Leadership

Mr. Williams has more than 40 years of banking industry experience. He was one of the original organizers of Cheaha Bank, where he served on its Board and as its CEO and President from its inception until its acquisition. He has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Auburn University.

He’s been married for 45 years to his college sweetheart, and together they enjoy spending time with their family in Utah. When he’s not with family or at the bank, he’s likely in the great outdoors, enjoying his passion for bird hunting.

Mr. Davis is an experienced leader, commercial banker, and lifelong native of Madison County whose entire banking career of more than 20 years has been local, serving the North Alabama community. He is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University, holds an MBA from the University of North Alabama, and has a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from The University of Alabama.

As a devoted husband, father of two little girls, active church member, and an Alabama football fan, Matt is dedicated to both his family and the community he loves.

Mr. Rice was one of the original organizers of Cheaha Bank, served on its Board since inception, and served as the Chairman until the bank was acquired in 2021. Mr. Rice has a lengthy career as an attorney with Rice, Rice & Yates, P.C. and is a lifelong resident of Oxford, Alabama. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1980 and Cumberland Law School in 1983. He began his legal career with the firm of Phillips and Rice in Anniston in 1983. In 1988, he and his brother Bruce formed his current law firm. Mr. Rice is a member of the Alabama Bar Association and Calhoun County Bar Association.

He has served on the Calhoun County Homebuilders Association and is a long-time member of his church. Whenever the opportunity arises, he enjoys pursuing turkey hunting.

A native of Fort Payne, Alabama, Mr. Craig is a 2003 graduate of the University of Alabama, where he earned a degree in Finance. He began his banking career in 2004 and brings more than 21 years of experience to his role as Chief Credit Officer.

Outside of banking, he is an active member of Jackson Way Baptist Church, where he previously served as Chair of the Stewardship Committee. He and his wife have been married for 22 years and have three children. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family.

With over 40 years in banking, Steve Beaird brings extensive financial and operational experience to Nova Bank. He spent 35 years with FNB Bank of Scottsboro, serving as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer for the past 21 years.

An Auburn University graduate with a degree in Finance, he also completed the Alabama Banking School and the Bank Administration program at the Bank Administration School.

Married to his high school sweetheart for 46 years, Mr. Beaird is a proud father and “Pops” to two grandchildren. He serves as an Elder and choir member at the Scottsboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church and enjoys golf, travel, and cheering on Auburn sports.

Mr. Dauser has a 26 year career in banking and has worked various roles involving compliance management, risk management, BSA/AML/OFAC, compliance audit, fraud/loss prevention, corporate security, and fraud investigations. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree from Auburn University at Montgomery. He is a Certified Anti-money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM). John is a graduate of Stonier Graduate School of Banking—Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Dauser serves as a founding and executive board member of the Alabama ACAMS Chapter.

He is married and a devoted girl dad to two daughters. When not working, he enjoys cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide or enjoying the outdoors.

Raised in Madison County, Travelle Hawthorne brings over 20 years of experience in the banking industry, combining deep financial expertise with a passion for operational excellence. A graduate of the University of Alabama, she earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with a concentration in Banking and Financial Services. She later completed an MBA to strengthen her leadership and strategic capabilities.

Outside of work, Ms. Hawthorne enjoys spending quality time with family, traveling with her daughter, and cheering on the Crimson Tide, all while creating memorable experiences that reflect her values of connection and exploration.

Mrs. Rutledge was the Owner and Director of Sunflower Station Preschool in Huntsville for more than 10 years before selling her business in 2022. She graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies as well as Early Childhood Education (2008). Once returning to her hometown, Huntsville, she continued her education by receiving a Child Development Assistant degree and the equivalent of a Business minor from UAH. Entrepreneurs at heart, Mrs. Rutledge and her husband are involved in a variety of ventures across multiple industries.

Mrs. Rutledge is also active in Zeta Tau Alpha as an Alumna and is now serving as an Alumnae National Officer. She enjoys spending time at the lake with her family- her husband, daughter, and two step-sons.

Mr. Scales has 7 years of versatile banking experience across multiple roles. A proud alumnus of Alabama A&M, he holds a degree is Graphic Design with a minor in Marketing. He is an active small business owner in the community and has served as a supervisor.

Outside of work, Mr. Scales enjoys spending time with his nephews, traveling to new destinations, and creating beautiful portrait art.

Mr. Busing has over 22 years banking experience in Madison, Morgan and Limestone counties with a focus on construction lending and land development, commercial lending and personal home equity lines of credit. He is a graduate of Athens State University with BS degrees in Accounting and Business Administration and is a graduate of the Tennessee School of Banking – Commercial Lending.

For the past 10 years, he has served on the Board of Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Board and is currently the Board Chair. He is active in his church and has previously served as Finance Committee Chair, Sunday School teacher and Deacon. Mr. Busing has also served on Board with The Greater Morgan County Home Builders Association and Habitat for Humanity. Favorite pastimes include golfing and spending quality time with his wife and 2 grown children.