Southern States Bank said Linda Wise has joined the bank in Columbus as senior vice president and commercial loan officer. She will manage the bank's full-service branch at 1326 13th St.

Wise has over 38 years of banking experience, most recently with BB&T where she served as vice president and market leader. Prior to that, she served as vice president with First Union Bank, now Wells Fargo.

"Linda brings a lot of diverse experience to the bank from her different roles in banking throughout the years," Steve Whatley, chairman, president and CEO of Southern States Bank, said in a statement. "She is rooted in the Columbus community and we are proud to have her as a senior team member."

Wise is active in the Columbus community, currently serving on the board of directors for the Columbus Urban League. She previously served on the board of the Columbus Trade Center and was a previous member of the North Columbus Kiwanis Club. She is a 1994 graduate of Leadership Columbus.