Meet Your Team
Hill has over 30 years of banking experience and most recently served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Merit Bank in Huntsville. He was an organizer of Merit Bank and helped grow the bank from approximately $25 million in total assets in March 2019 to over $155 million in total assets in December 2020.
Before Merit Bank, Hill served as Senior Vice President at ServisFirst Bank, overseeing commercial banking and sales along with managing special assets and reporting to the Huntsville market executive. Hill participated in the 2006 capital raise for ServisFirst Bank’s expansion into the Huntsville market, resulting in a 2014 IPO.
Kelli Powers has served as Chairman of the Board at Bank47 since August 2024, bringing decades of executive leadership in healthcare and financial management. She is currently the CEO of Decatur Morgan Hospital, overseeing 1,700 employees across four campuses. Previously, she was CFO of the Huntsville Hospital Health System and CEO of Athens Limestone Hospital, with experience spanning several major Alabama healthcare systems.
A graduate of The University of Alabama with a Master of Management in Health Care from Vanderbilt, Kelli is deeply engaged in community service. She chairs multiple boards, including Partner’s Cooperative Inc. and the Healthcare Worker’s Compensation Fund, and serves on the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Hospital Advisory Committee. Recognized as Limestone County’s Citizen of the Year in 2012 and one of Alabama’s most influential women in 2015, she is a respected leader in both business and community initiatives.
John has over 25 years of banking experience with broad expertise in C&I and CRE lending as well as credit risk management, bank process and governance. Most recently, John enjoyed a twelve-year career with Regions Bank where he held a variety of progressive leadership roles focused on commercial and small business credit. Notably, John spent the last four years leading credit and operations for Regions’ Small Business Administration Group, guiding the group through a comprehensive restructuring before reaching record loan production and credit quality.
John also led a regional commercial credit team overseeing all credit activities for a $7.5 billion commercial loan portfolio covering Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana commercial markets. Before his time at Regions Bank, John served in a credit leadership role for Progress Bank and Trust (now United Community Bank) in Huntsville where he was responsible for designing and leading the bank’s end-to-end credit process.
A banking veteran with deep regulatory expertise, Pat Frawley serves as Vice-Chairman of the Board. He led Community & Southern Bank, Integrity Bank, and The Community Bank as CEO and held key roles at Bank of America, NationsBank, and the OCC. Now retired, he manages his personal investments and serves on the board of Coastal States Bank. A graduate of Campbell University and LSU’s School of Banking, Frawley’s career spans decades of leadership in financial institutions and regulatory oversight.
Dana has nearly 30 years of banking experience in executive roles, including CEO, CFO, and COO. Most recently, she was Chief Financial and Executive VP at Persons Banking Company, overseeing operations, IT, HR, compliance, and audits, significantly improving bank performance. She also gained broad banking insight as a Regional Sales and Service Leader at State Bank.
Since 2015, Dana has served on the Georgia Southern University Foundation Board and will chair it for 2024-2025. She is also an Advisory Board Member of the Adrian Peterson Foundation, supporting children with speech disorders. Active in the Glennville Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce, she was named Greater Tattnall Chamber’s Business Person of the Year in 2015.
With a distinguished 46-year career in banking, James Brown has been a cornerstone of the North Alabama financial sector. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer at Progress Bank, where he played a pivotal role in growing the bank from $30 million to $1.9 billion in assets before its merger with United Community Bank. His expertise extends beyond commercial banking, having also served as a field examiner for the Office of Thrift Supervision.
James is deeply involved in the community, serving on the Board of the Huntsville Madison County Railroad Authority and the Board of Governors at Valley Hill Country Club. He and his wife, Teena, are active members of Willowbrook Church and reside in Southeast Huntsville.
With over 35 years in the Huntsville business community, Jeff Wilson brings a wealth of leadership and entrepreneurial experience to Bank47. He spent the early part of his career in electronics distribution before becoming a partner at ELCOM, where he led the Huntsville sales team for a decade. In 2010, he transitioned into logistics, acquiring the Huntsville franchise of UNISHIPPERS, a 3PL shipping company, before its acquisition by Worldwide Express in 2022.
Active in his community, Jeff serves on the board of the Huntsville Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame and is involved in Kairos Prison Ministries. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, golf, and time at the beach with his wife, Lisa, and their family.
A retired executive and business leader, Ronnie Williams brings decades of experience in corporate management. As former CEO of Timber Products Inspection, Inc., he led one of the country’s premier timber inspection services firms. Williams also owned small businesses in Madison, Alabama, and remains active in investment management. His leadership extends to Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife fundraising efforts, showcasing his commitment to education and industry excellence.
A seasoned entrepreneur, Phil Slater built Slater, Inc. into a premier storm drain and structural concrete firm serving major homebuilders in Southern California. After selling the company to his son, he now mentors business owners and supports charitable causes like the YMCA in Montclair, California. A director of the bank since January 2024, Slater brings hands-on leadership experience and a deep understanding of business growth, financial management, and community impact.
An accomplished attorney and former Alabama State Bar President, Rich Raleigh is a partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, specializing in government contracts, business litigation, and employment law. A former U.S. Army JAG officer, he has spent over 20 years in private practice, earning a reputation as a legal leader in northern Alabama. His extensive civic involvement includes the VFW, Huntsville Rotary, and National Children’s Advocacy Center. Raleigh’s legal expertise and community leadership make him a valuable asset to the bank’s board.
Henry Ford is a Principal and Senior Advisor for LifeSteps Financial. He leads LifeSteps Financial in providing best-in-class service and financial management to the individuals and employers who trust Henry and his team to oversee their wealth. Before establishing LifeSteps Financial (originally Foothills Financial) in 2010, he was a Financial Advisor with TD Waterhouse. Before TD Waterhouse, Henry was a Financial Advisor at Citigroup.
With eight years of experience in commercial banking and financial risk management, Sean Leopard serves as Senior Credit Manager at Bank47, leading the bank’s credit process. He has spearheaded initiatives to enhance loan origination, strengthen underwriting, and optimize portfolio management.
Prior to joining Bank47, Sean managed a $250 million commercial debt portfolio as Market Credit Risk Manager at Synovus Bank. His background includes roles in commercial underwriting and relationship management, along with early-career experience in public accounting. Sean holds both a BBA in Accounting and an MBA in Finance from the University of North Alabama. He actively contributes to the community and currently serves as Chairman of the Board for The Better Business Bureau of North Alabama.
With over forty years of experience working with small businesses, Tom is a certified public accountant that specializes in assisting small businesses with their tax and accounting needs. After graduating from Auburn University and working for a few years with PWC in Birmingham, he returned to Huntsville and joined the firm that would become House & Albright, P.C. In 2008, he became a founding member and tax department head of Hall Albright Garrison & Barnes, P.C., which merged with BMSS in 2019. At BMSS, he is the member presiding over the Client Advisory Services department of BMSS providing outsourced accounting functions.
With over 20 years’ experience in Commercial and Private Banking, Faith Fletcher, our Relationship Administration Manager, specializes in innovative customer service and financial solutions. She acts as a coordinator between Bank47’s retail, commercial, and operational teams to deliver customized financial services to our customers, upholding our concierge promise. Faith has covered roles from CSR to lending assistant and portfolio manager, and brings a wealth of knowledge to our bank.
Originally from Guntersville, AL, Faith has been married to her husband Justin for 25 years and has two children, Beau and Gracie. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, antiquing, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Hamlin Caldwell brings with him 13 years of banking experience, with the last eight years in commercial credit. He most recently served as the Commercial Underwriting Manager at United Community Bank, overseeing a team of five underwriters and a loan portfolio close to $270 million - spanning the Huntsville and Decatur Markets.
Hamlin is a local Huntsville native, graduating from Huntsville High School and then Samford University. He is happily married to his wife Anne and enjoys spending quality family time with their two daughters. Past civil activities include serving on the Board for Rotaract of Huntsville, past member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Leadership Class, and a member of Huntsville Leadership’s Connect Class 20.
Michael E. Brodowski was born in Xenia, Ohio and at age 10, his family moved to Huntsville Alabama. Upon graduation from Lee High School in Huntsville, he enrolled in the University of Alabama – Huntsville, transferred to Jacksonville State University (Alabama) and was awarded a Batchelor of Science. He then earned a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. Upon being admitted to the Alabama State Bar in September of 1976, Michael Brodowski began active practice of law in Huntsville. His practice areas are concentrated in real estate, estate planning, probate, business and adoption law. He is a member of the Alabama State Bar Association, Huntsville Madison-County Bar Association and is admitted to practice before all courts in the State of Alabama and the United States Supreme Court. Michael resides in Huntsville, Alabama with his wife, Charlotte and they are parents of three adult children.
With over 20 years experience in retail banking and back-office operations, Kim Young, our Deposit Operations Manager, has a proven record of optimizing workflow efficiencies and ensuring regulatory compliance. Known for her leadership skills and attention to detail, Kim has successfully managed multiple branch offices, led process improvement initiatives, and implemented technologies to enhance client service and operational performance. Kim plays a key role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of Bank47’s deposit services.
Originally from Danville, AL, Kim has two sons, Walker and Peyton. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, attending SEC football games, and photography.
Vanessa Wilson brings over 18 years of banking experience and eight years of customer service expertise to Bank47. She joined the team in 2019 as a Senior Loan Assistant and quickly rose to Loan Operations Manager. Her career spans roles in private banking, credit analysis, and branch operations at institutions like Merit Bank, National Bank of Commerce, and ServisFirst Bank.
Originally from Ider, AL, Vanessa earned her Business Administration degree with a focus in accounting from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She and her husband, Roger, have three children and enjoy an active family life filled with karate practices and cheer competitions.
With over 20 years of experience in business management, banking, and lending, Tracy Langseth is a dedicated leader committed to exceptional customer service. Her expertise spans small business development and branch operations, making her a key asset to Bank47’s concierge banking approach.
Beyond her professional role, Tracy is actively involved in her community and church. A passionate animal lover, she fosters dogs and enjoys traveling with her husband of 35 years. Her dedication to both work and service makes her a valued member of the team and her local community.
Bill Creech brings 14 years of experience in both personal and business banking, with a strong track record in branch management and commercial banking. He has worked with a wide range of clients, from solo practitioners to multi-physician healthcare practices.
In previous roles, Bill led teams of up to 10 individuals, driving profitability and identifying strategic growth opportunities by analyzing sales trends and expanding brand presence into new markets.
Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, Bill spent most of his life in Atlanta. Outside of work, he and his wife Amy enjoy watching their sons play hockey and their daughter compete in girls’ volleyball.
Morgan Harris brings a blend of banking and small business expertise to Bank47, with five years in banking and over eight years of entrepreneurial experience. Before joining Bank47, he served as the Branch Manager for Merit Bank’s Huntsville branch, where he specialized in consumer lending and relationship management. His background also includes experience in loan operations and small business management, having worked alongside his father at BioImaging of Huntsville.
A Huntsville native, Morgan graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Finance. Outside
of work, he enjoys spending time at the gym, exploring the outdoors with his family, and cheering on the Auburn Tigers.
With nearly five decades in banking, Randy Tidwell has led operations, finance, and IT at major financial institutions. He most recently served as Senior Vice President at Progress Bank, playing a key role in its growth before its acquisition by United Community Bank in 2023.
Previously, Randy spent 26 years at Regions Bank, overseeing financial management and contributing to over 100 acquisitions. A graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, he remains active in community service through various banking advisory boards.
