SmartFinancial in Knoxville, Tenn., has entered three new markets in Alabama after hiring several former BBVA bankers.
The $3.7 billion-asset company said in a press release Wednesday that has expended into Montgomery, Dothan and Birmingham.
SmartFinancial hired Donna Cooper, a former BBVA government relationship manager, will serve as its market president for Montgomery. She will lead a team of seven associates, consisting of commercial and private bankers along with their support teams.
Jeff Williams, former BBVA Dothan market president, was named regional president for southern Alabama. He will initially be joined by a senior commercial banker, a private banker and their support team.
The company also hired Lee Smith, former east region CEO for BBVA, as Alabama chairman.
“We are extremely excited to enter both Montgomery, the state’s capital, as well as Dothan, one of Alabama’s strongest MSAs,” Billy Carroll, SmartFinancial’s president and CEO, said in the release.
“SmartBank’s strategy is to recruit great bankers in great markets,” Carroll added. “As consolidation continues to change the banking landscape, the bank’s ability to attract experienced bankers has been one of our keys to successful growth. The ability to add this level of talent in such a short period of time is a once in a decade opportunity.”