Charles Blake hired by Southern Bancorp as Little Rock market executive

Southern Bancorp has hired Charles Blake as its Little Rock market executive following the opening of its first bank branch in the capital city earlier this year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Charles Blake to our mission-focused team,” said Darrin Williams, CEO of Southern Bancorp.

“When we first expanded our mission to Little Rock, we did so with an intentionality to reach deep into underserved and under-resourced communities to create more pathways to opportunity for our neighbors. Selecting Charles to fill this role, with his extensive background in public service and relationship-building, will enable us to make even more of a positive impact for families and small businesses in Central Arkansas,” he added.

Blake has years of financial experience. After earning his bachelor’s degree in political science at Grinnell College in Iowa, the Little Rock Central High alum returned home, first in the banking sector with Regions Bank and later Morgan Keegan & Co, and most recently working as a consultant for Think Rubix.

In 2015, he was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives, where he would serve three terms representing Little Rock. Following his time as an elected official, Blake served as Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.’s Chief of Staff.

In his new role with Southern Bancorp, Blake will plan, direct, and implement business development and community outreach initiatives in and around Little Rock for the CDFI.

“I’ve long respected the work that Southern Bancorp does for its communities, and it’s an honor to now be part of such an impactful and historic financial institution,” said Blake. “Serving the public has always been a guiding motivator throughout my career, which in a lot of ways feels like it has come full circle by joining the Southern Bancorp team. I look forward to leveraging my experience with the bank’s tools and resources to make a meaningful difference for the people of my hometown.”