Cadence Bank announced the appointment of Shanna Kuzdzal as Chief Legal Officer. Kuzdzal succeeds Chuck Pignuolo, who has served as Cadence’s chief legal officer since 2014 and will retire on June 30, 2023.

In her new role, Kuzdzal will provide legal counsel to Cadence Bank’s board of directors, executive leadership and senior management. In addition, Kuzdzal will lead a talented team of in-house attorneys and guide the corporate legal strategy, ensuring it is aligned with the company's strategic priorities and objectives.

“Shanna is an experienced attorney with a strong legal background in the financial services industry, and we are fortunate to have her join our company," said Dan Rollins, chairman and CEO of Cadence Bank. “As we welcome Shanna, we also wish to acknowledge Chuck’s many valuable contributions over his time with us. Shanna’s innovative approach to handling legal matters as well as her proven decision-making, communication and negotiation skills will build on the solid foundation that Chuck has laid. She will play an instrumental role in supporting our company and its leaders.”

Kuzdzal is a seasoned attorney with nearly two decades of legal experience in the corporate, finance, securities, and M&A sectors. Before joining Cadence, Kuzdzal was the senior executive vice president and general counsel of Stellar Bancorp, Inc., created by the merger of Allegiance Bancshares, Inc. and CBTX, Inc.. She served as senior vice president and associate general counsel at Prosperity Bank prior to her role at Stellar Bancorp. Previously, she worked at Bracewell (formerly Bracewell & Giuliani) as a corporate and securities attorney.

“I'm excited to be offered the opportunity to serve as chief legal officer, and I look forward to working with the outstanding team here at Cadence Bank,” said Kuzdzal. “Chuck has been an exceptional leader and I feel privileged to take the next step in furthering the company’s legal operations as we work to cement our place as the region’s leading financial institution.”

Kuzdal received her J.D. with honors from The University of Texas School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and biology from Rice University. Actively involved in the Houston community, she is president-elect and a director at The Women’s Resource of Greater Houston, a director and immediate past president at the Southwest Association of Bank Counsel, and a member of the Executive Women’s Partnership of the Greater Houston Partnership.