Southern Bank of Tennessee Crosses $500 Million Milestone, Expands Board, and Charts Course for New Markets

MOUNT JULIET, Tennessee – July 8, 2026 – Southern Bank of Tennessee, the only community bank headquartered in Mt. Juliet, today announced that it has crossed the $500 million asset threshold, reporting in excess of $530 million in total assets as of June 30, 2026. The milestone reflects years of disciplined, relationship-driven growth and marks a significant chapter in the Bank's story since its founding in 2012.

"Crossing $500 million in assets is a meaningful moment for our team, our shareholders, and—most importantly—the customers and communities we're privileged to serve," said Samuel L. Short, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Bank of Tennessee. "This achievement is a direct result of the confidence our customers place in us, the dedication of our employees, and the steady support of our shareholders and board. We remain committed to the same tailored, community-first approach that has defined Southern Bank since day one."

The Bank's growth has been fueled by strong commercial lending activity, deep community engagement across its five-county footprint, and continued investment in its team and purposeful technology. Southern Bank operates full-service offices in Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, Smyrna, Brentwood, and Clinton, Tennessee, and employs a growing team of bankers focused on serving small businesses, business owners, professionals, and families across the region.

New Board Member: Hal Bone

Southern Bank also announced the appointment of Hal Bone to its Board of Directors. A Lebanon native, Hal is a longtime entrepreneur with leadership experience spanning construction, real estate and land development, storage, and senior living, including The Pavilion Senior Living, one of Middle Tennessee's leading long-term care organizations. He holds a bachelor's degree from Cumberland University and an MBA from Middle Tennessee State University and currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Middle Tennessee Electric and Cumberland University.

"Hal's business acumen, community leadership, and long-standing ties to Wilson County make him an outstanding addition to our board," Short said. "His perspective as an entrepreneur and community builder aligns squarely with who we are and where we're headed."

Looking Ahead: New Market Expansion

Building on the momentum of crossing the $500 million asset threshold, Southern Bank has its sights set on expansion into new markets later this year. Additional details, including target markets and team announcements, will be shared in the coming months.

The Bank has also recently completed a series of organizational and structural initiatives designed to strengthen its foundation and support the next phase of growth. These steps enhance Southern Bank's strategic flexibility, capital planning capabilities, and long-term positioning as it continues to scale.

"Growth for its own sake has never been our objective. Growth that allows us to serve more people, more businesses, and more communities in the way Southern Bank is known for—that's exactly what's next," Short added.

About Southern Bank of Tennessee

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Southern Bank of Tennessee is a state-chartered, Federal Reserve member community bank offering a full range of banking services including commercial, consumer, mortgage, and treasury services. With offices in Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, Smyrna, Brentwood, and Clinton, Southern Bank continues to build better banking by combining trusted relationships with modern financial solutions designed to move people and businesses forward. Learn more at www.southernbankoftn.com