Countybank’s Paul Pickhardt Retires

“We are incredibly grateful for how Paul has built and grown our SBA lending department since joining Countybank in May 2017,” says R. Thornwell Dunlap III, President and CEO of Countybank. 

Ken Harper, Countybank’s Chief Banking Officer, adds, “We appreciate all the ways Paul made our organization better. His enthusiasm and work ethic have been and remain exemplary.”

“While we will miss Paul’s leadership and wish him nothing but the best as he enters retirement.” 

“It’s bittersweet to be leaving the team I have worked with for so many years,” says Paul.

“But I’m excited to begin this new chapter of my life and know I’m leaving the team in good hands. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this portion of my career. Your support has meant the world to me.”

Pickhardt has worked for Countybank for more than six years. He has been instrumental in developing the SBA lending department into the team it is today. 

Countybank has received multiple accolades for its SBA lending program’s success, including being named the top SBA 7(a) South Carolina-based lender for four consecutive years  from 2019 through 2022. Additionally, his team surpassed a notable milestone of more than $100 million in loan closings in 2022.

Chris Jackson, who joined Countybank as Senior Vice President, SBA Division Manager in June, will take over the SBA division leadership.

Founded in 1933, Countybank is a community-oriented financial services provider with locations across Upstate South Carolina.