Member Spotlight: SouthState Bank’s Ashley Carson Makes Connections that Help Midtown Thrive
09/16/2026
In her role as Executive VP and Atlanta Division President of SouthState Bank, Ashley Carson leads a workforce of some 200+ team members committed to building meaningful relationships that strengthen the communities they serve. That commitment extends to Midtown, where SouthState has been a proud Midtown Alliance member since 2003.
SouthState’s Atlanta division provides commercial, emerging middle market, middle market, commercial real estate, not-for-profit, and private banking services. It also includes nine retail branches, including a Midtown location at West Peachtree and 3rd Street.
When the Midtown Improvement District needed a financial partner for the 2025 acquisition of the four-acre Midtown Green site, it turned to SouthState to lead the bond financing. And SouthState further demonstrated its commitment to the community by signing on as the presenting sponsor for Midtown Alliance’s 2026 Outdoor Movie Nights.
We connected with Ashley to find out more about SouthState’s work in Atlanta, and why she’s enthusiastic about Midtown’s future.
How long have you lived in Atlanta?
I came to Atlanta to attend graduate school at Emory University and quickly fell in love with the city's energy, opportunity, and sense of community. What was intended to be a temporary move became home, and I've never looked back. Atlanta has given me an incredible career, lasting friendships, and a community I'm proud to serve. After 27 years here, I still believe the city's best days are ahead, and Midtown is one of the primary reasons why.
How long have you worked at SouthState?
I've spent more than 30 years in banking and have had the privilege of serving clients and communities throughout my career. For nearly 20 years, I've called SouthState home, and today I serve as Atlanta Division President. I lead a team that is deeply committed to building relationships. What has kept me here is our commitment to relationship banking, local decision-making, and making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. SouthState has grown to $70B in assets, but we remain focused on helping our clients, teammates, and communities succeed.
Why is Midtown the location of choice for SouthState?
Midtown is one of the most vibrant and influential business districts in the Southeast. It brings together world-class companies, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and cultural organizations in a highly connected environment. SouthState is proud to have both a commercial banking office and a branch located at 712 West Peachtree Street. Being in Midtown puts us close to our clients, our community partners, and many of the people and organizations helping shape Atlanta's future.
Describe the workplace culture at SouthState.
SouthState combines the capabilities of a larger financial institution with the relationship-driven culture of a community bank. We value integrity, collaboration, accountability, and service. Our teammates genuinely care about each other, our clients, and the communities where we live and work. SouthState was recently recognized among the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “Best Places to Work," moving from 21st to 8th in this category.
What was SouthState’s role in helping bring the Midtown Green land acquisition to fruition?
SouthState has had a longstanding relationship with Midtown Alliance and the Midtown Improvement District, and this was an opportunity for us to lean into that partnership and help them start something that will be transformative for our city. When we think about the projects and organizations that are important to us, the bond financing SouthState led for the Midtown Green land acquisition is a strong example of how collaboration can support transformational community projects.
Talk about why SouthState became the presenting sponsor for Midtown Alliance's 2026 Outdoor Movie Nights.
At SouthState, we believe strong communities are built through meaningful investments and shared experiences. Sponsoring the Outdoor Movie Night series is a natural extension of our commitment to supporting experiences that bring people together and enhance quality of life in Midtown. The Outdoor Movie Night series creates an opportunity for families, friends, neighbors, and visitors to gather and enjoy everything Midtown has to offer while supporting the kind of vibrant community where people want to live, work and thrive.
How else is SouthState's workforce positively impacting Atlanta through community service?
Community involvement is part of who we are, and we believe service extends beyond the workplace. With 32 hours of paid volunteer time each year, our teammates can invest their time and talents where they can make the greatest difference. They volunteer with nonprofit organizations, support financial literacy efforts, mentor emerging leaders, participate in neighborhood improvement initiatives, and contribute to causes that strengthen the fabric of Atlanta.
What's your role on the Midtown Alliance Board?
I'm honored to serve. Having lived in Atlanta for nearly three decades, I've witnessed Midtown's transformation into a world-class destination for business, innovation, culture, and community. Serving on the Midtown Alliance Board gives me the opportunity to build authentic relationships leaders who care deeply about Atlanta’s future and to support Midtown’s continued vitality and long-term success.
In your view, what is the secret ingredient to Midtown Alliance's success with creating a place where people want to be?
Midtown Alliance has been successful because it brings together diverse stakeholders around a shared vision for the community. The organization and its leadership understand that creating a great place requires more than economic development. It requires thoughtful planning, public spaces, transportation, arts and culture, and a commitment to fostering connection. Midtown feels dynamic and welcoming because Midtown Alliance has consistently focused on creating an environment where people can live, work, learn, and enjoy life. One of the biggest drivers has been Midtown’s sustained investment in walkability, improvements and public safety, which has helped create a more connected and welcoming street-level experience.