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Little Rock, Ark. – Southern Bancorp, Inc., a bank holding company and one of America’s oldest and most impactful Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), today announced the appointment of Brandi Joplin to its Board of Directors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brandi to our Board of Directors,” said Darrin Williams, CEO of Southern Bancorp, Inc. “Her deep expertise in finance, governance, and strategic growth will be invaluable to our organization as we continue to expand our impact in underserved communities across the Southern United States and beyond.”
Joplin is a distinguished Fortune 1 financial executive, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer of Sam’s Club, the $90 billion subsidiary of Walmart Inc. Prior to her tenure as CFO, she served as the Chief Audit Executive for Walmart Inc., working closely with the Walmart Board Audit Committee. During her time at Walmart Inc., Joplin led transformative initiatives in global risk management, AI-driven forecasting, and cost transformation, contributing to record growth and operational excellence.
She currently serves as the Executive in Residence of Accounting at the Sam M. Walton College of Business. She also serves on the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation Board and the Finance Committee of Hope Cancer Resources.
“Southern Bancorp’s historic commitment to community development and economic empowerment resonates deeply with me,” said Joplin. “I’m honored for the opportunity to be part of its mission and help drive meaningful change for families and businesses in underserved communities.”
Joplin’s appointment to the Southern Bancorp, Inc. Board of Directors is effective as of June 12, following the retirements of long-time board members Dan Koehler and Jim Prouty.
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 $2.8 billion asset organization with 56 locations serving customers throughout the South. 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.