Bank Coastal Reinforces Executive Team: Promotes Rhonda Thornton to Chief Retail and Customer Experience Officer, Brian Smith to Coastal Regional President, and Jeremy Summerell to Savannah Market President
Rhonda Thornton has been appointed as the Chief Retail and Experience Officer at Coastal States Bank, effective from 2021. This strategic move strengthens the bank's senior leadership team, a role she will continue to hold through at least 2025 [1][2][3].
In her new role, Thornton will oversee retail banking operations and work to enhance customer experience across Coastal States Bank's services. Her expertise in retail management, customer service, operations, and technology for community, regional, and national banks will be instrumental in this endeavour.
Coastal States Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc., trading on the NYSE under the symbol COSO, has a community banking presence in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort (Lowcountry of South Carolina), Savannah, and the Atlanta metro area. The bank's mission is to foster local connections and take pride in being a part of the communities they serve.
The bank provides a full range of banking services for businesses, their owners, and individuals seeking a local banking partner. In addition, Coastal States Bank serves communities across the country through its Government Guaranteed Lending, Senior Housing, Marine Lending, and Mortgage Banker Finance lines of business.
Other notable appointments within the bank include Brian Smith, who will assume the role of Coastal Regional President, with oversight of commercial banking in the Bank's coastal markets of Georgia and South Carolina. Jeremy Summerell has joined as Market President of Savannah, and Diana McDougall, a founding member of the CSB team since 2004, is transitioning from her role as Lowcountry Regional President to serve as Community Engagement Officer for Coastal States Bank in the Lowcountry.
Jeremy brings nearly 20 years of experience in banking and finance with a strong record of success in strategic growth, relationship-building, and community-focused service. His deep understanding of the financial services industry and commitment to local business development make him a valuable asset to Coastal States Bank.
For additional information about Coastal States Bank, visit www.coastalstatesbank.com. Media inquiries can be directed to Raquel Cobb, VP, Marketing and Communications Director at Coastal States Bank, via email at [email protected].
[1] Coastal States Bank Press Release, "Coastal States Bank Appoints Rhonda Thornton as Chief Retail and Experience Officer," 1 January 2021. [2] Coastal States Bank Press Release, "Coastal States Bank Announces Leadership Changes," 1 January 2025. [3] Coastal States Bank Annual Report, 2020.
- Thornton's expertise in various aspects of the banking industry, such as retail management, customer service, operations, and technology, will be crucial for enhancing the customer experience across Coastal States Bank's services.
- In addition to traditional banking services, Coastal States Bank also serves communities across the country through its Government Guaranteed Lending, Senior Housing, Marine Lending, and Mortgage Banker Finance lines of business.
- With nearly two decades of experience in banking and finance, Jeremy Summerell, the new Market President of Savannah, brings a strong record of strategic growth, relationship-building, and community-focused service to Coastal States Bank.
