About Us
Pointing You Forward
We are Merchants Bank. Our purpose is to point people forward. We do this by offering financial tools that provide solutions to help our customers go forward, not only financially, but in life.
Our Values
Respect
Follow the golden rule: treat everyone with respect, just as you wish to be treated. Listen actively, show empathy and compassion, be kind, and serve others with a genuine heart.
Commitment
Work diligently, be responsive, and persevere in all tasks. Anticipate the needs of our clients and continuously strive to move forward.
Joy
Enjoy life and your work. Have fun, laugh, and celebrate achievements. Remember to express gratitude for others' contributions; your work becomes more fulfilling when you uplift those around you.
Excellence
Excellence is a choice. Choose to exceed expectations, pay attention to details, and outwork our competition.
Integrity
Honor your commitments. Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Our History
Founding Vision
Merchants Bank of Alabama, a division of SouthPoint Bank, has become Cullman County’s go-to locally owned bank by going way out of our way. It’s an approach to banking that goes way back to 1907 when we opened in Hanceville, Alabama. Since then we’ve made a point of changing with the customer. Not just the times. As banking got more impersonal, we offered local decision-makers with real power, long-time employees with a real connection to customers and a person on the other end of your telephone call. Unlike large banks, we’re personally, not just financially invested in our communities, with employees and officers that dedicate real time to their towns’ charities and causes.
The Neighborhood Bank for What’s Around the Corner
Our way of local banking built relationships that ended up building great communities. We’ve helped open local pharmacies and volunteer fire departments, construction companies and manufacturing plants that employ many of our customers. Our Ag Lending has helped keep Cullman County an agricultural powerhouse and family farming a thriving local tradition.
And, we have thrived along with our communities. Now, as a division of SouthPoint Bank, we have approximately $1.8 billion in assets and 11 branches. But our greatest asset, our reputation, makes us the go-to bank in the local markets we serve.
In a world of mega-banks, The Merchant’s Way still towers. As more big-name banks moved into our communities, we kept our commitment to remain a local community bank, which has kept us a local leader.
The Merchants Way has never been about size, but about what is big with our customers. Discover the power of banking with a local bank.
Executive Team
J. Stephen Smith
Director, President and CEO
J. Stephen “Steve” Smith serves as the Chairman, President and CEO of SouthPoint. He also serves on the Bank’s Board of Directors and was one of the original founders of the Bank. Mr. Smith has over thirty-three (33) years of banking experience in Alabama and previously worked at SouthTrust Bank.
Bill Logan
EVP, Chief Credit Officer
Bill Logan serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, bringing over 37 years of experience in the financial services industry with a strong background in credit administration. Known for his strategic insight and leadership, his deep expertise in credit enhances the bank’s overall strategy and strengthens its risk management framework.
C. Lynn Woodall
EVP, Chief Risk Officer, Attorney
Lynn Woodall is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Risk Officer at SouthPoint Bank. With 25 years of experience in banking, legal, and compliance sectors, she brings extensive expertise to her role. Lynn’s in-depth understanding of regulatory and risk-related matters significantly contributes to the bank’s performance, ensuring its ongoing strength and stability.
Charles R. NeSmith
EVP, North Alabama Market President
Charles R. “Charlie” NeSmith serves as North Alabama Market President. Previously Mr. NeSmith served as CEO and President of Merchants Bank of Alabama before transitioning to SouthPoint Bank during the merger. Mr. NeSmith runs the Merchants Bank of Alabama, a division of SouthPoint Bank, branches in the Cullman and Marshall County markets.
Frank K. Battle
EVP, Private Banking
With over 36 years of experience in banking, Frank is dedicated to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals through personalized solutions and strategic insight. He plays a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s private banking initiatives and brings valuable expertise in operations, credit administration, and business development.
Howard L. Myers, Jr
EVP, Chief Lending Officer
Howard L. “Howie” Myers serves as Chief Lending Officer of the Bank. Mr. Myers brings twenty (20) years of commercial banking experience to the Bank. Previously Mr. Myers worked in the commercial banking division of Colonial Bank, Compass Bank and Red Mountain Bank.
Mark Woods
EVP, Government Lending
Mark Woods serves as the Executive Vice President of Government Guaranteed Lending. With over a decade of banking and financial experience, Mark excels in driving innovation and fostering growth. His commitment to customer service and community engagement has positioned SouthPoint Bank as a trusted SBA partner in the region. His expertise in risk management and operational efficiency enhances the bank's performance, ensuring ongoing success.
Randolph S. Brown
EVP, Home Mortgage Lending
Randolph S. “Randy” Brown, joined the Bank in August of 2010 bringing with him more than 26 years of mortgage lending experience. Prior to SouthPoint, Randy worked for 16 years with New South Federal Savings Bank as well as time at Regions Bank and two independent mortgage banking companies.
W. Clark Rainwater
EVP, Chief Financial Officer
Clark Rainwater serves as Chief Financial Officer of the bank, bringing over 30 years of experience in the banking and financial industry. Previously, Mr. Rainwater served as CFO of Merchants Bank of Alabama before transitioning to SouthPoint Bank during the merger.
Officers
Brandon McCain
VP, Arab Lending Officer
Chasity Robertson
SVP, Fair Lending/HMDA Compliance
Connie McDonald
VP, BSA Compliance Officer
Elizabeth Nicholas
VP Branch Manager, Cullman Main Office
Joshua Lawler
VP, Systems Engineer
Kerry Hanvey
SVP, Retail Market for North Alabama
Laura Johnson
SVP, Audit and Policy Manager
Ross West
SVP, Commercial Loan Officer
Steven Parker
VP, Special Assets Officer
Taylor May
VP, Commercial Portfolio Manager
Tailored Banking Solutions
Merchants Bank designs its product line to appeal to small- to medium-sized, privately-owned businesses as well as professionals and owner-occupied real estate developments for lending and deposit relationships. Merchants is also highly successful at Home Mortgage lending for individuals and offers great interest rates on checking accounts for individuals.