Bank Independent has named longtime North Alabama banking executive Andy Mann its new Area President for the Shoals as Bill Howard transitions to an advisory role after nearly three decades with the bank.

Mann brings more than 30 years of banking experience, including more than 15 years in leadership positions in the Shoals. His career has included roles as area president, market president, executive vice president, city president and senior lender.

“Andy brings a tremendous combination of experience, leadership and deep roots in the Shoals,” Bank Independent President Jason Windham said. “He understands this market, knows the people and businesses that make it special, and shares our belief that strong relationships are at the heart of community banking.”

As Area President, Mann will lead the bank’s sales and business development efforts across the Shoals, working with local teams on customer relationships and continued market growth.

“I have spent much of my career serving businesses, families and organizations throughout the Shoals, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue that work with Bank Independent,” Mann said.

“Banking has always been about more than transactions to me. It is about listening, understanding what people are trying to accomplish and building relationships that can make a meaningful difference.”

A University of North Alabama graduate with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Mann also earned a mini-MBA in organizational leadership from Clemson University.

His community involvement includes leadership roles with the Shoals Economic Development Authority, UNA School of Business Advisory Board and Downtown Florence Unlimited. He currently serves on the Leadership Alabama board and as chair of its Shoals Regional Council and is involved with the Florence Rotary Club, Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments, Trax4Max and Helen Keller Hospital board.

Mann succeeds Howard, who joined Bank Independent in 1997 and has led its Shoals market as Area President since 2012.

During Howard’s more than 14 years in the position, the bank said its Shoals market grew by more than 70%.

“Bill’s impact on Bank Independent and the Shoals goes far beyond the growth we have experienced under his leadership,” Bank Independent CEO Macke Mauldin said. “For nearly three decades, he has built trusted relationships, developed strong teams and represented Bank Independent with a genuine commitment to this community.”

Howard will remain with Bank Independent in an advisory capacity, providing insight and support based on the relationships and market knowledge he has developed during his 29 years with the bank.

Bank Independent, founded in 1947, operates 33 traditional sales offices across North Alabama, along with its Deshler Tiger Branch and Digital Sales Office.

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