Meet the Team
Diverse in skills and united in purpose, our team brings together a wealth of experience across various disciplines. From banking and finance to technology and customer service, each member contributes to the dynamic and collaborative environment that defines New Republic Bank.
Ralph N. Strayhorn
Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer
Ralph Strayhorn is the chairman, president, and chief executive officer at NRPI. He leads the firm’s growth strategies in markets throughout the United States, with a focus on southeastern states.
Tanji L. Bradley
Credit Underwriter
Tanji L. Bradley is a credit underwriter at New Republic Bank. She is responsible for underwriting new loans and reviewing and renewing existing loans.
Jeff R. Brinkman
Executive Vice President, Private and Commercial Banking Executive
Jeff brings deep experience in commercial banking, treasury management services, retail banking, and wealth management.
Joni B. Childers
Commercial Loan Closer, Processor and Servicer
Joni has been with New Republic Bank for over 20 years and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role.
Anne Corey
Senior Vice President, Regional Credit Officer, Loan Operations Manager
Anne oversees credit policy, risk management, and compliance, engaging with executives, directors, regulators, and the bank team at all levels.
Natalie Davis
Senior Vice President and Deposit Operations Manager
With over a decade of experience in bank operations, systems administration, operations risk management, and regulatory compliance, Natalie has a proven track record of effective leadership.
Thomas A. Dobbins, CPA
Assistant Vice President, Accounting and Finance Manager, New Republic Partners
Tom Dobbins, Assistant Vice President and Controller at New Republic Partners, oversees accounting and finance activities.
Judi Exline-Porch
Accounting Clerk
Judi Exline-Porch serves as an Accounting Clerk at New Republic Bank, contributing to accounts payables, balancing, and other initiatives within the accounting department.
Lyle H. Farrar
Assistant Vice President
Specializing in closely held businesses, Lyle offers innovative credit and cash management solutions, collaborating with high-net-worth individuals to navigate intricate financial goals.
Jason W. Grooters
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
With expertise in finance, accounting, operations, and multi-family office administration, Jason is a key member of the firm’s strategic planning team.
Rachel B. Hargrave
Deposit Specialist
Rachel Hargrave is a deposit specialist at New Republic Bank. She is responsible for processing wire transfers and conducts Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) monitoring and reporting.
Lauren Jones
Assistant Vice President, Deposit Operations Team Lead
Lauren Jones holds the position of assistant vice president and serves as the deposit operations team lead at New Republic Bank.
Andrea J. McGowan
Vice President, Office Manager
Andrea McGowan holds the position of vice president and office manager at New Republic Bank, where she is responsible for overseeing all office operations and logistics.
Laura I. Marshall
Vice President, Assistant Secretary
Laura Marshall holds the positions of vice president and assistant secretary at New Republic Bank, leveraging over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry.
Tracey A. Murray
Deposit Specialist
Tracey holds the role of deposit client specialist at New Republic Bank, collaborating with consumer, business, and commercial clients to deliver deposit solutions that align with their requirements.
Thomas M. Nelson
Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer
As Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, Tom Nelson is responsible for overseeing processes, policies, and procedures related to credit approvals across all lending activities.
Krystal R. Pierce
Deposit Client Specialist
Krystal Pierce, Deposit Client Specialist at New Republic Bank, offers customized deposit solutions to consumer, small business, and commercial clients.
Jacqueline L. Santella
Assistant Vice President, Senior Commercial Loan Closer
Jackie Santella, Senior Commercial Loan Closer at New Republic Bank, handles due diligence and documentation for business and commercial loans.
Jeffery W. Smith
Senior Vice President
Jeff Smith, Senior Commercial Relationship Manager and Lender at New Republic Bank oversees the legacy loan portfolio and collaborates with all lenders.
Renee Smith
Mortgage Loan Servicer
Renee Smith, Mortgage Loan Servicer at New Republic Bank, collaborates with consumer and business clients, managing the existing portfolio and service-only loans.
W. Dewey Teden
Vice President
Dewey Teden, VP at New Republic Bank, specializes in addressing leverage and liquidity needs for closely held businesses and mid-size companies.
Holly N. Wilson
Executive Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer
Holly Wilson holds the dual roles of executive vice president and chief compliance officer for New Republic Bank. In her capacity, she oversees regulatory compliance, external audits, and compliance reporting to the board of directors.