Blue Ridge Bankshares Appoints Interim CEO Following Leadership Transition and Retirement of G. William Beale

Blue Ridge Bankshares Enters New Leadership Era with Interim CEO Appointment

Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. announces a significant leadership transition following the retirement of G. William Beale, effective March 6, 2026. Beale, who took on the role of President and CEO less than three years ago, is celebrated for his pivotal contributions to the bank, particularly in achieving a successful exit from the OCC Consent Order that had affected the bank's reputation and operational capabilities. His tenure is marked by a focused effort to restore Blue Ridge Bank’s standing as a profitable community banking institution, reinforcing the bank's objective of prioritizing customer relationships and community growth.

Chairman of the Board, Vance H. Spilman, conveys gratitude for Beale’s leadership, recognizing his role in guiding the bank through challenging times. At 76, Beale cites age as a contributing factor in his decision to retire but leaves a legacy of restored financial health and robust asset quality. His leadership not only helped navigate regulatory challenges but also set the stage for renewed investment in the bank's community initiatives, establishing a stronger foundation for future growth and profitability.

Stepping into Beale's shoes, Harry Golliday takes over as Interim CEO and President, supported by his extensive experience in the financial services sector, including prior leadership roles at CapitalOne Bank and SunTrust. Joining Blue Ridge Bank in January 2024, Golliday is poised to continue the mission of enhancing the bank’s strategic goals while fostering a collaborative environment with the Board of Directors and executive team. His immediate focus is on building upon the progress made under Beale’s leadership, ensuring that Blue Ridge Bank remains responsive to the evolving needs of its clientele.

Alongside the leadership transition, Blue Ridge Bankshares continues to emphasize its commitment to delivering comprehensive financial services. The bank caters to a diverse clientele with offerings that span retail and commercial banking, investment management, and wealth management services. As the organization transitions into a new chapter under Golliday’s interim leadership, stakeholders remain optimistic about the bank's ongoing commitment to its communities and continued improvement in service delivery.

Blue Ridge Bankshares is determined to not only maintain its recovery trajectory but also to exceed the expectations of its growing customer base. As Golliday leads the bank during this transition, the focus on financial integrity and community-focused banking strategies positions Blue Ridge Bank to build on its legacy of trust and reliability in the banking sector.