South State Bank announced today that Rhett M. Baker has been named market president for Greenwood and the surrounding counties.

"Rhett's extensive experience within and knowledge of these markets make him an invaluable and welcomed addition," said Greg A. Lapointe, South State Bank northern banking group president. "I have known Rhett for several decades and I am delighted to have him join the South State Bank team. His leadership will be essential as we continue to grow in these important markets."

With over 30 years of experience at both large national banks and regional community banks, Baker has worked in investment sales, retail banking and commercial banking. Most recently, Baker served as commercial area executive for Greenwood and the surrounding counties.

A native of Greenwood, Baker earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Wofford College and is also a graduate of Leadership South Carolina and the South Carolina Bankers School.

Baker is an active member of the community and currently serves with the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, the Greenwood Community Foundation, the Uptown Merchants Association and Rotary International. His past service includes Bowers-Rodgers, Self Regional Foundation, the local Boy Scout chapter, Greenwood Economic Alliance, and Greenwood County Library Foundation. Baker also served on the Medical University of South Carolina Board of Visitors and Lander University Board of Visitors.

Baker and his wife Angie currently reside in Greenwood and are members of Main Street United Methodist Church.

South State Corporation is the largest bank holding company headquartered in South Carolina. Founded in 1933, the company's primary subsidiary, South State Bank, has been serving the financial needs of its local communities in 19 South Carolina counties, 12 Georgia counties and 4 North Carolina counties for over 80 years. The bank also operates Minis & Co., Inc. and First Southeast 401K Fiduciaries, Inc., both registered investment advisors; and First Southeast Investor Services, Inc., a limited purpose broker-dealer. South State Corporation has assets of approximately $8.1 billion and its stock is traded under the symbol SSB on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. More information can be found at www.SouthStateBank.com.

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