OP Bancorp in Los Angeles, Optus Bank in South Carolina, Merchants & Marine in Mississippi, Pendleton Community in West Virginia and the Virginia Association of Community Banks all announced top executive hires in recent weeks, while TCM Bank in Florida tapped an interim president as its CEO steps down. In
OP Bancorp in Los Angeles firms up CEO succession plan
OP Bancorp said Sang Oh will become its next CEO and president after the Los Angeles-based company's June 2025 annual meeting.
The $2.3 billion-asset bank said in a press release that Oh, currently OP's chief credit officer, would succeed Min Kim, who plans to retire after leading the company for 15 years. Kim would then become chairman of the OP board, succeeding the retiring Brian Choi.
"We are delighted to recognize Min's tremendous leadership over the past 15 years and equally excited that we will be able to retain her in a key leadership role as she succeeds me as non-executive chair," Choi said in the release.
"We believe that the company's future is brighter than ever as we have begun to implement a well-considered plan to provide exceptional leadership for our organization well into the future," Choi said.
Optus in South Carolina promotes insider to become president
Optus Bank in Columbia, South Carolina,
The $592 million-asset bank said in a press release that Benita Lefft was promoted into the role.
Lefft, who will retain her title as Optus' chief operations officer, succeeded Dominik Mjartan, who remains CEO. Lefft will oversee the primary operating lines of business, risk management, finance and all support functions for the bank.
"Mrs. Lefft is a uniquely talented mission-driven leader who has helped the bank reach the next level of performance," said Paul Mitchell, chairman of the board. "I am confident that with Benita's leadership as our president and COO, we will continue to reach new positive social and financial returns."
During a turnaround from 2018 to this year, Optus' loans, deposits and assets all increased more than tenfold, the bank said.
Merchants & Marine in Mississippi recruits new bank CEO
Merchants & Marine Bancorp in Pascagoula, Mississippi, has a new top executive.
The $777 million-asset company said in a press release that it hired Paige Oliver to be its brand president and CEO of its bank. Previously, Oliver was president and CEO of the Bank of Oak Ridge in Oak Ridge, Louisiana.
"Paige's extensive leadership experience, drive to make a positive impact on those around her, and passion for community banking make her the perfect fit to lead our company's flagship brand as it continues moving toward its full potential," President and CEO Clayton Legear said in the release.
Pendleton in West Virginia promotes from within, splits president and CEO roles
Pendleton Community Bank in Franklin, West Virginia, named a new president.
The $765 million-asset bank said in a press release that Neil Hayslett was promoted into the role. Hayslett, who will remain chief operating officer, succeeded William Loving, who remains CEO.
"PCB continues to expand our reach and grow our brand throughout our communities and Neil has been an instrumental part of that success," Loving said in the release.
"As we expand our physical presence and digital offerings to best meet our customers' financial needs," the bank "determined it was time to split the roles of CEO and president," he said.
Virginia community bank advocate lines up new leader
The Virginia Association of Community Banks landed its next president and CEO.
The association said in a press release that Corey Connors, formerly executive director for the Virginia Forestry Association, would lead the bank advocacy group. Connors will succeed Steve Yeakel, who is retiring at the end of the year.
"Corey's strategic drive and his long, distinguished career in the association management community make him the perfect choice to further define the VACB's value proposition, expand its professional development programs and engage a new generation of community bankers," Joseph Witt, the association's chairman, said in the release.
TCM Bank in Florida says CEO steps down
TCM Bank in Tampa, Florida, said on its website and social media that its president and CEO had resigned.
The $356 million-asset TCM said Damon Moorer stepped down after leading the bank for eight years. TCM is a unit of ICBA Payments.
"Damon has served as a pivotal force behind the growth and success of our organization," TCM said in a LinkedIn post. "His leadership has significantly contributed to shaping the culture we so deeply cherish; a culture built on inclusivity, collaboration and respect."
TCM said Jacob Eisen, president and CEO of ICBA Payments, was named interim president and CEO. TCM expected to "share more about the transition of leadership in the coming weeks."
