Bakari Sellers joins Optus Financial and Optus Bank boards

Optus Financial Corporation named Bakari Sellers to its board and the board of Optus Bank, effective immediately, as the South Carolina lender marks 105 years in business. The appointment adds a high-profile attorney, former state legislator and media commentator to support the bank’s next phase of growth and community lending.

Why it matters: - Bakari Sellers brings legal, public policy and communications experience to Optus Financial Corporation and Optus Bank as both organizations pursue long-term growth. - The appointment adds a nationally recognized South Carolina leader to a bank focused on expanding economic opportunity and financial empowerment. - Optus Bank is using the move to reinforce its mission as it looks ahead to its next century of service.

What happened: - Optus Financial Corporation appointed Bakari Sellers to the Boards of Directors of Optus Financial Corporation and Optus Bank, effective immediately. - Sellers is a South Carolina native, attorney, author, CNN political commentator and former South Carolina state legislator. - Sellers currently works at Strom Law Firm, LLC, where he leads the firm’s civil rights litigation team.

The details: - Sellers graduated from Morehouse College and the University of South Carolina School of Law. - Optus Financial Corporation said Sellers’ background in law, public policy, strategic communications and community leadership aligns with its mission. - Paul Mitchell, chairman of the board of Optus Financial Corporation and Optus Bank, said Sellers’ insight and leadership will be an asset as the organization advances strategic priorities and positions itself for long-term growth. - Benita Lefft, president and chief operating officer of Optus Bank, said Sellers’ experience and perspective will support the bank’s mission and strategic objectives. - Optus Bank is celebrating 105 years of “Banking on Communities.” - The bank was founded in 1921. - Optus Bank describes itself as South Carolina’s only Black-owned bank and one of the nation’s premier Mission Driven Institutions. - The bank says its focus is creating pathways to capital and economic opportunity for individuals, businesses and communities that have historically been underserved.

Between the lines: - The board appointment signals that Optus Bank wants leadership with both civic credibility and institutional reach as it grows. - Sellers’ mix of legal, political and media experience fits a bank that positions community impact as part of its brand and strategy. - The timing, during a 105-year anniversary year, suggests Optus Bank is framing the appointment as part of a broader next-chapter narrative.

What's next: - Sellers is expected to contribute to board oversight as Optus Financial Corporation and Optus Bank continue executing their strategic priorities. - Optus Bank will likely continue leaning on its community-focused identity as it builds on more than a century of operations. - More information is available through the bank’s LinkedIn page, Instagram account, Facebook page and YouTube channel.