SouthState Bank Bolsters Birmingham Mortgage Team with Five New Additions
In an exciting advancement for the local mortgage lending sector, SouthState Bank has announced the addition of five accomplished members to its Birmingham operation. Coinciding with the opening of a new mortgage office, this expansion set to enhance the bank’s lending presence in Alabama.
New Team Members Bring Expertise and Local Knowledge
“Aspiring and current homeowners in the Birmingham area will find the loan process clearly defined and swiftly completed with guidance from these exceptional lenders. Their knowledge and expertise, as well as their commitment to community improvement, make each banker a welcome asset to SouthState,” shared Stephen Cannon, co-president of SouthState’s mortgage division.
Patrick Carlton, the Birmingham regional president, noted the new team’s blend of personalized service and local connection, saying, “We’re excited to welcome these bankers to our team here in Birmingham. Their expertise in the market will serve our clients well.”
Taking the lead is Royce Sharp, the new regional sales manager, who possess a wealth of industry expertise with over 25 years in the mortgage loan business. Along with Sharp, the refreshed team comprises a mix of seasoned and upcoming talents including Joel Gardner, John Marbury, Jason Lollar, and Zel Brown.
Profiling the New Faces
Joel Gardner, stepping in the role of mortgage sales manager, specializes in assisting first-time homebuyers, and those exploring renovation and construction loans. With 11 successful years in the mortgage sector, Gardner is known for his unwavering commitment to community service, and is actively involved with the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Birmingham Urban League, Hampton Alumni Association, and Rotaract Club of Birmingham.
Longtime veteran of the mortgage world, John Marbury, brings almost four decades of knowledge and practical experience in the mortgage business. Marbury devotes his time in the community as a tutor with the Start the Adventure in Reading initiative.
Accompanying them is Jason Lollar, who handled his role of grant manager at the international office of Habitat for Humanity with aplomb. Lollar specializes in working with first-time homebuyers, veteran home loans, and jumbo loans, offering an all-encompassing skillset for the team.
Last, but certainly not least, is Zel Brown, with three decades of commitment to the financial industry. As a certified credit counselor, Brown stands by the highest industry standards. His experience as a business owner and mortgage credit counselor further adds to the diversity of the new lending team.
This new development spells promise for homeowners in the Birmingham area, who now have an experienced, dedicated group of professionals committed to providing seamless mortgage processing services. As SouthState Bank continues to establish its foothold in Birmingham, its unwavering dedication to community upliftment and improved mortgage services has been keenly noted.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
