Bryant Bank has named its first new president since its founding in 2005.
Mike Mitchell, currently executive vice president, chief credit officer and chief administrative officer, will become president on Oct. 1. He’ll succeed Claude Edwards, who will become president emeritus and chief strategy officer. Patrick Hamner will become chief credit officer.
“Claude has led Bryant Bank with the same strength and stability on which it was founded,” said Paul W. Bryant Jr., owner and chairman of Bryant Bank. “His values and Bryant Bank’s values are directly aligned. Security, strength and stability are what our customers expect of Bryant Bank, and that has been the standard of leadership Claude has provided since the very beginning.”
Edwards led Bryant Bank’s growth from one office in Tuscaloosa to 18 branches, more than 300 employees and more than $3 billion in assets.
“Bryant Bank has never been about just one person. It has always been about the people who show up every day to serve their neighbors,” said Edwards. “My new role is an opportunity to focus on the strategy and support the next leaders who will carry that work forward, starting with Mike and Patrick. Our customers are in good hands with the leadership team we’ve built.”
Mitchell joined Bryant Bank in 2019.
“I’ve had the opportunity to learn from Claude’s leadership over the years, and that experience has shaped my understanding of Bryant Bank,” Mitchell said. “I am honored to step into this role and to carry forward the culture and the commitment to community that our founders built our bank on.”
