Brian Smith, president and COO of Heritage Southeast Bancorporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Heritage Southeast Bank, will retire on July 1. In addition, Heritage Southeast promoted Brad Serff from first executive vice president to president and chief banking officer, effective immediately.

Smith has served the company and bank for more than 40 years and was president and CEO of The Heritage Bank at the time of the three-bank merger that created Heritage Southeast Bancorporation and Heritage Southeast Bank. Smith also currently serves on the board of both the holding company and bank.

“Over the years, Brian has been instrumental in guiding The Heritage Bank to be the leading financial institution in southeast Georgia and north Florida. His name is synonymous with community banking, as he has provided support for local communities throughout that part of the state, particularly Hinesville. We wish Brian all the best as he starts a new chapter in his life,” Leonard Moreland, CEO of Heritage Southeast Bank, said.

Serff will be responsible for overseeing all banking activities for Heritage Southeast Bank.

“In 2006, Brad established Providence Bank in Alpharetta, GA, and has guided the bank through the Heritage Southeast Bank merger. In late 2021, Brad assumed responsibility for all banking services in south metro Atlanta and will now play an even greater role in the organization, as he will oversee all banking services for the entire bank. We’re excited to have Brad provide his vision for the bank as we move forward and grow toward the future,” Moreland said.