Employee Highlights

Andy Flowers, President of American Pride Bank and American Bancorp, is pleased to announce new members to our executive management team, a new line of business, and the promotion of several key employees.

Terry Owens, a dedicated team member for 14 years, has been promoted to EVP and Chief Administrative Officer. Terry will lead retail banking, business development, marketing and communications, information technology, and facilities.

LaQuanda Billingslea, with a decade of experience at American Pride Bank, takes on the role of EVP and Chief Credit Officer. LaQuanda will oversee credit administration, loan administration, and loan operations.

Erik Bykat, our new EVP and Chief Lending Officer, will guide the commercial lending team across all markets and the SBA/USDA lending division.

Becky Bell continues as EVP and Chief Financial Officer, managing deposit operations, human resources, compliance, and AML/BSA reporting.

Joining the executive team is Jessica Bluj, who will spearhead our new mortgage line of business as EVP, President of Mortgage. The mortgage division will operate as a unit of the core bank.

American Pride Bank is also celebrating key promotions: Marshall Bunce to First Vice President and Director of IT & Facilities, Rolando "Ro" Dixon to Vice President and Director of Retail Banking, and Jennifer Atwater to Vice President and Director of Deposit Operations. Jennifer Overton steps up as Banking Officer and Customer Service Manager. Additionally, the bank is excited to welcome Elizabeth Moraff as Vice President and Director of Communications & Marketing.

President Flowers shared his enthusiasm for the changes and the way they will provide infrastructure for American Pride Bank to grow and achieve its new three-year strategic initiatives. “I’m so excited to be able to promote and fill key positions from within, which has always been a hallmark of the bank, while acquiring new talent for newly created roles,” he said.