SouthState Bank promoted Chris Hobbs to managing director and added Joe Baker, Allison Dease and Zack Stanfield to its specialty lending division, SouthState Equipment Finance.
Chris Hobbs, Group Head and Managing Director
Hobbs started the equipment finance group at SouthState in early 2023 and built the line of business to support the continued C&I loan growth for the bank. “We are fortunate to add some exceptionally talented equipment finance professionals to the SouthState organization, and these hires adds to our already deep bench strength in operations, documentation and originations,” Hobbs said.
Zack Stanfield, Director of Equipment Finance Syndications, Indirect Markets
Stanfield will be focused on growing and managing bank exposure through equipment finance capital markets. Stanfield will report to Hobbs.
“We are fortunate to bring Zack on board to SouthState EFG to further grow and develop our capital markets capabilities in equipment finance,” Hobbs said. “Zack brings tremendous experience in the equipment finance and leasing industry starting his career 10 years ago at Regions Equipment Finance Corporation supporting Indirect Coverage, with his prior role as vice president, indirect markets relationship manager.”
Allison Dease, Director of Operational Risk
Dease will be focused on developing operational efficiencies, managing risk and growing SouthState’s equipment finance capabilities. Dease will report to Hobbs.
“We are excited to have Allison join the SouthState Equipment Finance team with her tremendous background and experience in the industry,” Hobbs said. “As we continue to grow the portfolio, Allison will help us navigate all the operational and compliance aspects of the business. Allison joins SouthState from Truist Equipment Finance with 28 years of experience in the equipment finance and leasing industry in various operations and documentation roles.”
Joe Baker, Vice President, Equipment Evaluation Manager
Baker will be focused on asset management within the bank’s growing equipment finance group and for the general commercial bank.
“We are excited to have Joe join SouthState and the equipment finance team with his 40-year tenure in the equipment appraisal and asset management business,” Hobbs said. “As we continue to grow the portfolio, Joe will help us manage the portfolio from an asset management perspective. Joe joins SouthState with prior positions held in various roles from owner of an equipment appraisal business to working as a senior appraiser for several of the largest equipment companies in the U.S.”
