adapt in an evolving financial services landscape. "Cynthia is the right leader at the right time for SmartBank," said Billy Carroll, President and Chief Executive Officer of SmartBank. "As our industry continues to change at an accelerated pace, this role allows us to bring greater focus and alignment to the operational and technology areas that will shape our future. Cynthia's leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and ability to lead through change make her uniquely qualified to step into this role." Ms. Cain brings more than 30 years of experience in accounting, financial operations, business analysis, process improvement, and program implementation. She joined SmartBank in 2019 and has held multiple senior leadership roles, most recently serving as Chief Accounting Officer, where she played a key role in financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and strategic planning. Prior to joining SmartBank, Ms. Cain served as Senior Vice President in the Accounting Department at South State Bank in Columbia, South Carolina, where she was heavily involved in accounting operations, financial reporting, mergers and acquisitions, stress testing, and strategic planning. "I'm honored to take on this role and excited about what it represents for SmartBank's future," said Ms. Cain. "This position reinforces our commitment to thoughtful growth, innovation, and operational excellence. I'm proud to work alongside a strong leadership team as we continue to build a bank that serves our clients, communities, and associates well." About SmartBank, Inc. Founded in 2007, SmartBank is a fullservice commercial bank providing banking, investment, and mortgage financial services, with 42 financial centers spanning Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida, as well as loan production offices in Columbus, Georgia, and Brentwood, Tennessee. Recruiting the best people, delivering exceptional client service, strategic expansion, and a disciplined approach to lending have contributed to SmartBank's success. For more information on SmartBank, visit www.smartbank.com. Media Contact Kelley Fowler, Senior Vice President Marketing & Public Relations Director Email: [email protected]