Countybank’s Dunlap Begins Term as S.C. Bankers Association Chairman

COLUMBIA, S.C. – R. Thornwell Dunlap III, president and chief executive officer of Greenwood-headquartered Countybank, began a one-year term as chairman of the South Carolina Bankers Association on July 1. Dunlap was elected to the position at the association’s annual meeting, held June 8-11.

Dunlap is Chairman and CEO of Countybank and its holding company TCB Corporation. As a third generation banker, he follows in the steps of his father, R. Thornwell Dunlap Jr., who served as SCBA chairman during the 1987-88 year.

“Banking is in Thornwell’s blood. His grandfather and his father were excellent bankers, and he’s done an outstanding job building on the solid foundation they established for Countybank,” said SCBA President and CEO Fred Green. “Thornwell and Countybank have always been strong supporters of the SCBA and have proven that even in the constantly changing world of banking, there’s plenty of room for community banks to be successful.”

Dunlap’s banking career began at Wachovia Bank in Charlotte, NC prior to joining Countybank in 1988. Dunlap earned a bachelor’s degree from Oglethorpe University. He was recognized as South Carolina’s Outstanding Young Banker in 1996, the highest honor bestowed by the SCBA. He has served as chairman of the South Carolina Bankers School as well as held past directorships with the SCBA.

Dunlap succeeds Robert Hill, chief executive officer of Columbia-based South State Corp.

“It is an honor to be elected by your peers to represent them and speak on their behalf on matters that impact our industry, both statewide and nationally,” Dunlap said. “Banking, and in particular banking in South Carolina, has been a large part of my life. This recognition is a highlight of my career and a life spent in this industry.”

Dunlap has served on many boards and committees, including currently as a Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, the Greenwood Partnership Alliance and the Piedmont Technical College Foundation. He is a member and past chair of the Greenwood Rotary Club and an elder of First Presbyterian Church. Dunlap lives in Greenwood and enjoys spending time with his daughter, his two sons and their wives, and his grandchildren.

The South Carolina Bankers Association is the trade and professional association representing more than 70 financial institutions across the state. The SCBA is organized to effectively represent the common interest and welfare of South Carolina’s banking industry and to promote the professional development of its members and individual practitioners. The SCBA’s mission is to provide legislative, regulatory and educational leadership on behalf of its members.

For more information about the SCBA please visit www.scbankers.org.

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