Chief Executive Officer & President

Marc J. Bogan joined the Bank of the Lowcountry team in 2021 as President and Chief Executive Officer. He began his banking career in 1990 and has cultivated experience and knowledge in all areas of Retail and Commercial banking throughout his 35 years of service.

He graduated from Winthrop University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. In 2016, he received the Pinnacle Leadership Distinguished Alumni Award from the University.

He currently serves as a Trustee for the South Carolina Bankers Employee Benefit Trust. Past community involvement includes the South Carolina Bankers Association Board of Directors, the Virginia Bankers Association Board of Directors, and the American Bankers Association Bankers Council.

EVP & Chief Banking Officer

Carl Kilpatrick joined the Bank of the Lowcountry team in 2022 as a Market Executive focused on serving Jasper County and surrounding areas. In 2023, he stepped into the role of Chief Banking Officer, bringing with him the knowledge and experience gained throughout his 31 years in the banking industry.

He graduated from Lander University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His education continued, and he received an MBA from Winthrop University before completing the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

Born in Beaufort and raised in Ridgeland, he is a true Lowcountry native and an active community member. He serves as Board Member for the United Way of the Lowcountry, the Southern Carolina Economic Development Alliance, and the Beaufort Jasper Water & Sewer Authority.

EVP & Chief Operating Officer

Charles Hudgens joined the Bank of the Lowcountry team in 2021 as Director of Commercial Lending. In 2023, he transitioned to Chief Operating Officer, utilizing the abilities and experience gained through his 28-year career in the banking industry.

He graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Minor in Economics. He continued his education and received an MBA from The Citadel before completing the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, he’s a lifelong member of the Lowcountry community. He has served that community in the past as Board Member and Chairman of the Summerville Family YMCA.

EVP & Chief Financial Officer

Fred Austin joined the Bank of the Lowcountry team in 2022 as Chief Financial Officer. After 5 years in public accounting, he spent the next 18 years of his career in banking with roles in internal auditing, mergers & acquisitions, investor relations, and finance & accounting.

He graduated from The Citadel Honors Program with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting. After which, he gained his license as a Certified Public Accountant.

EVP / ISO / Controller / Director of HR

Melissa Smyly began her banking career in 1991 with Bank of Walterboro (now Bank of the Lowcountry). Throughout her 34 years of service with the company, she has served as Internal Auditor, BSA Officer, Compliance Officer, Operations Officer, and IT Officer. Currently, she holds the responsibilities of Information Security Officer, Controller, and Director of Human Resources.

She received her Associate's Degree in Accounting from Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College in 1989 and graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Business Studies Accounting in 2017 from Southern New Hampshire University. She continued her education by earning General Banking and Bank Operations diplomas from the American Bankers Association and completing the Southern Operations and Technology School at the University of Georgia, hosted through the Georgia Bankers Association.

A proud member of the Colleton County community, she graduated from Leadership Colleton in 2009 and was the Secretary/Treasurer of the Leadership Colleton Alumni Association. She continues to be an active participant in the community as a member and the Treasurer of Bethel Methodist Church, Ruffin, SC.

EVP & Market President

James Bunton, Jr. joined the Bank of Walterboro (now Bank of the Lowcountry) team in 2007 as a loan officer for Colleton County. In his 18-year career at the company, he has gained multiple responsibilities and taken on several roles. Currently, he serves as Market President, overseeing lending and deposits for Colleton County, CRA Officer, Security Officer, and Facilities Management.

He graduated from The Citadel with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering before earning an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He continued his banking education by completing the South Carolina Bankers School and the Graduate Bankers School at Louisiana State University. Additionally, he has earned the AIB General Banking diploma from the American Bankers Association.

Born and raised in Colleton County, he is an active participant in the community. His service includes Treasurer of Masonic Lodge 231, Colleton County Board of Disabilities, Lowcountry Community Action Agency, Letterman’s Club of Colleton County, Coastal Electric Board Member, SC Power Team Board Member, Central Electric Board Member, as well as Chairman of Finance and Investment Committees & Treasurer for Bethel United Methodist.

EVP & Market President

Chase Talbert joined the Bank of the Lowcountry team in 2022 as Market President, overseeing the management and growth of the company’s Charleston Market, and joined the Executive team in 2024. He brings 18 years of experience in the banking industry to his new role and the leadership of the company’s Charleston locations.

He graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management and a Minor in Business before earning an MBA from The Citadel. He continued to expand his banking education by completing the South Carolina Bankers School and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

A Charleston native, he stays active with Coastal Community Church.

AVP & Executive Assistant

Trina Boyd joined the Bank of the Lowcountry team in 2023 as an Executive Assistant and Stock Administrator / Manager for the bank’s parent company, CommunityCorp. She brings 29 years of previous banking experience.

She graduated from Trident Technical College with an Associate's Degree in Business Administration and from Liberty University with a second Associate's Degree in Business Administration. She has served as a Notary Public for over 25 years and is currently in her third term.

Born in New York, New York, and having lived in 15 different states, she brings a vast knowledge and range of experiences to our local lowcountry team.