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Bank Independent is pleased to announce and recognize seven team members who have been promoted to significant leadership roles. These developments reinforce the Bank’s commitment to strategic growth and a culture focused on relationships and people.
Blake Burns Promoted to AVP – Loan Review
Blake Burns has been promoted to AVP – Loan Review. In this elevated role, Burns will continue to work within the Risk Management department. Burns joined the Bank in 2013 as a member of the Customer Service Department. In 2014, he joined Credit Administration as a Credit Analyst and then served as the Team Lead. He transitioned to Asset Quality in January of 2021 to serve as a Senior Loan Portfolio Analyst. Burns earned a finance degree from the University of North Alabama in 2012 and graduated from the Alabama Banking School in 2021.
Hillary Logan Named AVP – Customer Service
Hillary Logan has been promoted to AVP – Customer Service and will continue to oversee the bank’s Customer Service department. Logan began her career in 2006 as a part-time Teller at the Sheffield location and steadily progressed through various Sales Office roles. Her commitment to growth and service excellence led her to a support role at the Veterans office before joining the Customer Service team in 2019. Throughout her career, Logan has demonstrated a strong dedication to teamwork and customer-focused leadership. In recognition of her positive impact and collaborative approach, she was honored as an Ideal Team Player, an internal award recognizing team members who have excelled at building a team environment and serving others.
Amy Martin Appointed AVP – Risk Analytics
Amy Martin has been promoted to AVP – Risk Analytics. Martin leads the Compliance Data Analytics team at Bank Independent, overseeing compliance risk reporting as well as fair lending analysis. Since joining the bank in 2011, Martin has built a strong career across both Loan Services and Risk Management. Her experience includes nine years supporting the BSA function, four years as a Loan Services manager, and her most recent return to Risk Management with responsibility for compliance risk analytics.
Corey Thomaston Elevated to AVP – Talent
To maintain and improve Bank Independent’s culture of developing talent, Corey Thomaston has been promoted to AVP – Talent. Thomaston brings nearly seven years of experience with the organization and close to two decades of leadership experience in coaching and development. Since joining the organization in 2019, he has held several roles of increasing responsibility, leading enterprise efforts in professional development, learning and development, succession planning, organizational alignment, and recruiting. Thomaston holds a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, both from the University of North Alabama. Thomaston is a graduate of the Alabama Bankers Association Bank Executive Leadership (B2L) program, an Executive Coaching Certified professional through the Maxwell Program and is slated to attend Alabama Banker School in fall 2026.
Dustin Wear Promoted to AVP – Facilities Project Officer
Dustin Wear has been elevated to AVP - Facilities Project Officer. Wear joined the Bank in August of 2021 as a member of the Facilities Project Management team reporting to John Bowling. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from Auburn University in 2013 through the cooperative program gaining experience in the construction industry. His career progressed working for a general contractor managing hospital projects in Florida, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas. His projects have received industry awards to include 2014 Best Projects Award of Merit for Mayo Clinic Vertical Expansion Project, 2019 1st Place Eagle Award for Tradition Medical Center Vertical Expansion Project, and 2023 Excellence in Construction Award for the 225 Holmes Avenue Project.
Kelley Williams Named AVP – Professional Development
Kelley Williams has been promoted to AVP – Professional Development. Williams’s career experience spans academics, administration, and marketing, but always focused on learning and professional development. She joined the organization in January 2020, beginning on the Customer Experience team at IBS as a Sales and Marketing Specialist before transitioning into the role of Learning and Development Officer. In 2024, she joined the Professional Development team within Team Member Care, where she continues to support growth, learning, and capability-building across the organization.
Will Young Appointed to AVP – Deposit Operations
Will Young has been promoted to AVP – Deposit Operations. Young brings more than a decade of experience across frontline banking, retail support, and operations leadership. Young earned his B.A in Communications, 2011 from Freed-Hardeman University. Starting as a part-time teller in 2012, he has built extensive experience across the organization and learned firsthand how technology and collaboration drive reliable, high-quality service.
“These leadership developments reflect our commitment to recognizing hard work, strong character, and the people who consistently live out Bank Independent’s values,” said Macke Mauldin, CEO of Bank Independent. “Each of these leaders has earned this opportunity through their dedication to our team members, our customers, and the communities we serve. Their growth is a testament to the culture we strive to build—one that invests in good people and celebrates those who make a meaningful difference every day.”
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 of our employees 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.