Greenville, S.C. (April 15, 2025) - Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, is pleased to announce our Founder and CEO Art Seaver was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor given by the governor of South Carolina.

 

The award was presented by Jimmy Orders, Chairman of the Board of Directors, at Southern First’s 25^th Anniversary Celebration on April 12. The Order of the Palmetto is given to individuals in recognition of a lifetime of exceptional achievement and service. It honors those who have made significant selfless contributions to the community, dedicating their time, resources, and goodwill to a variety of causes that benefit their fellow citizens and the prosperity of South Carolina.

Seaver founded Southern First in 1999 with a mission of Impacting Lives, and the bank officially opened its doors on January 10, 2000. Now serving eight growing markets in the Southeast with over $4 billion in assets, Southern First is one of the fastest growing and highest-performing banks in the country. This is thanks to Seaver’s leadership and focus on exceptional service with authentic hospitality. A dedicated husband and father, his values of caring for and serving others have cultivated a strong family culture at the bank and a lasting impact in the Upstate community.

Seaver has given his time to many local nonprofits throughout his career. He currently serves on the board of the Phillis Wheatley Community Center and has previously served as Chairman of the Board for the United Way of Greenville County and Chair of the Palmetto Society as well as on the Board of Directors for the Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Thornblade Club, South Carolina Bankers Association, and Junior Achievement. He has worked with Leadership Greenville, Greenville Chamber of Commerce, South Carolina Network of Business and Education Partnership, Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Junior League, and First Presbyterian Church.

Orders shared, “While his accomplishments in business are considerable, the true purpose of this award is to recognize individuals whose actions have had a positive and lasting impact on others in the community, and that is Art Seaver. Art has made a remarkable difference in so many lives, not only during his 25-year tenure at the bank but throughout his entire life.”

“This award doesn’t come without so many people saying yes and buying into a dream where we serve others. I am deeply humbled and honored,” said Seaver.