Skip to main content

Charleston Business

South State Bank Announces New Leadership

Jul 19, 2018 04:29PM ● By Kathleen Maris

Photo: Greg Lapointe, president of South State Back; John Goettee, president in South Carolina and Georgia; and Renee R. Brooks, chief operating officer.

South State Corporation announced the promotion of key leaders, as two of the company’s senior executives prepare for retirement. South State Bank President and CEO John F. Windley (65), a 43-year banking veteran, will retire in March 2019. He will continue in an executive business development role until 2020. In addition, Chief Credit Officer Joseph E. Burns (63), a 42-year banking veteran, will retire in September 2019 after more than 17 years with South State.

“South State has tremendous talent and leadership throughout our company, and this transition continues to position us for additional growth,” said Robert R. Hill, Jr., CEO of South State Corporation. “We are fortunate to have had leaders like John and Joe as an integral part of our company’s expansion over the past two decades, and we are excited for them as they enter retirement.”

Greg A. Lapointe (55) has been named president of South State Bank and will relocate to Charlotte, N.C. Lapointe has been an executive leader at South State for nine years, most recently as president of the Northern Banking Group. Lapointe has had a 33-year career in banking and has served in various leadership positions for Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and South State throughout the Carolinas, Georgia, and Virginia.

John S. Goettee (60) has been named president of South Carolina and Georgia. Goettee has been an executive leader at South State for 12 years, most recently as president of the Southern Banking Group. Goettee is a 35-year banking veteran and has served in various leadership positions for Bank of America and Wells Fargo throughout the Carolinas and Georgia. He is located in Charleston, S.C.

Renee R. Brooks (48) has been named chief operating officer. Brooks has served in numerous positions throughout her 22-year career with South State, most recently serving as chief administrative officer.

Jonathan S. Kivett (44) has been named chief credit officer, effective January 1, 2019. Kivett currently serves as commercial chief credit officer and has been a member of South State leadership since 2006. He has more than 20 years of experience in banking, including serving in various risk and credit roles for Wells Fargo and South State.

In addition to the above promotions, the South State executive team also includes the following key leaders:

John C. Pollok (52) has served in numerous positions over his 22-year career with South State. He will continue to serve as chief financial officer.

Donald K. Truslow (60), executive vice president, has had a 36-year career in banking, including serving as chief risk officer for Wachovia and M&T Bank and, most recently, chief financial officer for Park Sterling Bank. Truslow’s areas of responsibility will include risk management, legal, and capital markets. He will continue to be located in Charlotte.

James C. Mabry IV (60), executive vice president, had more than 30 years of investment banking experience prior to joining South State three years ago. Mabry’s areas of responsibility include investor relations, mergers and acquisitions, corporate communications, and wealth management.