James H. Sills, III

James H. Sills, III has over 30 years of banking and technology management experience. His background includes a unique combination of executive experience within large-scale banking operations, community banks, and government organizations. M&F is a publicly traded (MFBP) community bank with over a century of consistent profitability. Since its founding in 1907, the bank has experienced regional growth with total assets of $428 million, serving the top five NC markets through a network of branches.

Sills has served as the President and CEO of M&F Bank and M&F Bancorp, Inc. since 2014. Sills has been a driving force behind strengthening and preparing the Institution for the 21st century and beyond. During his tenure, he has led rebranding efforts, diversified the bank’s customer base, increased product offerings and digital expansion. Sills has worked to position the bank as a major community partner providing access to capital, impacting the local economy.

Prior to his appointment as M&F Bank CEO, Sills was a technology and financial services executive, with roles in the public and private sector. From 2009-2014, Sills was honored to serve the State of Delaware, as a Cabinet Secretary and Chief Information Officer (CIO). Sills was also an Executive Vice President of MBNA America Bank, the nation’s largest independent Credit Card Bank (now Bank of America). In this capacity, he led Corporate Technology Solutions for the $80 Billion U.S. Card Division. In his previous tenure as a community banker, Sills served as the President and CEO of Memphis First Community Bank (now Landmark Community Bank) in Memphis, TN.

Sills’ brand of impactful thought leadership can be felt through involvement in numerous national, regional and local organizations. Examples include service on the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, including Chairman of the Audit Committee; Immediate Past Chairman of the North Carolina Bankers Association, representing the Nation’s 10th largest banking market; Secretary and Executive Committee member of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and Chairman of the Minority Banking Council; National Bankers Association (NBA) Board of Directors; Executive Committee, NC State Chamber and Chair of the DEI Advisory Board; and former member of FDIC Minority Banking Advisory Committee. Sills is a member of the Board of Visitors – NC A&T State University and NC Central University and serves on the YMCA of the Triangle Board Development Committee.

Mr. Sills received a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He is also a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Banking School.