Charleston, SC Mayor William Cogswell honors Southern First Bank
June 24, 2025
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. holding company for Southern First Bank, announced that it has been recognized by the City of Charleston with a local proclamation for National Homeownership Month.
The proclamation, presented on June 17, 2025, by Charleston Mayor William Cogswell, honors the value of homeownership as a foundation for security, prosperity, and strong communities and acknowledges Southern First’s partnership in helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership.
Photo caption: Lawanna Smith, Lizzy Rollins, Chak Or, Southern First Mortgage Executive Doug Barnett, Mayor William Cogswell, Southern First Regional President Jimmy Bailey, Geona Shaw Johnson, Rebecca Dail
Regional President Jimmy Bailey and Mortgage Executive Doug Barnett accepted the proclamation along with three Charleston residents who are new homeowners thanks to the partnership: Lawanna Smith, an Administrator at the Medical University of South Carolina, Lizzy Rollins, a small business owner in downtown Charleston, and Chak Or, a third-grade math teacher at Mitchell Elementary.
“This year, Southern First is celebrating 25 years of impacting lives, and today, I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce three of the many families that have been impacted by this initiative to the city council. These folks represent the fabric of Charleston, and we are honored and humbled to work alongside the city to make their dreams a reality,” said Barnett.
Southern First recognizes that purchasing a home is one of the most impactful and wealth-building events in a person’s life, but many buyers encounter obstacles such as a lack of funds for a down payment, lack of access to credit, or lack of information about the homebuying process necessary to begin the path to homeownership. With this in mind, the bank created a mortgage product that makes it easier for everyone in the communities it serves to achieve their homeownership goals. The Dream Mortgage is serviced by Southern First and offers up to 100% financing with no down payment and no mortgage insurance required.
Through offering the Dream Mortgage along with a variety of other loan products with competitive rates and low down payment options such as FHA, VA and USDA loans, Southern First is committed to providing all homebuyers with access to information and loan programs to fit their needs.
“Financial institutions play a key and vital role in providing tools and resources, including financial education and lending opportunities, to help more residents achieve the dream of homeownership,” said Mayor Cogswell. “This year’s theme — Everyone deserves a place to call home — reminds us of the lasting impact homeownership has on families, neighborhoods and our economy.”
About Southern First Bancshares
Southern First Bancshares, Inc., Greenville, South Carolina is a registered bank holding company incorporated under the laws of South Carolina. The company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Southern First Bank, is the second largest bank headquartered in South Carolina. Southern First Bank has been providing financial services since 1999 and now operates in 13 locations in the Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston markets of South Carolina as well as the Charlotte, Triangle and Triad regions of North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia. Southern First Bancshares has consolidated assets of approximately $4.3 billion and its common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SFST.” More information can be found at www.southernfirst.com.
