News Summary
First Citizens Bank has appointed Justin Rice and JP Connell as Area Executives for South Carolina and Georgia. Rice will oversee the South Carolina Lowcountry and Savannah, while Connell will lead operations in the Charleston region. Both executives aim to enhance the bank’s operations and community engagement amidst a growing Southern coastal economy.
South Carolina
First Citizens Bank has announced the appointment of Justin Rice and JP Connell as new Area Executives for South Carolina and Georgia. Rice will take charge of the South Carolina Lowcountry region and Savannah, Georgia, while Connell will lead operations in the Charleston, South Carolina region and its surrounding areas. Both executives will oversee business, commercial, and branch banking operations, managing teams within their designated regions.
Leadership Roles and Responsibilities
In their new positions, Rice and Connell will play integral roles in enhancing the bank’s operations within their respective territories. Rice, who joined First Citizens Bank in 2006 and has been a prominent figure in the Lowcountry market since then, brings nearly 20 years of experience in the region. Since 2015, he has served as the Market Executive, overseeing four branches and actively participating in local community initiatives, including his role as Chairman of the University of South Carolina Education Foundation and service on the boards of the Hilton Head-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity.
Connell, who began his career with First Citizens Bank in 2018 in Denver, Colorado, has experience in various banking sectors, most recently serving as the Business Banking Manager for the Southern Coastal area. He holds an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina, which he earned in 2022, along with a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina.
Expansion and Growth
The appointments come at a time when the Southern coastal economy is experiencing notable growth, creating increased demand for financial expertise. Shan Teel, the South Regional Executive Vice President for First Citizens Bank, noted the bank’s commitment to meet this growing demand through local leadership that understands the communities they serve. First Citizens Bank operates 17 branches in the Charleston and Lowcountry regions and is dedicated to offering a range of banking services, including Business, Commercial, and Wealth banking.
Established Presence and Client Services
First Citizens Bank has had a significant presence in South Carolina for over 75 years, employing approximately 1,000 associates and managing over 100 branches statewide. The bank serves diverse client segments, focusing on personal, business, commercial, and wealth clients to help them build lasting financial strength. It is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is recognized as a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. Additionally, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. is listed among the Fortune 500 companies.
Location and Community Engagement
The bank’s Savannah branch is located at 110 West St. Julian St., further extending its reach and services in the region. With the leadership of Rice and Connell, First Citizens Bank aims to deepen its involvement within the local community while enhancing its business strategies in response to evolving economic conditions.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
