M&F Bank Elects Sonny Haynes and Courtney Crowder to Board of Directors

DURHAM, N.C. – Aug. 14, 2025 – M&F Bank, North Carolina’s only Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and minority-owned bank, elected two new members to its board of directors: Sonny S. Haynes, partner at Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, and Courtney A. Crowder, managing director and chair of advocacy for the Southern U.S. Region at APCO Worldwide. Their election reflects the bank’s continued commitment to strong governance, strategic growth, and intentional community engagement.

With deep roots in law, policy and leadership, both Haynes and Crowder bring a breadth of knowledge and experience that will support M&F Bank as it moves forward with its mission to empower its customers, teams and communities.

Haynes is a seasoned trial attorney with 15 years of high-stakes civil litigation experience in state and federal courts. She is widely respected for her sharp legal mind, strategic judgment, and leadership beyond the courtroom. Haynes was named a Triad Business Journal “40 Under 40” honoree in 2021, a Minority Corporate Counsel Association Rising Star in 2020, and received the North Carolina Bar Association’s Citizen Lawyer Award in 2016. She currently serves as chair-elect for the board of directors of the Women’s Foundation of the South and was recently selected as a participant in Greater Winston-Salem Inc.’s 2025 Emerging Leaders Program. In her new role with M&F Bank, Sonny brings a sharp, business‑driven mindset; trial‑honed judgment; and strong analytical capacity for assessing enterprise-level and regulatory risk. Her experience navigating complex operational environments supports the bank’s mission to empower and enhance the wealth and well-being of its communities and shareholders.

“I’m committed to expanding access to financial services for individuals, communities, and businesses that have historically been underserved,” said Haynes. “It’s a privilege to serve on the board of M&F Bank, an institution with a mission rooted in economic empowerment and inclusive growth. I look forward to supporting the bank’s strategic vision as it continues to strengthen communities and drive lasting impact.”

Crowder is an accomplished executive with more than two decades of experience in public policy, governance and strategic advisory work. He is well known for leading complex initiatives across both public and private sectors, with particular expertise in navigating regulatory environments and shaping public affairs strategies. As managing director and chair of advocacy at APCO Worldwide, Crowder leads teams to work with corporate, governmental and nonprofit partners to influence policy and operational outcomes. He brings a deep understanding of state and federal financial policy, a strong background in board governance, and a passion for aligning strategic goals with governance best practices.

“As a North Carolina native, I have grown up – both literally and figuratively – in the shadow of M&F Bank, and it’s truly an honor to join the board of such a well-respected financial institution,” said

Crowder. “The institution’s rich history and its mission of empowerment are personally inspiring, and I look forward to continuing and even enhancing that legacy with my fellow board members.”

“We are deeply grateful to welcome Sonny and Courtney to our board,” said James A. Stewart, board chairman of M&F Bank. “Their professional expertise, servant leadership and deep understanding of the communities we serve will be instrumental to our next steps as an organization. I look forward to their strategic insights as we serve and strengthen North Carolina communities together.”

Both Haynes and Crowder’s appointments were effective in April 2025 and June 2025, respectively.

About M&F Bank

Founded in 1907 in North Carolina, M&F Bank is the second-oldest African American owned bank in the United States. With more than $500 million in total assets, M&F Bank is the eighth-largest African American owned financial institution in the U.S. and is the only Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and minority-owned bank in North Carolina. The bank’s mission is to promote personal and community development by providing capital to small- and medium-sized businesses in its local communities. M&F Bank serves thousands of customers and operates seven locations throughout Durham, Raleigh, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte. To learn more, visit MFBonline.com or follow along on LinkedIn.