Bank Independent Announces Shoals Market Leadership Transition

Bank Independent is pleased to announce an important leadership transition in the Shoals as Andy Mann joins the bank as Area President for the Shoals and longtime Area President Bill Howard transitions into an advisory role with the bank.

Mann brings more than 30 years of banking experience to Bank Independent, with a career that has included senior leadership roles such as Area President, Market President, Executive Vice President, City President and Senior Lender. His experience includes commercial banking, business development, market management, credit analysis and underwriting, strategic leadership and team development.

He has also spent more than 15 years in banking leadership in the Shoals, building strong relationships throughout the business community and developing an extensive understanding of the local market. Throughout his career, Mann has focused on developing teams, building partnerships and helping businesses and communities grow.

“Andy brings a tremendous combination of experience, leadership and deep roots in the Shoals,” said Jason Windham, President of Bank Independent. “He understands this market, knows the people and businesses that make it special, and shares our belief that strong relationships are at the heart of community banking. We are excited to welcome him to Bank Independent and confident in the leadership he will provide our Shoals team.”

As Area President, Mann will lead Bank Independent’s sales and business development efforts throughout the Shoals, working alongside local team members to strengthen customer relationships, support continued growth and further the bank’s commitment to the communities it serves.

“I have spent much of my career serving businesses, families and organizations throughout the Shoals, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue that work with Bank Independent,” Mann said. “Banking has always been about more than transactions to me. It is about listening, understanding what people are trying to accomplish and building relationships that can make a meaningful difference. Bank Independent’s commitment to its customers, team members and communities strongly aligns with that approach, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together.”

Mann earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of North Alabama and a mini-MBA in Organizational Leadership from Clemson University. He has also continued his professional development through a variety of banking and leadership schools.

His community involvement spans organizations throughout North Alabama. Mann has served in leadership roles with the Shoals Economic Development Authority, University of North Alabama School of Business Advisory Board, and Downtown Florence Unlimited. He is a graduate of Leadership Jackson County, Leadership Shoals and Leadership Alabama Class XXV. He currently serves on the board for Leadership Alabama.

Mann currently serves as Chair of Leadership Alabama’s Shoals Regional Council and is involved with the Florence Rotary Club, Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments, Trax4Max and the Helen Keller Hospital board.

As part of the transition, Bill Howard will move from his role as Area President into an advisory role with Bank Independent. Howard joined Bank Independent on June 1, 1997, and has served the organization for 29 years. He became Area President for the Shoals market on March 1, 2012, and has spent more than 14 years leading the market. During his tenure as Area President, Bank Independent’s Shoals market has grown by more than 70 percent.

“Bill’s impact on Bank Independent and the Shoals goes far beyond the growth we have experienced under his leadership,” said Macke Mauldin, CEO of Bank Independent. “For nearly three decades, he has built trusted relationships, developed strong teams and represented Bank Independent with a genuine commitment to this community. The growth of our Shoals market is a reflection of that leadership, and we are grateful that Bill will remain connected to the bank in an advisory role where we can continue to benefit from his experience and perspective.”

In his advisory role, Howard will remain engaged with Bank Independent and continue to provide insight and support through the relationships and market knowledge he has developed over nearly three decades with the bank.

With Mann leading the Shoals market and Howard continuing to support the bank in an advisory capacity, Bank Independent is positioned to build on the strong foundation established throughout the region. The transition reflects the bank’s commitment to thoughtful leadership succession while maintaining the local relationships, experience and community focus that have long defined Bank Independent’s presence in the Shoals.

About Bank Independent

Since 1947, Bank Independent has taken pride in serving the customers who count on us to be there for them when they need us most. With 33 traditional Sales Offices across North Alabama, an on-campus Deshler Tiger Branch, and the Digital Sales Office, we’re committed to providing the best service, designing the most desired products, and creating an overall excellent experience for each and every customer. As a local community bank, we believe in building relationships that run deep and last. All our team members reside in our local communities and believe in giving back through volunteering. To become part of a bank that makes a positive difference in people’s lives, visit us at bibank.com.