Meet our team

Meet our team in Columbia

John C. Griggs, III

Market President
South Carolina Central Region

A native South Carolinian, John joined Synovus after earning his bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. He is also a graduate of the South Carolina Bankers School, and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. In 2017, John received two key honors; he was named Outstanding Young Banker for 2017 by the South Carolina Bankers Association, and he was selected by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce as the Young Professional of the Year. When he isn’t working, John enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, and watching Gamecock football.

Work in our community

  • Immediate Past Chair, Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital Board
  • Past Chair, SC Bankers School
  • Board Member, Palmetto Health Foundation
  • Board Member, Columbia Chamber of Commerce
  • Board Member, City Center Partnership
  • Board Member, USC Alumni Association Richland Lexington Chapter

Jarred Overcash

Regional Retail Sales Manager
South Carolina

Jarred joined Synovus in 2018 bringing 20 years of banking experience with him. He earned a Business Administration and Management degree from the College of Charleston, where he also played baseball. Jarred is motivated by building effective relationships with everyone in the industry, whether competitor, customer, peer, team member, direct report or prospect. He has been successful at coaching his team to a high performance of helping customers reach their financial goals. When not working, Jarred enjoys fishing, family beach trips and supporting his 4 daughters’ athletic activities.

Work in our community

  • Graduate of Leadership Charleston 2014
  • Graduate of the SC Bankers School 2019
  • Series 6 & 63 licensed and SC Life and Health
  • Volunteer and Supporter, United Way Organizations
  • Member, Charleston Chamber of Commerce
  • Member, College of Charleston Enactus
  • Volunteer and Supporter, American Cancer Society
  • Volunteer Baseball Coach Bishop England High School 2001-2004

M. Blake Dowd

Commercial Market Lead, Lexington

Blake joined Synovus in 2012 after graduating from Presbyterian College, in Clinton S.C. As the leader of our commercial banking efforts in Lexington County, Blake partners with the retail banking team to help business owners and their employees with their financial service needs.

Work in our community

  • United Way – Young Leaders Society
  • Volunteer at Harvest Hope Food Bank
  • March of Dimes, March for Babies, Synovus Team Co-Chair
  •  Board Member - Easter Seals SC
  • Finance Committee Member – South Carolina Synod, Lutheran Church

Sam Baxter

Director of Private Wealth
South Carolina

During Sam’s 34-plus years as a banker, he’s served clients and industries in locations from the Upstate to coastal South Carolina. As South Carolina's Senior Director of Private Wealth, Sam supports Synovus offices in Columbia, Lexington, Camden, Sumter, Florence, Manning and Bishopville counties. He also dedicates time and expertise to a wide range of community activities.

Work in our community

  • Finance Committee Member, United Way of the Midlands
  • Member, Palmetto Society, United Way of the Midlands
  • Member, South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association
  • Member, University Associates, University of South Carolina
  • Member, Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce
  • Member, Junior Achievement
  • Volunteer, Harvest Hope Food Bank
  • Volunteer, March of Dimes

Boyd Jones

Director, Middle Market Banking
South Carolina

A South Carolina banking veteran, Boyd joined NBSC (now known as Synovus) in 1991. He is responsible for supervising our commercial and industrial lending, a role that allows him to help businesses and organizations statewide to expand and grow. Located in Columbia, Boyd is also an active community leader with extensive local and regional involvement.

Work in our community

  • Board Chairman, Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce
  • Board Member, Benedict College
  • Chairman, USC Educational Foundation
  • Board of Advisors, Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina
  • Past Chairman, City Center Partnership
  • Member, South Carolina Bankers Association
  • Past Member, South Carolina Business Industry Political Education Committee
  • Past Board Member, Boy Scouts of America (Indian Waters Council)

Tyler Hudson

Director, Commercial Real Estate

Tyler joined Synovus in 1997, and over the years has worked in a variety of roles. Originally from Kentucky, he earned a bachelor’s in Political Science and Business Administration from Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. In 2011, Tyler was named Outstanding Young Alumnus from his alma mater, and was recognized by the South Carolina Bankers Association as Outstanding Young Banker.

Married with three sons, he enjoys golf, outdoor activities, and watching his sons play sports.  

Work in our community

  • Junior Achievement of Greater SC Board
  • South Carolina Business Hall of Fame Chair
  • The River Alliance Board of Directors
  • Columbia Development Corporation- Executive Committee
  • Downtown Presbyterian Church – Elder
  • SC Independent Colleges and Universities Board – Retirement Planning Committee