DUNLAP HONORED AS SOUTH CAROLINA’S OUTSTANDING YOUNG BANKER

Countybank, a financial institution headquartered in the upstate of South Carolina since 1933, announced that its Senior Operations Officer, Rufus Thornwell “Wells” Dunlap V, was named South Carolina’s Outstanding Young Banker of the Year.  

The award was presented to Dunlap at the South Carolina Bankers Association’s 2024 Annual Meeting in June as his wife, Amanda, and their 3 children and extended family looked on.  Dunlap’s father, R. Thornwell Dunlap, III, who currently serves as President/CEO of Countybank, previously received the prestigious award in 1996.  

The Outstanding Young Banker Award is the highest honor presented in South Carolina’s banking industry.  Sponsored by the SCBA Past Chairmen’s Club, the award has been presented to one deserving banker every year since 1970.  The list of award recipients over the last 50+ years represents a list of South Carolina’s most prominent bankers.  

“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by my peers for this award,” said Dunlap.  “The first thing that comes to mind is that I wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for the people who have influenced me along the way.”   

Dunlap credited his colleagues at Countybank, his peers in banking across South Carolina, and his family and friends with his success.  “This has been a very humbling experience, to say the least,” he said.   

Dunlap has been with Countybank since 2013.  He graduated from Presbyterian College in 2008, the South

Carolina Bankers School in 2017, and the LSU Graduate School of Banking in 2022.  In 2023, he served as Chair of the Young Bankers Division for South Carolina.  Dunlap is actively involved in community-focused organizations throughout the Upstate, and in Greenwood he serves on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity, the Greenwood Genetic Center Foundation, and the Greenwood Museum.  

Dunlap commented on his passion for community banking. 

“A lot of people outside of our industry don’t know this, but in 1990 there were over 12,000 banks in the U.S.,” said Dunlap.  “Today there are only 4,000 or so banks remaining.  That number is something I think about all the time.  Countybank has been around for 91 years, and I’m still committed to calling this bank home because I really believe in the people and businesses we serve throughout the Upstate.”  Dunlap’s coworkers reflected on his contributions to the banking industry in the Upstate.  

“Wells’ track record speaks for itself,” said Geoffrey C. Crocker, EVP and Chief Credit Officer for

Countybank.  “Not only does Wells understand and advocate for community banking—the kind of banking that gives back to its neighbors—but he lives it on a daily basis,” said Crocker.  “Our bank sponsors numerous volunteer and community events throughout the year, and Wells consistently shows up to be a part of the team that gives back to our communities.  That kind of servant leadership speaks volumes to our employees and customers.”  

Countybank’s General Counsel and Chief Human Resources Officer James T. “Jamie” Hedgepath echoed

Crocker’s sentiments.  “Anyone working in the field of Human Resources right now knows businesses have their hands full recruiting and retaining top talent,” Hedgepath said.  “Wells’ leadership in our organization over the last few years demonstrates his ability to lead a new generation of community servants.”  

As Senior Operations Officer for Countybank, Dunlap leads nearly one-half of its employees, including those in retail banking, bank operations, digital banking, customer service, marketing, and communications.   Dunlap’s father reflected on his son’s leadership of these areas over the last few years. 

“I’m fortunate to be in the stage of my career where I can begin to reflect on what’s made Countybank successful,” said R. Thornwell Dunlap, III, President/CEO.  “It’s nice to look around and see a new generation of leadership rising up to serve our customers.  I couldn’t be more proud of the leader Wells has become.”    

For more information on Countybank and its service to Upstate communities since its inception in 1933 during The Great Depression, visit www.ecountybank.com/about-us or follow Countybank on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.