Little Rock, Ark. – Southern Bancorp, Inc., a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), today announced Miguel Lopez is joining in the new role of Market Strategy Executive, Hispanic/Latino Market, a position that will expand its efforts and impact for Spanish-speaking communities.
“Increasing our commitment to and capabilities for our Hispanic and Latino customers and neighbors has long been a goal of ours, and Miguel is the perfect person to lead those efforts,” said Darrin Williams, CEO of Southern Bancorp, Inc. “As we grow our mission in new and existing markets, we’re committed to ensuring that everyone has a place and an opportunity at Southern Bancorp. Not only do Miguel’s passions align with that mission, but his extensive experience in this space will help us better put that mission to work for families who need it.”
Lopez brings years of experience in both banking and outreach to the role, most recently as SVP, Chief Community Outreach Officer at Encore Bank. Prior to this, he served as Hispanic Resource Officer and later Vice President of Community Development & Hispanic Resource Officer for First Community Bank. Before getting into the banking sector, Lopez worked for the Little Rock Regional Chamber as Director, Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
In his new role with Southern Bancorp, Lopez will lead the strategy and outreach behind the CDFI’s expansion of services for Hispanic and Latino customers, and prospective customers, within its current banking footprint and beyond.
“As a long-time admirer of Southern Bancorp, it’s an incredible honor to now officially be part of this organization and its mission-focused work,” said Miguel Lopez. “For my entire career, the primary purpose behind everything I do has been helping others, especially those in the Hispanic community. I look forward to doing even more of that important work in this role and helping further the bank’s mission to create paths to opportunity for everyone.”
Lopez is a graduate of both the Paul W. Barret Jr. Graduate School of Banking and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Master of Public Administration. Outside of work, he volunteers his time to a number of community activities, including as the Vice Chairman of the Board for Goodwill of Arkansas and Chairman of the Excel Center School Board. In 2022, he was appointed to the Arkansas Ethics Commission by then-Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.
For his efforts in banking and community development, Lopez has been recognized by many state and national publications, including Arkansas Business’ Arkansas 250, 20 in their Twenties, and 40 Under 40, the Independent Community Bankers of America’s 40 Bankers Under 40, as well as Hispanic Executive Magazine’s 30 Under 30 Latino Leaders.
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About Southern Bancorp
Founded in 1986 by some of the nation’s leading political, business, and philanthropic leaders with an initial investment of $10 million, Southern Bancorp, Inc., along with its development partners – Southern Bancorp Bank and Southern Bancorp Community Partners – has grown into a $2.5 billion asset organization with 56 locations serving 65,000 customers across two states. Southern Bancorp has a unique array of financial products and services designed to help individuals at all stages of life’s financial journey – from teaching kids how to save to helping entrepreneurs and families realize the American Dream. Southern Bancorp is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, certified B-Corp, and proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values. Learn more at www.BankSouthern.com and www.SouthernPartners.org.