About Us
Pointing You Forward
We are SouthPoint Bank, delivering banking solutions that point people forward. Our purpose is to empower our customers with financial tools and services designed to move them ahead—not just financially, but in life.
Our Values
Respect
Follow the golden rule: treat everyone with respect, just as you wish to be treated. Listen actively, show empathy and compassion, be kind, and serve others with a genuine heart.
Commitment
Work diligently, be responsive, and persevere in all tasks. Anticipate the needs of our clients and continuously strive to move forward.
Joy
Enjoy life and your work. Have fun, laugh, and celebrate achievements. Remember to express gratitude for others' contributions; your work becomes more fulfilling when you uplift those around you.
Excellence
Excellence is a choice. Choose to exceed expectations, pay attention to details, and outwork our competition.
Integrity
Honor your commitments. Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Our History
Founding Vision
SouthPoint Bank was launched in October 2005 by former SouthTrust Corporation executives. Steve Smith, currently Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, got the idea of opening a bank when the former SouthTrust Bank was purchased by Charlotte-based Wachovia Corporation in June of 2004. Steve Smith left Wachovia after 22 years of service to build a local bank that served the community. He recruited other interested former SouthTrust co-workers, shared his ideas, and, in March 2004, submitted an application to state and federal regulators to open a Birmingham-based, state-chartered institution called SouthPoint Bank.
Local Ownership
Since Smith's plan was to develop a locally owned and operated community bank, he limited shareholder investments and injected a sizable sum of his own money into the venture.
Experienced Team
When the bank opened in 2005, nine of the original 14 employees came from SouthTrust. The bank currently has a total of 153 employees, with a strong team of professionals across all divisions. SouthPoint’s Home Mortgage Lending Division currently includes 33 employees, all with extensive mortgage experience. There are currently eight directors on the board.
J. Stephen Smith
Director, President and CEO
J. Stephen “Steve” Smith serves as the Chairman, President and CEO of SouthPoint. He also serves on the Bank’s Board of Directors and was one of the original founders of the Bank. Mr. Smith has over thirty-three (33) years of banking experience in Alabama and previously worked at SouthTrust Bank.
Bill Logan
EVP, Chief Credit Officer
Bill Logan serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, bringing over 37 years of experience in the financial services industry with a strong background in credit administration. Known for his strategic insight and leadership, his deep expertise in credit enhances the bank’s overall strategy and strengthens its risk management framework.
C. Lynn Woodall
EVP, Chief Risk Officer, Attorney
Lynn Woodall is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Risk Officer at SouthPoint Bank. With 25 years of experience in banking, legal, and compliance sectors, she brings extensive expertise to her role. Lynn’s in-depth understanding of regulatory and risk-related matters significantly contributes to the bank’s performance, ensuring its ongoing strength and stability.
Charles R. NeSmith
EVP, North Alabama Market President
Charles R. “Charlie” NeSmith serves as North Alabama Market President. Previously Mr. NeSmith served as CEO and President of Merchants Bank of Alabama before transitioning to SouthPoint Bank during the merger. Mr. NeSmith runs the Merchants Bank of Alabama, a division of SouthPoint Bank, branches in the Cullman and Marshall County markets.
Frank K. Battle
EVP, Private Banking
With over 36 years of experience in banking, Frank is dedicated to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals through personalized solutions and strategic insight. He plays a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s private banking initiatives and brings valuable expertise in operations, credit administration, and business development.
Howard L. Myers, Jr
EVP, Chief Lending Officer
Howard L. “Howie” Myers serves as Chief Lending Officer of the Bank. Mr. Myers brings twenty (20) years of commercial banking experience to the Bank. Previously Mr. Myers worked in the commercial banking division of Colonial Bank, Compass Bank and Red Mountain Bank.
Mark Woods
EVP, Government Lending
Mark Woods serves as the Executive Vice President of Government Guaranteed Lending. With over a decade of banking and financial experience, Mark excels in driving innovation and fostering growth. His commitment to customer service and community engagement has positioned SouthPoint Bank as a trusted SBA partner in the region. His expertise in risk management and operational efficiency enhances the bank's performance, ensuring ongoing success.
Randolph S. Brown
EVP, Home Mortgage Lending
Randolph S. “Randy” Brown, joined the Bank in August of 2010 bringing with him more than 26 years of mortgage lending experience. Prior to SouthPoint, Randy worked for 16 years with New South Federal Savings Bank as well as time at Regions Bank and two independent mortgage banking companies.
W. Clark Rainwater
EVP, Chief Financial Officer
Clark Rainwater serves as Chief Financial Officer of the bank, bringing over 30 years of experience in the banking and financial industry. Previously, Mr. Rainwater served as CFO of Merchants Bank of Alabama before transitioning to SouthPoint Bank during the merger.
Our Branches
SouthPoint Bank Branches
Our Grandview office serves as our headquarters and is located in Birmingham, Alabama. The first SouthPoint Bank branch was opened in Trussville in December 2006. Shortly after, the Gardendale branch opened in August 2007, followed by the Wilsonville branch, which opened in September 2014. We expanded our central market footprint by opening a branch in Liberty Park in October 2020 and most recently opened a branch in Homewood in March 2024.
In late 2007, SouthPoint started the Home Mortgage Lending Division, which currently has five offices located in Birmingham, Anniston, Millbrook, Cullman, and Arab.
Expanding Our Reach with Merchants Bank
In January 2022, SouthPoint Bank expanded its reach by purchasing Merchants Bank of Alabama in Cullman, establishing our North Alabama market. Merchants Bank, now a division of SouthPoint Bank, operates five full-service branches in North Alabama, including locations in Cullman, Hanceville, Hwy 157, Fairview, and Arab. This acquisition has strengthened our ability to offer tailored banking solutions to even more communities across the state.
Tailored Banking Solutions
SouthPoint Bank designs its product line to appeal to small- to medium-sized, privately-owned businesses as well as professionals and owner-occupied real estate developments for lending and deposit relationships. SouthPoint is also highly successful at Home Mortgage lending for individuals and offers great interest rates on checking accounts for individuals.
Our Headquarters
SouthPoint Bank marked a milestone in its history by moving to its new headquarters at 3501 Grandview Parkway, conveniently located off Highway 280. The new facility, designed by Barrett Architecture Studio, is tailored for optimal banking services and can host private bank events. This state-of-the-art building also unifies all bank divisions—including commercial lending, mortgage lending, retail, and operations—under one roof, enhancing collaboration and service efficiency.
southpoint bank is solar powered
SouthPoint Bank’s Grandview headquarters is powered by 111.25 kW of solar panels. All of the building’s lights, including the colored architectural lighting on the exterior of the building, use high-efficiency LED bulbs powered by the solar roof.
