Griffin joins SmartBank's Tallahassee team as private banker. Jul 27, 2026 Tallahassee, Fla. - SmartBank has expanded its presence in the Florida Panhandle with the addition of Patricia J. Griffin as senior vice president, private banker for the Tallahassee market. Griffin brings more than 35 years of local banking leadership and deep community roots to the position, where she will provide tailored financial and concierge-level services to high-net-worth clients and business owners. "Patricia is a cornerstone of the Tallahassee banking and civic community, and her wealth of experience makes her an incredible asset to our team," said Erik Davis, market president. "Her dedication to providing personalized service aligns perfectly with SmartBank's values as we continue to grow our private banking footprint in Florida." Griffin's extensive background spans retail banking, commercial lending, treasury management, and private banking. Throughout her career in the local market, she has focused on expanding commercial deposits and loan portfolios, leading branch operations, and managing strategic client relationships. A graduate of the Florida School of Banking at the University of Florida, Griffin holds certifications from the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and the Independent Community Bankers of America. Beyond her professional portfolio, Griffin is a highly decorated local leader. She currently serves as board chair for the Old West Florida Enrichment Center, vice chair for the ACTS 2 (African American Alzheimer's Caregiving Training & Support), and a board member for the Network of Entrepreneurs & Business Advocates. She is also a Leadership Tallahassee graduate and past president of the Tallahassee Northside Rotary Club. Her decades of service have earned her numerous accolades, including the NAACP Black Achiever Award and being named one of Tallahassee's "25 Women You Need to Know." "SmartBank's commitment to combining sophisticated financial solutions with a genuine, relationship-driven approach is exactly what high-net-worth clients look for," Griffin said. "I am thrilled to join a team that prioritizes both client success and community investment. It is wonderful to be with an organization whose values mirror my own dedication to the people and progress of Tallahassee." 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.

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.