Charles W. (Will) Heaps has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Huntsville-based Merit Bank. Heaps was part of the founding group that launched Merit Bank in July of 2019, raising $25M from local investors in just 60 days and increasing assets by more than 300% in its first six months.
Initially serving as Executive Vice President and Director, Heaps has led Merit Bank as Interim President since March 2021. Under his leadership, Merit Bank has continued to experience tremendous growth. In just over two years, the bank has surpassed $200 million in assets.
Heaps has 20 years of banking experience with an extensive record of success in commercial and agricultural lending. Before launching Merit Bank, Heaps previously served as Senior Vice President for ServisFirst Bank. Active in the community, Heaps currently serves on the Council on Finance and Administration for the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church.