Bill Long, CEO of Yadkin Valley Bank announced Thursday, Aug. 26, that Joseph H. Towell has been named president and chief operating officer. In addition to his current responsibilities, Towell will now oversee all major functional areas of the Bank.

Long will continue to serve as the chief executive officer. “Joe Towell has done a wonderful job leading the credit side of the bank for the past two years. I am confident in Joe’s ability to take on these additional responsibilities with minimal disruption to our internal organization.”

Mark DeMarcus has been promoted to the role of chief banking officer and will oversee retail banking, commercial banking, mortgage, investments, marketing, and branch administration. DeMarcus will report directly to Towell.

Rick Patterson has assumed the responsibilities of regional executive of American Community Bank and will report to DeMarcus along with the regional executives from the other member banks.

Ed Shuford will transition into the role of chief credit officer, while continuing his function as regional credit officer for the high country and Yadkin Valley regions through the end of 2010.

Long added, "I am looking forward to working with this new leadership team as we embrace the challenges presented during this difficult economic period."

To learn more about Yadkin Valley Bank, please visit YadkinValleyBank.com.