TOUCHMARK BANCSHARES, INC. ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES

Touchmark Bancshares, Inc. recently announced significant changes to its executive leadership team, aiming to enhance its operational capabilities and address regulatory concerns. Addam Taussig has joined as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer to oversee all business development and sales functions. His extensive background in commercial banking, including previous roles at Regions Bank and Bank of America, positions him to effectively lead Touchmark's efforts in loan and deposit growth strategies.

Tesula Stewart, who served as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, has stepped down to pursue consulting and public service opportunities. In her stead, Steve Schaefer, who joined Touchmark in August 2025 as Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Officer, will take charge of Credit Administration. Schaefer's nearly three decades of experience in credit administration, including a role at First Horizon Bank, will be pivotal as he manages Touchmark's credit functions.

Additionally, Chuck Shaw, who joined the firm in May 2025, has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Senior Risk Management Officer. With over 35 years of experience in regulatory compliance and risk management, Shaw will handle all aspects of risk management and compliance for Touchmark.

Robert "Bobby" Krimmel, President and CEO of Touchmark National Bank, expressed confidence in the new leadership team, noting that their collective expertise will strengthen business development, credit administration, and risk management. He acknowledged Stewart’s contributions over her four years at Touchmark and emphasized ongoing efforts to recruit key talent to reinforce the bank's operations as they navigate regulatory concerns stemming from a formal agreement with the OCC.

Touchmark Bancshares, headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, is a community bank with reported total assets of $426 million and total shareholders' equity of $73 million as of June 30, 2025.

The recent leadership changes at Touchmark Bancshares, Inc. (OTCID TMAK) signal a strategic pivot that could positively influence the bank's future trajectory. With the onboarding of Addam Taussig as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, the bank is poised to enhance its business development and sales initiatives. Taussig brings over 30 years of commercial banking experience and a track record of driving growth in loan and deposit strategies—essential factors for improving profitability in the competitive banking landscape.

The departure of Tesula Stewart, while notable, may provide an opportunity for fresh perspectives within Touchmark’s credit administration. Steve Schaefer's ascension to Chief Credit Officer, with his extensive background managing sizable loan portfolios, positions the bank to strengthen its credit risk assessment processes. Such enhancements are crucial, especially in light of regulatory scrutiny, as noted in the OCC’s Formal Agreement.

Moreover, Chuck Shaw’s promotion to Senior Vice President for Risk Management further underscores Touchmark's commitment to compliance and sustainable growth. His wealth of experience in regulatory compliance will be pivotal in navigating a landscape that increasingly demands transparency and adherence to financial regulations.

From an investment perspective, investors should watch for the implementation of Taussig’s strategies to improve loan offerings and deposit growth. These changes coincide with broader trends in the banking industry, where community banks are adapting to digitization and seeking to differentiate themselves through customer service and tailored financial solutions.

Overall, while there may be short-term volatility due to these transitions, the proactive measures taken by Touchmark’s leadership could establish a solid foundation for long-term success. Investors should remain cautiously optimistic, monitoring the execution of these strategies and the bank’s response to regulatory frameworks in upcoming quarters.