Touchstone Bankshares and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Touchstone Bank, appointed Michelle H. Simon senior vice president and marketing director at the bank. Simon will be responsible for leading key priorities such as designing and implementing marketing strategies, directing sales initiatives and improving brand awareness. Simon began her new role with Touchstone Bank in mid-July.

“Marketing is an important aspect of our growth strategy at Touchstone and having Michelle join our team will help us move forward and differentiate ourselves,” James Black, president and CEO of Touchstone Bank. “Her depth of bank marketing experience, brand management, and strategic planning capabilities are extremely valuable and will play a vital role for us as we expand into more metro markets.”

Most recently, Simon served as director of public relations and corporate communications at a multi-billion-dollar financial institution based in Virginia, where she led the public relations and corporate communication initiatives, marketing sales campaigns and specialized commercial bank marketing efforts. Simon has served as a marketer in the community banking industry throughout her career. Her career achievements include developing award-winning sales, marketing and branding initiatives as well as distinct brands, product lines and marketing/advertising strategies for community banks of various asset sizes.

“I am very excited to take on this role with Touchstone Bank and I am honored to be part of a bank that truly goes above and beyond to make a difference in the communities it serves,” Simon said. “I look forward to helping Touchstone continue its pattern of growth and success. It is truly a privilege to join this outstanding team of community bankers, and I look forward to my future at Touchstone Bank.”