GBA Member Profile

Pete Stuart
Security Director
State Bank & Trust, Macon
GBA Security Committee Chair


How did you get into banking as a career?
I was actually recruited by State Bank & Trust and after several meetings with executive management I felt confident that I could apply my prior work experience to enhance the security efforts of State Bank.

What was your first job, and was there a lesson you learned there that you still use today? 
I went to work for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent straight out of college. During my career with the GBI I became involved with the training of agents assigned to the investigative division and prior to my retirement was assigned as the Training Director for the GBI. Working complex cases as a Special Agent and my experience as a trainer for the GBI has certainly prepared me for the everyday challenges as the Security Director for State Bank & Trust.

What’s the most challenging security issue for banks these days?
One of today's most challenging security issues is making sure that bank employees are provided a safe working environment. This can be accomplished through exceptional employee security training and having the right security technology in place. This is more important than ever with the reduction of workforce in retail banking.

How does your involvement in GBA help you and your bank?
GBA has been instrumental in providing outstanding training and providing a platform for the sharing of information that not only benefits State Bank but all of our banking community.

When you are not at work, what do you like to do most?
When I am not working I can be found at our cabin on Lake Sinclair fishing with my son. As soon as I set foot on our lake property the everyday stresses of life melts away.