Vance St. Columbia was promoted to president and CEO of Partners Bank in March 2023. He previously was interim president and CEO, as well as an EVP and mid-South regional president.
St. Columbia earned a bachelor’s in business administration and marketing from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, and is a graduate of the Barret School of Banking of Memphis.
How have rising interest rates affected your bank?
Like most banks in 2023, we experienced a slight compression of our net interest margin as the costs of our liabilities outpaced our ability to reprice our assets. As rates begin to fall, as expected in 2024, and our assets continue to reprice, we anticipate seeing an improvement in our net interest margins.
What do you see as the key role of a community bank?
A community bank should be the economic engine of the community it serves. We understand the challenges and needs of our communities and want to support efforts to create a place where people desire to live, work and raise their family. As a CDFI bank (Community Development Financial Institution), we are committed to investing and serving the underserved in our communities.
What are the most common lending needs for your customers?
For the first 78 years of our bank’s existence, we were primarily a small, rural agricultural-based bank. Over the last five to six years, we have expanded our footprint into more urban markets that allow us the opportunity to provide loan products such as commercial, consumer, industrial and real estate lending.
What are your goals for Partners Bank in 2024?
Increase market share in our existing communities while expanding into new markets through organic growth or acquisition. Continue to leverage our status as a CDFI bank to secure funds for the distressed communities we serve. Continue to provide our shareholders a solid return.
What role can Partners Bank play in the future of Helena-West Helena?
We are the only bank with its charter and headquarters in Helena-West Helena. While our community has had a decades-long decline, we are committed to a decades-long approach to the revitalization. These efforts begin by partnering with local businesspeople who are equally committed.
What skills do you think are key to being a bank CEO?
Without a doubt, surround yourself with good people: skilled, committed and self-motivated. Be a good communicator and an even better listener. Keep your team focused on the bank’s goals and make purposeful decisions. Know when to ask for help. Serve others, be humble and maintain a positive attitude.
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