What's Happening?
Touchmark Bancshares, Inc., the holding company for Touchmark National Bank, has announced significant changes to its executive and senior leadership team. Addam Taussig has been appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, tasked with leading all business development and sales functions. Tesula Stewart, the former Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, has stepped down to pursue consulting and public service. Steve Schaefer has joined as Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Officer, assuming leadership responsibilities in credit administration. Chuck Shaw, who joined Touchmark in May 2025, has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Senior Risk Management Officer, overseeing risk management and compliance functions. These changes are part of Touchmark's strategy to enhance its business development, sales, credit administration, compliance, and risk management capabilities.
Why It's Important?
The leadership changes at Touchmark Bancshares are crucial for the company's strategic growth and regulatory compliance. By appointing experienced professionals like Addam Taussig, Steve Schaefer, and Chuck Shaw, Touchmark aims to strengthen its loan and deposit growth strategies, addressing regulatory concerns raised by the OCC's Formal Agreement. This move is expected to bolster Touchmark's ability to deliver financial solutions to middle-market companies and improve its risk management practices. The departure of Tesula Stewart marks a transition in the company's credit administration leadership, potentially impacting its approach to credit services. These changes are likely to influence Touchmark's competitive position in the banking industry, particularly in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
What's Next?
Touchmark Bancshares is expected to continue recruiting key team members to further strengthen its leadership team and address ongoing regulatory concerns. The company will focus on enhancing its business development and sales functions under the leadership of Addam Taussig. As Touchmark implements these changes, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the new leadership team impacts the company's growth strategies and compliance efforts. The banking community and regulatory bodies may respond to these developments, influencing Touchmark's future operations and market position.
Beyond the Headlines
The leadership changes at Touchmark Bancshares may have broader implications for the banking sector, particularly in terms of regulatory compliance and risk management. As the company addresses concerns raised by the OCC, it could set a precedent for other banks facing similar challenges. The emphasis on strengthening business development and sales functions highlights the importance of strategic leadership in navigating complex financial landscapes. Additionally, the transition in credit administration leadership may lead to shifts in credit policies and practices, affecting clients and stakeholders.
