Benita Lefft, President and Chief Operating Officer of Optus Bank, has joined the Board of Directors of Business Development Corporation (BDC).
Lefft has more than 30 years of experience in commercial banking, credit risk, operations, strategy, human resources, marketing, and regulatory compliance. She’s been with Optus Bank since 2022, leading enterprise-wide operations, strategic planning, sales growth, governance, and community engagement.
Optus Bank was founded as Victory Savings Bank in 1921 as South Carolina’s first Black-owned bank. Renamed Optus Bank in 2019, the historic institution remains based in downtown Columbia and continues its focus on supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses as a U.S. Treasury-Certified Community Development Financial Institution.
Prior to joining Optus Bank, Lefft spent three decades with Wells Fargo in progressively senior roles managing budgets and employee teams, driving multimillion-dollar efficiency gains, leading large-scale credit and risk operations, and supporting major transformation, merger, and asset management initiatives.
A graduate of the University of South Carolina with an MBA from the University of Dayton, Lefft is a member of the USC Board of Visitors and the SC Bankers Association Board. She also is president and organizer for the Greater York County Chapter Top Ladies of Distinction and serves on the Board of Pensions for the Western NC Conference United Methodist Church and as a speaker in Executive Leadership Series at the SC State University School of Business.
“BDC has long played an important role in helping South Carolina businesses access the capital and resources they need to grow, create jobs, and strengthen local communities,” said Lefft. “I’m honored to join the Board and work alongside fellow directors to support BDC’s mission, expand opportunities for entrepreneurs, and help advance sustainable economic development across the Palmetto State for years to come.”
“Benita Lefft brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and deep connections to the business communities we serve. We’re delighted and honored that she has joined our Board,” said Peter G. Shand, BDC President and CEO.
