Southern Bancorp names Jeremy Loftin as COO

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by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) ago 10 views 

Southern Bancorp, Inc. announced the appointment of Jeremy Loftin as its new Chief Operating Officer.

The announcement follows the closure of Southern Bancorp’s acquisition of Legacy Bank & Trust earlier this month, where Loftin has served as COO since 2019. Loftin will serve as dual COO of both organizations until the eventual conversion and integration of Legacy Bank & Trust in Q4 2026.

“Jeremy’s appointment to COO comes at a critical time for Southern Bancorp as we work to integrate Legacy Bank & Trust into our organization and prepare for the most significant growth phase in our organization’s history. Jeremy is the perfect person to help lead us through these milestones,” said Darrin Williams, CEO of Southern Bancorp, Inc. “His proven track record of operational excellence, people-focused leadership, and purpose-driven results will be instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition for Legacy’s staff and customers later this year, as well as for the long-term growth and impact of our mission.”

Loftin brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience to the position, including expertise in trust administration, investment management, and operational governance. He has served as COO of Legacy Bank & Trust since 2019, and before that as Chief Administrative Officer for Missouri Trust & Investment Company.

“Jeremy has been an invaluable part of Legacy Bank & Trust for many years, and we are proud to see him take on this expanded role,” said John Everett, CEO of Legacy Bank & Trust. “His dedication, expertise, and commitment to our customers have been second to none, and we are grateful for his service and leadership as he helps guide our organization into the future.”

In his new role with Southern Bancorp, Loftin will oversee Southern Bancorp’s enterprise operations as well as lead the operations integration efforts currently underway to align both organizations ahead of the Q4 conversion.

“I am honored to join Southern Bancorp’s leadership team and help advance its unique mission of creating economic opportunity for everyone in the communities we serve,” said Jeremy Loftin. “I look forward to combining our incredible teams and working together to make an even greater difference for families and businesses across our footprint.”

Loftin holds an MBA in Finance from Missouri State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Drury University. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA), as well as a graduate of the American Bankers Association’s National Trust School and Graduate Trust School.