Miguel Lopez joins Southern Bancorp to lead Latino marketing efforts

Southern Bancorp, Inc. announced Tuesday (Nov. 21) that Miguel Lopez is joining in the new role of Market Strategy Executive, Hispanic/Latino Market, a position that will expand its efforts and impact for Spanish-speaking communities.

“Increasing our commitment to and capabilities for our Hispanic and Latino customers and neighbors has long been a goal of ours, and Miguel is the perfect person to lead those efforts,” said Darrin Williams, CEO of Southern Bancorp, Inc.

“As we grow our mission in new and existing markets, we’re committed to ensuring that everyone has a place and an opportunity at Southern Bancorp. Not only do Miguel’s passions align with that mission, but his extensive experience in this space will help us better put that mission to work for families who need it,” Williams added.

Lopez brings years of experience in both banking and outreach to the role, most recently as SVP, Chief Community Outreach Officer at Encore Bank.

Prior to this, he served as Hispanic Resource Officer and later Vice President of Community Development & Hispanic Resource Officer for First Community Bank.

Before getting into the banking sector, Lopez worked for the Little Rock Regional Chamber as Director, Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

In his new role with Southern Bancorp, Lopez will lead the strategy and outreach behind the CDFI’s expansion of services for Hispanic and Latino customers, and prospective customers, within its current banking footprint and beyond.

“As a long-time admirer of Southern Bancorp, it’s an incredible honor to now officially be part of this organization and its mission-focused work,” said Lopez. “For my entire career, the primary purpose behind everything I do has been helping others, especially those in the Hispanic community. I look forward to doing even more of that important work in this role and helping further the bank’s mission to create paths to opportunity for everyone.”

Lopez is a graduate of both the Paul W. Barret Jr. Graduate School of Banking and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Master of Public Administration.