SouthState hires experienced team, establishes presence in Nashville & Tennessee Region

Rhea-AI Summary

SouthState Bank (NYSE: SSB) has announced its expansion into Tennessee with the establishment of a new presence in Nashville. The bank has appointed Cameron Wells as division president, bringing over 20 years of experience from BB&T and Truist, where he served as Nashville Market president.

The expansion team includes Will Hatfield as director of Middle Market Banking and Kelsea Lamia as Commercial banker, both bringing significant experience from BB&T and Truist. Hatfield has 12 years of Commercial and Small Business Banking expertise, while Lamia contributes 14 years of diverse banking experience.

This strategic move into Nashville represents a natural geographic and demographic expansion for SouthState, which currently serves more than 1.5 million customers across Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, Georgia, Colorado, Alabama, and Virginia.

Positive

• Strategic expansion into the growing Nashville market
• Acquisition of experienced leadership team from major competitors (BB&T/Truist)
• Geographic diversification into eighth state of operations
• Enhancement of Commercial and Middle Market banking capabilities

Negative

• Potential increase in operational costs due to market expansion
• Integration risks associated with new team and market entry

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SouthState Bank has hired an experienced team, based in Nashville, to help the bank expand to Tennessee.

Cameron Wells, an experienced leader in the Middle Tennessee market, has joined SouthState as division president, responsible for leading the team and the bank's presence in the region.

"SouthState is excited to have a presence in the growing, thriving Nashville market, and we are thrilled to have Cameron's strong leadership," said Richard Murray, president. "Tennessee, and Nashville, in particular, is a natural geographic and demographic expansion for SouthState. We are eager to open our office here so we can fully serve our Commercial and Middle Market customers, providing the remarkable experiences SouthState is known for."

Wells brings more than 20 years of experience with BB&T and Truist to the division president role at SouthState. For almost eight years, he has served as Nashville Market president at Truist. He has extensive experience in Commercial, Consumer and Small Business Banking and is known for his ability to build impactful relationships and grow markets.

Will Hatfield is also joining the SouthState team as director of Middle Market Banking, responsible for leading the bank's Middle Market efforts in the region. Hatfield was most recently a Middle Market Banking relationship manager for Truist. Hatfield has served in positions of increasing responsibility at BB&T and Truist for 12 years and brings extensive Commercial and Small Business Banking expertise.

Kelsea Lamia joins the Nashville team as Commercial banker. Lamia brings 14 years of banking experience, including Commercial, Consumer and Small Business Banking, to her role. She comes to the role from BB&T and Truist, where she worked for more than 12 years.

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, and Virginia. The bank also serves clients nationwide through its correspondent banking division. Additional information is available at SouthStateBank.com.

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SOURCE SouthState Bank N.A.

FAQ

What is SouthState Bank's (SSB) expansion strategy in Nashville?

SouthState Bank is establishing a presence in Nashville by hiring an experienced team led by Cameron Wells as division president, focusing on Commercial and Middle Market customers in the Tennessee region.

Who are the key executives joining SouthState Bank's (SSB) Nashville team?

The key executives are Cameron Wells (Division President), Will Hatfield (Director of Middle Market Banking), and Kelsea Lamia (Commercial Banker), all with extensive experience from BB&T and Truist.

How many states does SouthState Bank (SSB) now operate in after the Nashville expansion?

SouthState Bank operates in eight states: Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, Georgia, Colorado, Alabama, Virginia, and now Tennessee.

What is the current customer base of SouthState Bank (SSB)?

SouthState Bank serves more than 1.5 million customers across its operating regions, providing consumer, commercial, mortgage and wealth management solutions.