Connections: Southern Bancorp hires Michelle Hood for new role

Little Rock-based Southern Bancorp Inc. has hired Michelle Hood of Bella Vista to fill the newly created role of director of product and customer experience.

Hood brings over a decade of experience in product strategy from Fortune 500 companies like Home Depot, Walmart and Tyson Foods.

She has a background in community development through prior work in entrepreneurship in North Carolina and Arkansas.

“As we continue to grow our footprint and reach, it’s important for us to do so in innovative ways that blend our unique mission with a competitive slate of products that help people build wealth while also enhancing our overall customer experience,” chief strategy officer Will Lambe said. “Michelle’s leadership, expertise and passion align perfectly with those ambitions.”

In her new role, Hood will oversee the enhancement and expansion of products, services, and experiences for consumer and commercial customers across new and existing markets.

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