North Alabama’s Bank Independent Promotes Williams, Kline, Mangum and Sledge

Bank Independent, headquartered in Sheffield, Ala, is proud to announce the internal promotions of team members Kelly Williams, Ryan Kline, Kyle Mangum and Deanna Sledge.

“We’re proud to promote these team members who exhibit the qualities of a servant leader and help us fulfill our mission to make a positive difference and achieve our vision to be the bank of choice.,” says Rick Wardlaw, CEO of Bank Independent.

“They all work hard to develop strong relationships with customers and team members and truly care about making a positive difference in the community. I am pleased to see each of them continue to grow their careers with Bank Independent.”

Kelley Williams has been named Learning & Development Officer. Kelley joined the bank in 2019 as a member of the Marketing Department within Interstate Billing Service. In 2020, she was promoted to Manager of the Learning & Development team. Kelley holds a bachelor’s degree in education from University of North Alabama along with a master’s degree in supervision and education administration from Marymount. 

Ryan Kline has been named Network Operations Officer with the Information Technology Department. He joined the bank in 2021 as a Senior Network Manager. Ryan holds certification as a Certified Ethical Hacker, PentTest+, Security+ and in ITIL Foundations. Ryan is an advocate for shelter animals, particularly those with quality-of-life issues. 

Kyle Mangum has been promoted to VP-Sales Officer at the Pine Street office in Florence, Ala. Kyle joined Bank Independent team in 2018. He most recently served as Sales Officer and in the Bank Independent Credit Administration department on the SBA Paycheck Protection Program blitz team. Kyle is a graduate of UNA with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, a graduate of Leadership Shoals and anticipates completing Alabama Banking School in August of 2022. Kyle serves on the boards of the Children’s Museum of the Shoals, the Florence Kiwanis Club and the Downtown Florence Alliance.

Deanna Sledge has been promoted to VP-Sales officer at Florence Square in Florence, Ala. Deanna joined the bank in 2008 as part of the Loan Operations team. She moved into the sales office as a Personal Banker in 2009 and promoted to Sales Specialist/Senior Relationship banker in 2018 followed by Sales Officer in 2019. Deanna is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a concentration in banking and financial services. She is a graduate of Leadership Shoals and the Alabama Banking School. Deanna is involved with her community serving on the board for the Florence Civitan Club, and on the membership committee for her Business Networking International group.