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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. and Montgomery, Ala. – SmartBank continues to grow by investing in the Montgomery market, recently expanding its banking team by adding eight seasoned bank professionals.  The team will be led by Donna Cooper, Market President, a veteran in the banking industry and lifelong resident of the region.

Donna Cooper joins SmartBank with more than 41 years of banking experience, most recently serving over 26 years at BBVA. “I manage the SmartBank Montgomery Commercial team, ensuring their success in relationship development in the Commercial and Private Banking Divisions,” said Cooper.

From relationship managers to credit underwriters, Cooper will be supported by an extremely experienced team who has an invaluable history and understanding of the market. Members of the team include Libby Taunton, Vice President and Private Banker; Cindy Mattingley, Banking Officer and Commercial Assistant; Jason Gardner, Senior Vice President and Corporate Relationship Manager; Teresa Green, Banking Officer and Private Banking Assistant; Ruby Leflore, Senior Financial Services Representative; Bruce Crawford, Senior Vice President, Commercial and Private Banking Executive; and Jay Baker, Senior Vice President and Lead Corporate Relationship Manager. Together, this team has over 250 years of experience in the banking industry.

“We are excited to continue our promise to grow our presence in Alabama,” said Billy Carroll, SmartBank’s President and CEO. “We believe there’s a bright future for this team and a huge opportunity for SmartBank in the Alabama market with the team we’ve assembled and Donna Cooper’s leadership at the helm.”

Jason Gardner serves as the Senior Vice President and Corporate Relationship Manager. He has been in banking over 15 years, having gained experience in various aspects of banking including retail banking, credit review, commercial banking, and more.

Senior Vice President and Lead Corporate Relationship Manager, Jay Baker, has over 23 years of experience in banking and in finance. He most recently served as a Corporate Relationship Manager at BBVA.

Libby Taunton serves as the Vice President and Private Banker. With over 43 years of experience in banking, Taunton has earned numerous awards from BBVA, including back-to-back annual Pinnacle Club Awards. “As a Private Banker, I handle any and all banking needs for my clients that are available to be provided by the bank,” said Taunton.

Teresa Green has over 37 years of experience in banking. She serves as the Montgomery Team’s Private Banking Assistant and Banking Officer.

Ruby Leflore has over 17 years of experience in roles ranging from Teller to Associate Manager, Sales and Service Advisor to Client Experience Operations manager, and will now serve as Senior Financial Services Representative with SmartBank.

Bruce Crawford joins SmartBank as Senior Vice President, Commercial and Private Banking Executive. Crawford brings 39 years of banking experience to our team, 22 years of which he was Market President and CEO of Compass Bank/BBVA.

Finally, Cindy Mattingly will serve as Banking Officer and Commercial Assistant. Bringing 43 years of banking experience to the team, she has worked as a Commercial Banking Officer, Support Specialist, Lead Support Specialist and more.

“SmartBank’s commitment to the Alabama market is supported by creating the Montgomery team. These experienced bankers are the perfect combination,” said Jeff Williams, Regional President. “We are confident this leadership team will drive our plans for continued growth in Montgomery, Alabama and the surrounding areas allowing us the fortunate opportunity to work with local residents by creating and continuing meaningful relationships devoted to their financial success.”

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About SmartBank 

Founded in 2007, SmartBank is a full-service commercial bank providing banking, investment, insurance, and mortgage financial services, with 40 branches spanning Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida. Recruiting the best people, delivering exceptional client service, strategic branching and a disciplined approach to lending have contributed to SmartBank’s success. For more information on SmartBank, visit www.smartbank.com.