(Photo Courtesy of The Southern Bank)

The Southern Bank, a South Carolina- and Georgia-based community bank, is pleased to announce the appointment of Diane Platt as its vice president and branch manager of the bank’s newest branch in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A longtime banking professional and well-known native of the Grand Strand, Platt brings deep local roots and trusted relationships to her new role. She will oversee team leadership, manage client relationships, and play a key role in advancing the bank’s overall financial objectives. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Diane to The Southern Bank’s leadership team,” said M.J. “J.” Huggins III, CEO of The Southern Bank. “Having worked alongside her in the past, I know firsthand the dedication, integrity and deep community commitment she brings to her work. Diane’s proven leadership, operational expertise, and strong relationships make her a perfect fit for our vision. Jamin and I are especially excited to be working with her again as we continue to drive our next phase of growth — this time on the South Carolina coast.”

Platt brings over 20 years of banking experience to her new position. A College of Charleston graduate, she began her career with Chase Manhattan Personal Financial Services in San Diego before returning to Myrtle Beach. In 2004, she joined Crescent Bank — later CresCom Bank — where she served as Vice President and worked closely with Huggins. Most recently, she served as Vice President at United Bank, continuing her commitment to clients across the Grand Strand.

“My career is rooted in community banking,” said Platt. “Throughout the years, I’ve focused on building strong, personal relationships with clients who value trust and individual attention. I’m excited to bring that commitment to The Southern Bank and to continue helping people and businesses reach their financial goals with a bank that shares my values.”

Beyond banking, Platt is an active Myrtle Beach community member. She currently serves on the board of the Chicora Rotary and is a proud graduate of Leadership Grand Strand Class XXXI. Her family's previous ownership of Akel's House of Pancakes, a beloved Myrtle Beach institution for many years, further strengthens her ties to the area.

Platt and her husband Heath, also a Myrtle Beach native, enjoy attending Myrtle Beach Seahawks’ football games and cheering on the Clemson Tigers. She is also an avid yoga enthusiast and mother to two grown children, Ashley and Mitchell. The bank plans to open its doors in Myrtle Beach later this year.

To learn more about The Southern Bank’s vision for the future of community banking, visit thesouthern.bank .