New Leadership at UNB

The board of directors of United National Bank announced this week significant changes in the leadership of the locally owned bank.

Effective Dec. 31, 2023, Charles M. Stafford will step down as chairman of the board of directors, a post he has held for 22 years, and he will be replaced by Michael (Mike) Leroy Chastain, who will relinquish his role as president and chief executive officer of the bank. Chastain’s election as chairman won the unanimous approval of the bank’s board of directors.

While Stafford will no longer serve in a leadership capacity with the bank, he will remain a member of the UNB board of directors.

As chairman, Chastain brings 48 years of banking experience, and under his leadership United National Bank has experienced significant growth. The board of directors notes, “His dedication to maintaining a local, community-oriented approach has driven the bank’s success.”

Chairman Chastain will continue work with the bank full-time throughout 2024. Replacing Chastain as president of the bank will be Matthew (Matt) McCaskill who has 15 years of banking experience, primarily in commercial lending. “Matt brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to going above and beyond for our customers. His dedication to customer service and fresh perspective will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of our bank,” Chairman Chastain said. McCaskill will join the bank’s board of directors, which in addition to Chairman Chastain and Stafford includes J. Kevin Chason, Randy Holton, William Jones, Dr. Ken Leggett, J. Richard Porter, Thomas A. Rosser and Celeste Tyler. “We are confident that Matt’s seasoned experience will guide the bank into a successful future, ensuring steadfast leadership in today’s dynamic financial landscape,” Chairman Chastain commented.

Among other leadership changes and promotions announced this week include new titles for other members of the bank’s management team. Robert (Todd) Harrell has been promoted to executive vice president and chief lending officer. Harrell has 26 years of lending experience and has an extensive background in agricultural lending, which Chairman Chastain says has been invaluable to United National Bank. “Todd is committed to our farmers, serving as a stepping stone to meet the needs of our future farmers,” Chastain said. Linda Drew Johnson, a 42-year veteran of local banking, has been promoted to executive vice president and chief technology and marketing officer. “Linda’s deep understanding of our community and commitment to technological advancements make her invaluable to the bank. She believes in putting customers first, knowing them by name and not by numbers and she truly embodies the spirit of community banking,” Chairman Chastain said.

Joshua (Seth) Stanaland has been promoted to executive vice president and he also serves as the bank’s chief financial officer, a role he has held since earlier this year. Stanaland has seven years of banking experience and will assist President McCaskill in managing the day-to-day operations of the bank. “Seth manages the financial aspects of the bank’s operations and provides leadership in implementing strategies to mitigate financial risk and ensure stable profitability,” Chastain said. Sarah H. Clark has been promoted to executive assistant and loan officer. Chastain says Clark has demonstrated her ability to serve loan customers well and in her new role will be available to make loans to customers.

Rounding out the leadership team of the bank are Susan Braswell, a 45-year veteran of banking who serves as vice president and mortgage officer, and Gus Mango and Caleb Warren who both serve as assistant vice presidents. “Susan, Gus, and Caleb bring diverse consumer and mortgage lending skills and expertise that strengthen the bank’s commitment to excellence,” Chastain said.

• “We are confident with the leadership team now in place that United National Bank will continue to realize ongoing success. We look forward to a bright future for the bank, our shareholders and this community,” Chairman Chastain stated.
• United National Bank will end 2023 with more than $290 million in total assets. The only locally owned and operated bank in Grady County was organized and opened in May 2000 with $5 million in total assets.
• “We are confident with the leadership team now in place that United National Bank will continue to realize ongoing success. We look forward to a bright future for the bank, our shareholders and this community,” Chairman Chastain stated.
• United National Bank will end 2023 with more than $290 million in total assets. The only locally owned and operated bank in Grady County was organized and opened in May 2000 with $5 million in total assets.