ServisFirst Bank Asheville Names New Market President and Vice President
Jun 25, 2025 08:43AM ● By WNC Business
ServisFirst Bank, a subsidiary of ServisFirst Bancshares (NYSE:SFBS), is
pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Austin to Market President for ServisFirst Bank Asheville,
and the addition of Hank Hodge as Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager.
“We are thrilled to promote Jeff Austin to Market President and welcome Hank Hodge to our growing team,” said Rick Manley, Regional CEO of ServisFirst Bank Charlotte. “Jeff has been instrumental in driving our strong growth in a short period of time, and his deep ties to the Asheville community make him a natural fit for this leadership role. Hank brings extensive commercial banking experience and a passion for supporting local businesses and nonprofits. With strong connections to the Asheville area, he will be essential in expanding our market presence across Western North Carolina.”
A seasoned banking professional with over 26 years of experience, Jeff Austin has been promoted to Market President of ServisFirst Bank Asheville. In his new role, Austin will lead the Bank’s Asheville market strategy and oversee commercial client growth, portfolio management, and team development. Prior to this promotion, Austin served as Senior Commercial Loan Officer and Vice President, where he focused on developing new business relationships and delivering banking solutions across commercial lending, deposits, treasury management, and consumer banking. He is known for his collaborative leadership style, strategic thinking, and ability to manage complex client needs.
A native of Asheville, Austin earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Law from Western Carolina University. He remains deeply engaged in the Western North Carolina community, currently serving as a board member and treasurer for the Black Mountain Tennis Association, treasurer and secretary for the Buckeye Community Center, and as a board member of Partner Community Capital, where he serves on both the Executive and Finance Committees.
Before joining ServisFirst Bank, Hodge held positions as Vice President, Business/Commercial Banker; Commercial Credit Underwriter; and Senior Credit Analyst. He is highly regarded for his financial expertise, dedication to client service, and regional knowledge.
Also a native of Asheville, Hodge is a graduate of Christ School and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the Honors College at Western Carolina University. He is currently enrolled in the North Carolina School of Banking, with an anticipated graduation in 2026. Active in the community, Hodge serves as a board member of the Jackson County Community Foundation, is an advisory board member for the Honors College at Western Carolina University and is a graduate of Leadership Cashiers through the local Chamber of Commerce.
Source: ServisFirst Bank.
“We are thrilled to promote Jeff Austin to Market President and welcome Hank Hodge to our growing team,” said Rick Manley, Regional CEO of ServisFirst Bank Charlotte. “Jeff has been instrumental in driving our strong growth in a short period of time, and his deep ties to the Asheville community make him a natural fit for this leadership role. Hank brings extensive commercial banking experience and a passion for supporting local businesses and nonprofits. With strong connections to the Asheville area, he will be essential in expanding our market presence across Western North Carolina.”
A seasoned banking professional with over 26 years of experience, Jeff Austin has been promoted to Market President of ServisFirst Bank Asheville. In his new role, Austin will lead the Bank’s Asheville market strategy and oversee commercial client growth, portfolio management, and team development. Prior to this promotion, Austin served as Senior Commercial Loan Officer and Vice President, where he focused on developing new business relationships and delivering banking solutions across commercial lending, deposits, treasury management, and consumer banking. He is known for his collaborative leadership style, strategic thinking, and ability to manage complex client needs.
A native of Asheville, Austin earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Law from Western Carolina University. He remains deeply engaged in the Western North Carolina community, currently serving as a board member and treasurer for the Black Mountain Tennis Association, treasurer and secretary for the Buckeye Community Center, and as a board member of Partner Community Capital, where he serves on both the Executive and Finance Committees.
ServisFirst Bank welcomes Hank Hodge as Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager in Asheville. With over 13 years of experience in commercial banking, Hodge will focus on building and managing relationships with business clients and nonprofit organizations throughout Western North Carolina. His responsibilities will include developing tailored financial solutions and supporting longterm client growth through commercial lending and treasury services.
Before joining ServisFirst Bank, Hodge held positions as Vice President, Business/Commercial Banker; Commercial Credit Underwriter; and Senior Credit Analyst. He is highly regarded for his financial expertise, dedication to client service, and regional knowledge.
Also a native of Asheville, Hodge is a graduate of Christ School and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the Honors College at Western Carolina University. He is currently enrolled in the North Carolina School of Banking, with an anticipated graduation in 2026. Active in the community, Hodge serves as a board member of the Jackson County Community Foundation, is an advisory board member for the Honors College at Western Carolina University and is a graduate of Leadership Cashiers through the local Chamber of Commerce.
Source: ServisFirst Bank.