Paragon Financial : Bank opens new Atlanta Banking Center in Buckhead and adds Experienced Financial Services Leaders

Paragon Bank opens new Atlanta Banking Center in Buckhead and adds Experienced Financial Services Leaders

10-26-23

Two New Team Members Join Already Impressive Office; Three Promotions Announced

Paragon Bank is proud to announce the expansion of its team to a thriving new Atlanta-area banking center. In addition to welcoming two tenured financial services team members, three Paragon associates were also promoted.

Robert Shaw, Paragon's President and Chief Executive Officer shared, "We are thrilled to open our new full-service banking center in Atlanta in the thriving area of Buckhead. Paragon's Atlanta team was primarily focused on government guaranteed loans, including SBA and USDA, for the past nine years, and in 2022, we expanded those services to include retail, commercial and mortgage banking. By moving into our beautiful building in Buckhead, located at 293 Pharr Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, it allows us to showcase the value and importance of community banking, while having a growing team of extremely experienced bankers provide a concierge service model to all its customers. Adding Dirk Ledford's leadership and Elisabeth Anderson's extensive experience in building private banking relationships to our team in Atlanta allows us to demonstrate this unique service model even more."

Dirk Ledford is joining Paragon Bank as its new Atlanta Market President. Ledford, an experienced commercial banker, has more than 20 years of experience in financial institutions within the Atlanta Market. He will oversee establishing the Commercial and Private Banking team.

"I eagerly anticipate embarking on this journey as Atlanta Market President for Paragon Bank. Drawing from a diverse career spanning retail, wealth management and commercial banking, I'm committed to sharing my expertise with our outstanding team of bankers, nurturing the future of finance," Ledford stated. "Moreover, I'm thrilled to address the need for a community bank in Buckhead, where clients seek a trusted partner providing exceptional customer service and specialized financial solutions."

Weare excited to welcome Elisabeth Anderson as Senior Vice President, Atlanta Private Banking Director. Elisabeth is a seasoned professional with a strong background in both private and

commercial banking. In her new role, Anderson is poised to leverage her expertise to lead a team dedicated to providing exceptional financial solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of high-net-worth clients and businesses.

"High-touch client service is not just a priority," Anderson explained. "It's our commitment to building lasting partnerships."

Charles Yorke, previously the President of Paragon Small Business Capital Group, a division of Paragon Bank, has been promoted to Paragon's Georgia Market President. Yorke has been with Paragon for nine years. Yorke will oversee the Georgia-based team as Paragon continues to grow its services across the state.

Yorke shares, "I am looking forward to helping Paragon expand our footprint here in Georgia. We are excited to establish our Buckhead location with such a fine team of private and commercial bankers. They will be a terrific complement to our Small Business Capital Group."

Trae Dorough, previously Senior Vice President, Business Development Officer, has been appointed the President of Paragon's Small Business Capital Group. Dorough is a veteran banker, having begun his career at only age 17, specializing in community banking and government guaranteed lending. He will now be responsible for the management and day-to-day operations of Paragon's SBA 7a, SBA 504 and USDA lending efforts throughout the U.S.

"It has been an honor to be part of Paragon Bank for the last two-and-a-half years," Dorough said. "I am excited to begin my new role as President, Paragon Small Business Capital Group. We have an outstanding team of professional government guaranteed lending employees that put an emphasis on customer service and quality growth. I am dedicated to building on the success we have had and growing our department to new heights."

Yolanda Jackson, previously a Universal Banker, has been named Banking Center Manager for Atlanta. Jackson joined Paragon in June 2022 but brings 30 years of banking experience to serving Paragon customers.

"I am excited about my new and expanded opportunities with Paragon," Jackson enthused. "I look forward to continuing our growth within the Atlanta market and beyond."

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