SouthState Accelerates Growth with Strategic Talent Acquisition to Drive 2026 Performance

Rhea-AI Summary

SouthState (NYSE: SSB) announced on January 21, 2026 the hiring of 32 seasoned producers across commercial, mortgage and wealth businesses to accelerate growth in 2026. The hires span key markets including Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Tampa, Raleigh and others, and include senior talent from large banks such as JPMorganChase, PNC and BOK Financial. Management said the additions aim to deepen client relationships, expand market share and support commercial, mortgage and wealth management revenue growth while maintaining disciplined risk management.

SouthState serves more than 1.5 million customers across its footprint and intends these strategic hires to strengthen execution on its 2026 performance priorities.

Positive

• 32 producers added effective Jan 21, 2026
• Geographic expansion into major markets including Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and Charlotte
• Senior hires recruited from JPMorganChase, PNC and BOK Financial

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+3.81%

1 alert

+3.81% News Effect

On the day this news was published, SSB gained 3.81%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

New producers hired: 32 producers Customer base: More than 1.5 million customers Experience – Greg Atkinson: 15 years +5 more

8 metrics

New producers hired 32 producers Strategic talent acquisition across key markets

Customer base More than 1.5 million customers Banking customers served across eight states

Experience – Greg Atkinson 15 years Commercial banking market manager at BOK Financial

Experience – Jamie Coleman More than 30 years Middle-market growth and corporate banking leadership

Experience – Jacob Egly 25 years Mortgage regional sales manager, previously at First Horizon Bank

Experience – Mark Schmidt 35 years Executive roles at community-based banks in Northern Colorado

Experience – Walter Torres Nearly 20 years Commercial relationship manager with JPMorganChase background

Experience – Thomas Vo 30 years Commercial lending management and production roles

Market Reality Check

Price: $100.19 Vol: Volume 491,008 vs 20-day ...

normal vol

$100.19 Last Close

Volume Volume 491,008 vs 20-day average 603,399 ahead of this announcement. normal

Technical Shares at $96.88, trading above 200-day MA at $93.18 and 11.6% below 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

SSB fell 1.57% while close peers were mixed: FHN +0.72%, BSAC +1.23%, WF +1.59% ...

SSB fell 1.57% while close peers were mixed: FHN +0.72%, BSAC +1.23%, WF +1.59% versus WBS -0.31% and EWBC -1.09%, indicating stock-specific dynamics rather than a clear sector rotation.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 05 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 05	Earnings date set	Neutral	+1.4%	Announced Q4 2025 earnings release and conference call schedule.
Dec 16	Awards & rankings	Positive	-0.4%	Multiple national recognitions for bank performance and workplace culture.
Oct 24	Board appointment	Positive	-0.0%	Added high-profile director with government and academic experience.
Oct 22	Earnings & dividend	Positive	-0.7%	Reported Q3 2025 growth, strong capital ratios, and declared cash dividend.
Oct 03	Earnings date set	Neutral	+1.4%	Scheduled Q3 2025 earnings release and investor conference call.

Pattern Detected

Recent history shows multiple positive or strategic announcements followed by flat-to-negative next-day moves, suggesting the stock often underreacts or trades lower on good news.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, SouthState has highlighted operational strength and strategic positioning. On Oct 22, 2025, it reported strong Q3 2025 results with higher EPS, robust net interest income of $599.7M, and a 19.6% return on tangible common equity, yet shares slipped slightly. Subsequent items—board expansion on Oct 24, 2025, multiple industry awards on Dec 16, 2025, and the Q4 2025 earnings-date announcement on Jan 5, 2026—also saw modest or negative price reactions. Today’s strategic hiring drive fits this pattern of fundamentally constructive news against muted trading.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement emphasizes SouthState’s effort to accelerate growth in 2026 by hiring 32 seasoned ...

Analysis

This announcement emphasizes SouthState’s effort to accelerate growth in 2026 by hiring 32 seasoned producers across commercial, mortgage and wealth segments in multiple high-growth regions. It follows prior milestones like strong Q3 2025 financial performance and national awards for banking quality and workplace culture. Key considerations include how quickly these hires contribute to revenue, credit quality, and relationship growth, and how upcoming earnings will reflect the impact of this expanded frontline talent base.

Key Terms

commercial real estate, sba lending, broker-dealer, correspondent banking

4 terms

commercial real estate financial

"Frank Lynch – CRE relationship manager, Birmingham – focuses on commercial real estate."

Commercial real estate is property used to run businesses or earn rental income—examples include office buildings, shopping centers, warehouses and apartment complexes leased to tenants. Investors care because these properties generate regular cash flow through rent and can change value with the economy, interest rates and local demand, so owning them is like owning a small business that depends on customers, location and ongoing costs.

sba lending financial

"specializes in commercial real estate, SBA lending, professional loans and treasury management."

SBA lending consists of loans that are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, making it easier for small businesses to get financing from banks and other lenders. Think of the government guarantee as a safety net that encourages lenders to make loans they might otherwise avoid; investors watch SBA lending because it supports small-business growth, reduces default risk for lenders, and can affect the loan portfolios and earnings of banks and funds that participate.

broker-dealer financial

"served as president of a San Antonio-based registered investment adviser and broker-dealer"

A broker-dealer is a licensed firm or individual that both executes trades on behalf of clients (acting as a broker) and buys or sells securities for its own account (acting as a dealer). Investors care because broker-dealers provide the plumbing of markets — they place orders, hold or move cash and securities, offer research or advice, and their stability and fees directly affect trade execution, costs, and the safety of client funds; think of them as a combined travel agent and taxi for your investments.

correspondent banking financial

"The bank also serves clients nationwide through its correspondent banking division."

A network arrangement where one bank provides payment, settlement and foreign-exchange services on behalf of another bank so customers can send and receive money across regions where the sending bank has no branch. Think of it as a local post office using an international partner to deliver mail: it enables cross-border trade and remittances, generates fee income for the servicing bank, and creates operational and compliance risks that can affect bank profitability and market access.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla., Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SouthState (NYSE: SSB) is starting the year with a bold move to strengthen its revenue engine, announcing the addition of 32 seasoned producers across key markets. This infusion of top-tier talent underscores SouthState's commitment to expanding market share, deepening client relationships and delivering sustainable growth in 2026 and beyond.

"These hires represent a significant investment in our future," said Richard Murray, SouthState president. "By attracting proven leaders from respected institutions, we're enhancing our ability to execute on strategic priorities — driving commercial, mortgage and wealth management growth, while maintaining disciplined risk management. Their expertise positions us to capitalize on opportunities in high-growth regions and deliver long-term value for shareholders."

The producers joining SouthState's roster include:

Greg Atkinson – regional director of commercial and industrial banking, Denver – joins SouthState after serving as commercial banking market manager with BOK Financial for 15 years.

D Baron – mortgage sales manager, Dallas – brings more than two decades of proven mortgage experience. Previously with Truist, she is experienced in portfolio and specialty lending.

Patrick Brann – CRE relationship manager, Dallas – has an extensive career in tailoring financing solutions and managing credit risk to support business growth. He was previously with JPMorganChase for more than 20 years.

Jamie Coleman – middle market team leader, Atlanta – comes to the role with more than 30 years of experience driving middle-market growth through capital restructuring, relationship strategy and banker development. He most recently served as managing director, National Corporate Banking for CIBC US.

Jacob Egly – mortgage regional sales manager, Houston – brings 25 years' experience to the role. Egly was previously with First Horizon Bank.

Mariam Ehsani – premier private banker, Houston – delivers tailored financial solutions to high-net-worth clients. Previously at PNC, her areas of expertise include customized lending solutions, risk management and client relationship development.

Patrick Hellen – commercial relationship manager, Huntsville – joins SouthState after 10 years in the medical sales industry.

Albino (Al) Hernandez – commercial relationship manager, Houston – is a senior Commercial & Industrial banker, bringing a wide range bank experience, including former market leader, former bank CEO, and former FDIC examiner. Hernandez joins SouthState from BOK Financial, where he worked with growth-oriented commercial entities seeking acquisition financing and other growth strategies.

Brett Hinson – commercial relationship manager, Houston – joins SouthState Bank from Amegy Bank and brings seven years of experience in commercial and middle-market banking, advising clients on credit, treasury and relationship-based financial solutions.

Angela Holliday – director of business strategy & regional manager, San Antonio – brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as president of a San Antonio-based registered investment adviser and broker-dealer, led financial advisors across Texas, and managed all operations and compliance functions for both advisory and brokerage firms. Holliday was previously with Frost Bank.

Lee King – middle market relationship manager, Raleigh – has spent almost 20 years in the middle market and commercial banking sector at Wells Fargo, where he most recently held the position of executive director, senior lead commercial banking relationship manager.

Jeffrey Levinson – commercial relationship manager, Miami – specializes in commercial real estate, SBA lending, professional loans and treasury management.

Heather Loeb – commercial relationship manager, Fort Collins – provides banking and lending solutions for small to mid-sized businesses. Loeb was previously at JPMorganChase.

Frank Lynch – CRE relationship manager, Birmingham – focuses on commercial real estate. Lynch was previously with Synovus, where he served as a commercial banker for several years.

Michael Malesick – middle market relationship manager, Nashville – joins SouthState after almost 15 years at PNC, where he held various roles of increasing responsibility, covering the state of Tennessee.

Ali Mirza – commercial relationship manager, Houston – focuses on CRE and C&I in his role at SouthState. Mirza was previously with Bank of America and has been in Commercial Banking for more than 20 years.

Manny Opoku Jr. – premier private banker, Raleigh – with more than 14 years of industry experience, Opoku is focused on developing and managing business banking and private wealth client relationships.

Rachel Pechacek – commercial relationship manager, Waco – specializes in commercial and real estate lending, with a background in credit analysis.

Anthony Perez – area executive, Tampa – oversees the growth and success of SouthState's commercial banking division in Hillsborough County. Perez has built deep roots in the Tampa area over the years as an executive at regional banks.

Collin Pettell – commercial relationship manager, Birmingham – has been a commercial banker since 2018 focused on serving the needs of commercial and real estate clients in the Birmingham market.

Adna Romero – commercial relationship manager, Longmont, Co. – is an experienced banker with 26 years of experience at the retail, lending and commercial banking levels of the industry.

Mark Schmidt – commercial relationship manager, Greeley – joins SouthState Bank with 35 years of experience as an executive with two community-based banks on Front Range of Northern Colorado. Schmidt has deep ties and business relationships and is skilled in commercial lending, deposit gathering and portfolio management.

Greg Sheldon – commercial relationship manager, Denver – comes to SouthState after five years at the Bank of Oklahoma, where he served as commercial banking team leader.

Chuck Shelton – commercial relationship team lead, Houston – is a skilled commercial banker joining SouthState from BOK Financial, where he previously held the roles of commercial team lead and corporate banker.

Jerry Smith – commercial relationship manager, Jacksonville – has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and comes to SouthState from Bank OZK.

Zack Stanfield – director of EFG syndications, indirect markets, Tampa – joins SouthState from Regions Bank. With nearly 10 years in an indirect coverage position, he is focused on growing and managing bank exposure through equipment finance capital markets.

Lisa Streat – premier private banker, Richmond – licensed financial professional, bringing decades of experience advising high net worth clients on issues related to wealth accumulation and risk management. She brings previous senior leadership experience from First Horizon and Truist.

James Stueckler – middle market relationship manager, Charlotte – serves middle market clients in the greater Charlotte area. Stueckler has 10 years of C&I lending experience and was previously at Regions Bank.

Doug Thormahlen – commercial relationship manager, Englewood – has an extensive career in banking, ranging from real estate lending to business banking. He specializes in commercial lending, underwriting and credit.

Walter Torres – commercial relationship manager, Atlanta – is an experienced relationship manager with nearly 20 years at JPMorganChase.

Thomas Vo – commercial relationship manager, Houston – brings 30 years' experience to his role at SouthState. Vo has held various management and production positions in Commercial Lending.

Bon Vuong – commercial relationship team lead, Houston – has more than two decades of experience in commercial lending and relationship building, driving revenue growth and market expansion in the Greater Houston market.

SouthState Corporation (NYSE: SSB) is a financial services company headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida. SouthState Bank, N.A., the company's nationally chartered bank subsidiary, provides consumer, commercial, mortgage and wealth management solutions to more than 1.5 million customers throughout Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, Georgia, Colorado, Alabama, Virginia and Tennessee. The bank also serves clients nationwide through its correspondent banking division. Additional information is available at SouthStateBank.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southstate-accelerates-growth-with-strategic-talent-acquisition-to-drive-2026-performance-302666912.html

SOURCE SouthState Bank N.A.

FAQ

What did SouthState (SSB) announce on January 21, 2026?

SouthState announced the addition of 32 seasoned producers across commercial, mortgage and wealth teams to support 2026 growth.

How will the 32 producers affect SouthState's (SSB) market coverage?

The hires expand coverage in key markets including Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver and Tampa to deepen client relationships.

Which banks did SouthState (SSB) recruit talent from in the January 2026 hiring?

New hires include senior bankers previously at JPMorganChase, PNC, BOK Financial, First Horizon and other regional banks.

What business lines are targeted by SouthState's (SSB) January 2026 talent additions?

The hires target commercial banking, mortgage and wealth management to drive revenue and client growth in 2026.

Does the January 21, 2026 announcement mention SouthState's customer base?

Yes; SouthState notes it serves more than 1.5 million customers across its footprint.

What is SouthState's stated objective for the January 2026 strategic hires (SSB)?

The company said the hires are intended to expand market share, deepen client relationships and deliver sustainable growth in 2026.