Our Leadership Team

Benita E. Lefft serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of Optus Bank, a historic financial institution based in Columbia, South Carolina. In 2023, she made history as the first woman to be appointed President of the bank since its founding in 1921. In her dual role, she oversees the bank’s Retail and Commercial Banking divisions, Deposit and Central Operations, Human Resources, and Marketing and Communications. 

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Prior to joining Optus Bank, Lefft had a distinguished 30-year career with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., where she held several senior leadership roles across markets in Charlotte, NC; Columbia, SC; and Orangeburg, SC. Her responsibilities included serving as Senior Vice President and Head of the Middle Market Credit Services Division, Chief Operating Officer, Area City Executive, E-Marketplace Director, and Community Banking CRA Officer. Throughout her tenure, she led high-impact teams across the Southeast, Midwest, and India for both regional and global financial institutions.

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A native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Lefft holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Political Science and Economics from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Dayton in Ohio. 

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Lefft is an active thought leader and speaker, having presented at Community Development Bankers Association (CDBA)Peer Forums on topics such as cash flow lending strategies and impact measurement for CDFIs. She is frequently invited to speak at universities and nonprofit organizations on issues related to small business development, financial inclusion, and women’s empowerment. 

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Deeply committed to community service, Lefft serves on the board of the South Carolina Bankers Association as a Midlands representative and is the current Chair of the Pearls of Service Community Foundation. Benita E. Lefft is widely recognized for her operational excellence, visionary leadership, and dedication to creating equitable access to financial opportunity.