Prominent Charlotte Business Executive Ralph Strayhorn Joins Smith Anderson

With 40 years in executive leadership, Strayhorn bolsters Smith Anderson’s state-wide footprint, as the firm continues to serve clients nationwide and abroad.

Smith Anderson is pleased to announce that Ralph Strayhorn, an attorney and highly respected leader in North Carolina’s business and economic development community, has joined the firm as Of Counsel.

With more than 40 years of executive leadership across banking and other industries, Strayhorn is recognized as a proven North Carolina business leader with deep statewide relationships and knowledge in navigating complex financial and regulatory landscapes. He has served as President and CEO, as well as a board member at several banks throughout his distinguished career. He continues to serve as Executive Chairman of New Republic Partners, Inc. and New Republic Bank in Charlotte, where he previously served as President and CEO. Beyond banking, his board service has extended to hospitality, industrial services, precious metals and nonprofit enterprises, and his experience spans successfully executing corporate restructurings, private equity placements and mergers.

Strayhorn’s influence extends beyond the boardroom into advancing statewide economic development and public service. He currently serves as Chair of the Golden LEAF Foundation, a nonprofit established to strengthen North Carolina’s rural, tobacco-dependent and economically distressed communities through job creation, grantmaking, scholarships and workforce preparedness. Appointed by the Governor and reappointed by the Speaker of the House, Strayhorn’s Golden LEAF leadership underscores his role as a statewide voice for economic progress. With strong ties in Charlotte and across North Carolina, Strayhorn further expands Smith Anderson’s statewide presence, complementing the firm’s work with clients nationwide and globally.

"Ralph brings an invaluable combination of executive leadership, economic development insight and public service," said Byron Kirkland, Managing Partner of Smith Anderson. "His extensive relationships and his ability to connect big-picture strategy to clients’ real-world challenges make him an exceptional resource. We’re proud to welcome him and the perspective he brings to our team."

"I’ve worked alongside Smith Anderson attorneys throughout my career and have long respected their caliber and character," said Ralph Strayhorn. "I’m excited to join a firm that shares my commitment to service and excellence, and I look forward to contributing my experience to support clients navigating financial, regulatory and strategic challenges."

A Durham native, Strayhorn has spent most of his professional life in Charlotte and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his undergraduate and law degrees. In addition to his legal and banking expertise, he has been an active speaker on corporate governance and financial regulation and currently serves on numerous civic and professional boards.

For more information about Smith Anderson and its team, visit www.smithlaw.com.