Mark Smith, CWS®

Mark Smith serves as the Executive Vice President and Director of the Premier Private Client Group at SouthState, where he is responsible for overseeing strategy and banking services for high-net-worth clients. Since 2022, he has been integral in developing the bank’s strategies specifically tailored to affluent individuals, families, and business owners, employing specialized teams focused on banking, investment, fiduciary, brokerage, and advisory services. Before joining SouthState, Mr. Smith led the private wealth management division at a Gulf South bank, providing financial services to high-net-worth clients. His diverse experience spans retail banking, business banking, and credit administration at a regional bank, as well as serving as a global wealth executive for an international bank. Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has furthered his education at the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University, the Georgia State University Center for Executive Education Management Development Program, and the University of Texas at Austin Executive Leadership Development Program. Additionally, he holds the Certified Wealth Strategist® designation from the Cannon Financial Institute. Dedicated to community service, Mr. Smith has held board positions with several organizations, including the Birmingham Education Foundation, Leadership Birmingham, the American Heart Association, and the United Way of Central Alabama. He resides in Birmingham with his family and is an active member of the Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club.