SouthState Bank Names Veteran Banker to Lead Greeley Commercial Push

SouthState Bank has named Mark Schmidt as commercial relationship manager for Greeley, tapping a 35-year banking veteran as part of a strategic push to capture commercial lending business in northern Colorado following its January 1 acquisition of Independent Financial.

Schmidt's appointment signals SouthState's intent to compete directly with established community banks for small and mid-sized business lending in Weld County. He brings 35 years of experience in commercial lending, deposit gathering and portfolio management from Front Range community banks.

The Greeley hire is part of a 32-producer recruitment wave targeting commercial, mortgage and wealth management growth across key markets in 2026.

"These hires represent a significant investment in our future," said Richard Murray, SouthState president. "By attracting proven leaders from respected institutions, we're enhancing our ability to execute on strategic priorities — driving commercial, mortgage and wealth management growth, while maintaining disciplined risk management."

SouthState entered Colorado when its merger with Independent Financial closed on January 1, 2025. The combination increased SouthState's consolidated assets to approximately $65 billion and expanded its footprint across eight states, including Colorado.

With that foothold established, SouthState is now building local lending capacity. The bank operates two Greeley branches offering commercial real estate lending, treasury management and SBA loans.

SouthState has also recruited commercial relationship managers in Fort Collins and Longmont, signaling a broader strategy to build commercial lending coverage across the northern Front Range.

SouthState now serves more than 1.5 million customers through its consumer, commercial, mortgage and wealth management businesses.