Charles W. (Will) Heaps has been named president and chief executive officer of Huntsville-based Merit Bank. Heaps was part of the founding group that launched Merit Bank in July of 2019, raising $25 million from local investors in just 60 days and increasing assets by more than 300% in its first six months.
Initially serving as executive vice president and director, Heaps has led Merit Bank as interim president since March 2021. Under his leadership, Merit Bank has continued to experience tremendous growth. In just over two years, the bank has surpassed $200 million in assets.
Heaps has 20 years of banking experience with an extensive record of success in commercial and agricultural lending. Before launching Merit Bank, Heaps previously served as senior vice president for ServisFirst Bank. Active in the community, Heaps currently serves on the Council on Finance and Administration for the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church.
“I am excited and proud to serve as CEO of Merit Bank. It is an honor to lead an amazing team of professionals who are supporting local business owners and building our community during this period of rapid economic growth,” says Heaps. “I’m looking forward to the opportunities and success that lies ahead for our team and our customers.”
Frank Aldag continues to serve as chief operating officer, overseeing all operational activities, as well as the roles of chief technology officer and chief credit officer, responsible for leadership and oversight of all technology and credit functions for the bank. Aldag has more than 27 years of banking experience and is a founding member and director of Merit Bank.
Mark McIntyre continues to serve as executive vice president and also serves as the chief banking sales officer. In addition to overseeing Merit Bank’s Mortgage Division, he will oversee Commercial Banking, Treasury Management and Business Development for the bank. McIntyre has more than 22 years of banking experience and is a founding member and director of Merit Bank.
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ABOUT MERIT BANK
Merit Bank specializes in commercial lending and private executive banking, expansions, capital improvements and agricultural lending, among other opportunities. The headquarters opened in July of 2019 at 659 Gallatin Street in downtown Huntsville. Visit MeritBank.com to learn more.