Dark Matter, Cenlar, Loandepot make new hires, leadership promotions

Left to right: Ginny Markham-Jones, Jeremy Davis, Lydia Smith, Katie Thompson

Southern Bancorp, the community development financial institution based in Little Rock, Arkansas, announced the expansion of retail home lending operations, recently adding four leaders to head its standalone mortgage company. The division aims to increase homeownership opportunities, particularly among underserved minorities in the markets it serves, aligning with Southern Bancorp’s overall mission.

The CDFI appointed equitable housing veteran Jeremy Davis as president of mortgage, a role in which he will be responsible for expanding Southern Bancorp’s efforts and outreach in the industry. Davis most recently served as president and CEO of Inqlusion Mortgage Capital, which focused on lending to diverse populations in the Southeastern U.S.

Also joining Davis are Ginny Markham-Jones, Lydia Smith and Katie Thompson. Markham-Jones comes to the company as its director of mortgage operations and compliance, responsible for driving overall efficiency and ensuring the CDFI meets purpose-driven goals. She previously held the title of chief operating officer at Inqlusion. Smith steps up to the role of director of mortgage production, in charge of developing and overseeing strategies maximizing growth of Southern Bancorp’s mortgage lending activities. Smith served most recently as vice president of diversity lending at Inqlusion. Thompson takes over as director of secondary markets, responsible for loan sale activities, pricing strategies and product oversight. She joins Southern Bancorp after holding a similar role at Texas-based community bank and mortgage servicer Colonial Cos.