Bank Independent is pleased to announce three significant leadership developments that reinforce the Bank’s commitment to strategic growth, risk oversight, and a continued focus on people and culture.
Malania Nesbitt Promoted to SVP – Chief Credit Officer
Bank Independent is proud to announce the promotion of Malania Nesbitt to Senior Vice President – Chief Credit Officer. In this elevated role, Nesbitt will continue to lead the Credit Administration Department and report to Preuit Mauldin, EVP – Credit Administration. Since joining the Bank in 1994, Nesbitt has advanced through several leadership roles, contributing significantly to the growth and success of the Bank’s credit administration. She serves on the Bank’s Senior Leadership and Performance Teams and is a member of the board of the Alabama Multifamily Loan Consortium.
Stacy Suggs Named EVP – Chief Risk Officer
To strengthen oversight in an increasingly complex risk environment, Stacy Suggs has been named Executive Vice President – Chief Risk Officer. In this role, she will oversee a broad range of risk-related functions, including Credit Risk Management, Cybersecurity, Compliance, and Internal and External Audits. Suggs, who joined the Bank in 1988, previously served as Chief Operations Officer and has demonstrated outstanding leadership across operational, technological, and risk disciplines.
Hallie Mauldin Appointed Culture and Engagement Officer
In a newly established role underscoring the Bank’s commitment to team member engagement and organizational culture, Hallie Mauldin has been named Culture and Engagement Officer. Mauldin will lead initiatives that enhance team member experience and engagement across the organization. She most recently served as Community Engagement Officer and has been instrumental in advancing college partnerships, career development programs, and outreach through the Helping Hands Foundation.
“These leadership decisions reflect our deep commitment to our values and long-term strategic priorities,” said Rick Wardlaw, CEO of Bank Independent. “Malania’s promotion is a testament to her outstanding contributions to credit leadership, while Stacy and Hallie step into critical roles that will strengthen our foundation in risk and culture, respectively. Each of these leaders brings a depth of experience and passion that will serve our team members, customers, and communities well.”
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 29 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.
