Bank Independent officially announced the promotions of Selena Suggs and Teresa Turner on Thursday. They were recognized for their leadership and contributions to advancing the bank’s customer-focused mission.
“As a community bank, we are deeply committed to understanding the real needs of our customers, continually challenging ourselves to serve them better, and delivering exceptional experiences at every touchpoint,” said Bank Independent CEO Macke Mauldin. “These promotions reflect our investment in leaders who embody those values and help set new standards of excellence across our organization.”
Suggs has been promoted to senior vice president of customer experience. A graduate of the University of North Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in business education, Suggs joined Bank Independent in November 2000 as a part-time teller at the Pine Street Sales Office. Her career with the bank now spans 25 years.
During her tenure, Suggs has gained extensive experience across the bank’s products and services, working in both operational and project-based roles. Bank officials said her ability to understand how initiatives affect employees, customers, and the organization as a whole has played a key role in strengthening the bank’s customer experience strategy.
“Selena has a unique ability to see the full picture, from internal processes to the customer’s perspective, and turn that insight into meaningful improvements,” said Penny Camp, chief administrative officer. “Her leadership has elevated how we think about customer experience.”
Turner has been promoted to senior vice president and financial advisor program manager. She joined Bank Independent in January 2020 as a financial advisor and program manager and helped launch Independent Investments Group through the bank’s partnership with Ameriprise.
Turner began her career in financial services in 1985 as an accountant with a local bank and became a licensed financial advisor in 1996. She has more than 30 years of industry experience and has consistently ranked in the top 10 percent of her field, earning multiple Top Producer Awards. Ameriprise recently recognized Turner as one of the Top Women Financial Advisors in the banking channel for two consecutive years.
“Teresa’s experience, integrity, and dedication to her clients have been foundational to the success of Independent Investments Group,” said Jason Windham, president of Bank Independent. “She exemplifies what it means to be a trusted financial partner.”
Bank Independent officials said the promotions underscore the bank’s commitment to developing internal leadership and investing in expertise that supports long-term customer success.
Founded in 1947, Bank Independent operates 33 traditional sales offices across North Alabama, along with an on-campus Deshler Tiger Branch and a Digital Sales Office. The community bank emphasizes relationship-based service and local involvement, with all team members living and volunteering in the communities they serve.
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