Georgia Bankers Named to ABA Committees for 2026-2027
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Congratulations to the Georgia bankers who are serving on American Bankers Association committees and councils for the 2026-2027 term. These leaders will share their expertise and represent Georgia's banking industry in important discussions at the national level.
Agricultural and Rural Bankers Admin Committee
- Clint Hood, SVP - Director, Ag & Timber Group, Synovus Bank – Member
Community Bankers Council
- Neil Stevens, President & CEO, Oconee State Bank – Vice Chair
- John Barker, President & CEO, First Bank of Pike – Member
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Eli Tinsley, President and CEO, Planters First Bank – Member
Community Bankers Council Administrative Committee
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Neil Stevens, President & CEO, Oconee State Bank – Vice Chair
Emerging Leaders Council
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Jamie Langham, Regional President Bibb/Houston, Planters First Bank – Member
Government Relations Council
Membership Council
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Brad Barber, President & CEO, First National Bank – Member
- Philip Williams, EVP, Georgia Banking President, The Claxton Bank – Member
Minority Depository Institutions (MDI) Advisory Council
- Dominik Mjartan, President & CEO, American Pride Bank – Vice Chair
Stonier Graduate School of Banking Advisory Board
- Matt Maxey, Chief Innovation Officer, Synovus Bank – Member
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50th Annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week: A Golden Celebration!
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A golden milestone deserves a special celebration. Thanks to our friends at the Georgia Peanut Commission and the nearly 150 participating bank branches across the state for making the 50th-Annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week a success. GBA members joined in honoring Georgia’s peanut farmers and celebrating the peanut industry's important role in our state’s economy. From tasty peanut giveaways and contests to creative social media posts and community activities, banks found plenty of fun ways to mark the occasion. Check out a few highlights below and see the full list of participating bank branches here.
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What Savings Trends Mean for Georgia Banks’ Deposit Strategies
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As member banks seek new and enhanced sources of deposits, millennials may offer a promising opportunity. A recent survey found that 71% of millennials regularly contribute to an emergency fund, the highest percentage of any generation. The second annual savings survey from Maryland-based Forbright Bank polled more than 3,200 people and identified four key financial wellness strategies: saving regularly, budgeting, reducing unnecessary spending and paying down debt.
The survey also found that Gen Z respondents were the most comfortable discussing money (72%), compared with just 31% of baby boomers. Digital banking conveniences also play an important role, with 66% of Forbright Bank customers using automatic bill payments to avoid late fees. For Georgia banks, the findings highlight opportunities to attract and retain deposits through automated savings tools, targeted financial education and digital services that make saving easier across generations.
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FinCEN Flags $270 Million in Suspected Student Aid Fraud; Georgia Banks Urged to Stay Alert
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With member banks serving in communities around the state with colleges and universities, we want to make sure to put a spotlight on a recent federal warning about potential fraud involving student financial aid programs. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has identified more than $270 million in suspicious financial activity potentially linked to fraud targeting federal student aid programs, according to a Treasury Department announcement. Since FinCEN issued an alert in July, financial institutions have filed nearly 100 suspicious activity reports involving possible student aid fraud. FinCEN also identified more than 20,000 potentially suspicious transactions since February. The agency has referred its findings to federal investigators. Members are encouraged to review the FinCEN alert and remain vigilant for suspicious activity associated with federal student aid programs. The alert lists several specific red flags that are helpful.
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How Ag Tech Is Shaping Farming
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OCC Finalizes Stablecoin Rule, Leaving Concerns About Deposit Flight
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The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency finalized regulations Oct. 21 implementing the GENIUS Act, establishing requirements for payment stablecoin issuers while narrowing restrictions on interest and yield payments. The final rule removes proposed safeguards addressing arrangements with affiliates and third-party platforms that could allow stablecoin holders to receive indirect rewards.
The OCC said it may revisit the issue through future rulemaking as the stablecoin market develops. The agency also finalized related requirements covering regulatory waivers and issuer reporting.
GBA favors stronger safeguards to prevent indirect yield arrangements from circumventing the law's prohibition and potentially drawing deposits away from banks. GBA will continue to advocate for responsible innovation in digital payments alongside regulations protecting bank deposits and the lending they support in Georgia communities.
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Reminder: Early Voting Continues Through Oct. 30
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Early voting for Georgia’s Nov. 3 general election is underway and continues through Oct. 30. Visit the Georgia secretary of state’s My Voter Page to check your registration status, find early voting locations and hours and review your sample ballot. We encourage members to make a plan to vote.
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Update on Georgia BankPAC Campaign
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We’re grateful for the continued support of the 2026 BankPAC campaign. Contribution forms along with all BankPAC information may be accessed on the advocacy page of our website with easy-to-follow options for making these contributions.
This week, contributions to the GBA FedPAC came from eligible employees, officers and directors of:
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Happening now: GBA's Compliance Conference is in session through Friday. Tune in next week for a full rundown of conference highlights.
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Spotlight on GBA's Newest Associate Members
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Over the next few weeks, we want to give a warm welcome to several new GBA Associate Members. They all offer diverse solutions for your bank and provide invaluable support to GBA programs through sponsorships, exhibits and shared expertise. Be sure to get to know these folks and thank them for supporting GBA. You can get information about any of GBA's Associate Members by using the Associate Member search function on our website. This week, we want to highlight the following:
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| Bridges and Associates
Mr. Tommy Bridges, tbridges@bkafinancial.com
Columbus, GA
Bridges and Associates provides bank boards with the tools to align executive benefits with leadership retention and succession goals. Its concept-driven review weighs the merits of various short- and long-term incentive plans against each bank’s objectives and financial commitments.
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Crimson Security
Mr. Brandon Bower, brandon.bower@crimsonsecurityinc
.com
Melville, NY
www.crimsonsecurityinc.com
In today’s digital world, staying secure and compliant is more important than ever. Crimson Security specializes in helping financial institutions navigate complex cybersecurity challenges and meet regulatory requirements with confidence.
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Business Valuation, Inc.
Mr. Brantley DeWitt, BDeWitt@bvijax.com
Savannah, GA
www.businessvaluationinc.com
Business Valuation, Inc. provides business valuation, litigation support and advisory services to business owners, executives, attorneys and accountants.
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CyberMaxx
Ms. Lindsay Blum, lblum@cybermaxx.com
Linthicum Heights, MD
www.cybermaxx.com
CyberMaxx provides tech-enabled, modern Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services focused on real-time threat response. Unlike traditional managed security service providers (MSSPs), CyberMaxx emphasizes the "Big R" in MDR by actively stopping threats and reducing risk on behalf of clients rather than simply forwarding alerts. Its MaxxMDR solution is available in three distinct service packages, with options that include 24x7x365 threat detection, full response, and remediation delivered through its Security Operations Center (SOC).
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Renowned Economist Chris Low to Headline January Legislative and Economic Forum
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We’re excited to announce that GBA crowd favorite Chris Low, Chief Economist for FHN Financial, will be a featured speaker at our annual Legislative and Economic Forum on Jan. 27, 2027, at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta (downtown).
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Low has more than 30 years of experience tracking U.S. and global economies, financial markets, central banks and fiscal policy, as well as six years’ experience as a money manager, giving him a unique ability to distill economic events into information useful to investors and bankers alike. With his unique blend of economic expertise and political insight, Low will help make sense of the post-midterm election landscape and its potential implications for economic policy, interest rates, financial markets and the banking industry.
The Forum will be followed by our annual Legislative Reception, honoring members of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, statewide Judiciary, and other dignitaries.
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Registration is Now Open for IRA Academy, Feb. 17-19 in Macon
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Build your knowledge and confidence in individual retirement accounts at GBA’s IRA Academy. This comprehensive program explores the latest legislative and regulatory updates, contribution and distribution rules, beneficiary options, required minimum distributions, Roth conversions, tax implications, reporting requirements and more. Attendees will also dive into SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, self-directed IRAs, fiduciary responsibilities and Health Savings Accounts. Ready to strengthen your IRA expertise?
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Build Practical AI Skills with the Banking AI Accelerator Nov. 3
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AI is reshaping banking. The Banking AI Accelerator helps bankers move beyond AI awareness to practical, responsible application. Designed specifically for financial institutions, this 8-week, hands-on virtual program combines live instruction, guided online learning, weekly office hours and banking-focused applications. Participants learn to use AI as a productivity and problem-solving partner, from improving communications and synthesizing complex information to analyzing data and streamlining everyday workflows. The program culminates in a Custom Prompt Library, personalized evaluation and certification. Upcoming cohorts begin Nov. 3 and Jan. 12, with additional 2027 sessions available. GBA member registration is $1,500. Ready to put AI to work at your bank?
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More Upcoming Events and Training Opportunities
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| - The BSA Summit - Jan. 11-14, Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort, Stone Mountain
- Commercial Lending School - Jan. 10-15, 2027, UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
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Legislative and Economic Forum & Reception - Jan. 27, 2027, The Ritz Carlton, Downtown Atlanta
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Georgia Banking School - April 25-30, 2027, UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
- GBA Compliance School - April 25-30, 2027, UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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NEW 8TH EDITION RECORD RETENTION GUIDE FROM CARL PRY
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Product Review Webinar Available for GBA Members Nov. 12 at 10 a.m.
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As retention requirements evolve and banks increasingly rely on digital records, compliance officers must balance regulatory requirements, examiner expectations, operational needs and litigation considerations. To help banks navigate these issues, compliance expert Carl Pry is releasing the 8th Edition Record Retention Quick Notes Guide (RRQN) and will host a comprehensive webinar on Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. - noon reviewing the updated guide and highlighting significant changes. Webinar registration includes a digital copy of the new edition. Many GBA members know Pry from his longstanding involvement as an instructor at the GBA Compliance School. The webinar will address key questions including:
- What constitutes a record that should be retained?
- Where do retention requirements originate?
- What best practices should banks follow?
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How can a bank strengthen its records management program?
- What risks are associated with records retention?
- How should records be organized and managed?
- How do litigation holds affect retention practices?
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When and how should records be destroyed?
For GBA members, banks can receive substantial savings on the guide and webinar package. By using discount code RRQN26 at registration, the price is $375. Click here to register. (Note: You will be directed to the Mass Bankers website for registration). Contact GBA’s Bo Brannen with questions at bbrannen@gabankers.com.
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Make Plans Now to Use GBA’s Holiday Closing Decals in 2027
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GBA is the source for banks to purchase top-quality, thoughtfully designed Holiday Closing Decals that provide a professional appearance and communicate the federal holiday closings recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank in accordance with FDIC rules. Each set includes 14 decals. To place a new order, please contact Bo Brannen at bbrannen@gabankers.com.
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GBA Holiday Closing Decals feature:
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A unique, color decal for each holiday
(Note: for 2027, there is a decal for Saturday, July 3, Monday, July 5, Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25) - Large 6"x 9" size to maximize visibility
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No messy adhesive for easy removal and reapplication
- All-weather durability.
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Bank on Bigger Savings with Strategic Partner Office Depot Business
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GBA members can take advantage of enhanced savings and convenient purchasing options through the association-endorsed Office Depot Business program.
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The program now features a 2,300-item Core List of office, banking and workplace essentials, with a recent pricing analysis showing average savings of approximately 24% compared with standard Office Depot Business web pricing. Many items are discounted 30% or more, with actual savings varying by product and pricing. Additional benefits include customized pricing on up to 75 frequently purchased items, discounts on non-Core products, free next-day delivery on qualifying orders of $50 or more in local delivery areas, and convenient in-store pickup. Employees and board members can access preferred pricing through the Employee Purchase Program.
Not participating yet? Request a complimentary savings analysis to see how much your bank could save. Explore the Office Depot Business GBA member program or contact:
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Congratulations to the Georgia banking industry representatives selected for the Leadership Georgia Class of 2027: Jed Evans, BankSouth; Clare Easterlin, Queensborough National Bank & Trust; and Kim Hartsock, Warren Averett.
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Atlanta – First Community Bank
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The bank named Terri Bunten Guthrie regional market president for its Atlanta Market.
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Atlanta – JPMorganChase / Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE)
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JPMorganChase announced expanded support for Atlanta small businesses, including additional business bankers, growth of its Coaching for Impact program and a $10 million loan to GBA Associate Member Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) to support small-business financing. Read more.
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Atlanta – Pinnacle Financial Partners
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The bank added eight financial services professionals to its metro Atlanta team, expanding its presence in the market following its merger with Synovus. Read more.
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Columbus – First Peoples Bank
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The bank celebrated the grand opening of its Bradley Park branch at 6100 Whitesville Road in Columbus.
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Dublin – Citizens Bank of Laurens County
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Members of the bank's Student Advisory Board visited the Federal Reserve for an educational experience.
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Shareholders of Colony Bankcorp Inc. and First Reliance Bancshares Inc. approved their proposed $163 million merger. With regulatory approvals also secured, the transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to customary closing conditions. The combined company is expected to have approximately $5 billion in assets, $4 billion in deposits and $3.2 billion in loans.
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Greensboro – Exchange Bank
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Carol Holt has been promoted to branch manager/loan officer at the bank’s Lake Oconee branch. Read more.
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Hawkinsville – SunMark Community Bank
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Josie Morgan joined the bank as a customer service representative at its Hawkinsville branch.
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Jerri Knowles has been promoted to assistant vice president and branch manager of its Rome office. Read more.
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Watkinsville – Oconee State Bank
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Jennifer Rudd earned the Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) designation from Nacha.
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Our sympathies to the family and friends of longtime Georgia banker Jack Harvey, Jr., who passed away Oct. 3. His banking career included leadership positions at Georgia Railroad Bank and Trust Company, Bank of Thomson and Farmers & Merchants Bank in Washington, where he served as executive vice president and later president and CEO. He also served as vice president at IBT Enterprises in Atlanta and was a past president of GBA Group 10. Read more.
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Atlanta – Monarch Private Capital
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GBA Strategic Partner Monarch Private Capital closed four affordable housing investments in August supporting 418 homes across Georgia, South Carolina and Missouri. The projects represent approximately $157.6 million in projected development costs, including Evergreen Senior in Marietta, which will provide 64 affordable homes. Read more.
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Bainbridge – First Port City Bank
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The bank sponsored the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's.
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| Calhoun – Millennium Bank
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Bank employees continued their tradition of supporting local nonprofits through contributions collected from their weekly Jeans Wednesday initiative. Recent gifts included $500 to the Humane Society of Northwest Georgia; $1,000 to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of former colleague Karen Ingle Parrott; and $500 to Greater Works in Dalton, where bank employee Diane Stanley has volunteered for many years.
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Cordele – Planters First Bank
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The bank sponsored a pregame meal for the Crisp Academy varsity football team.
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Perry – SunMark Community Bank
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Through its September Casual Cause initiative, the bank made a donation to Sleep in Heavenly Peace's Warner Robins chapter, helping the organization provide beds to children in need.
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| Valdosta – Commercial Banking Company
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Bank employees Hope and Ashleigh volunteered with Special Olympics Georgia, helping athletes participate in bocce ball competition.
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The bank’s Watkinsville team participated in United Way's annual Days of Caring at Lydia's Place. Employees grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, spent time with residents and judged a pumpkin decorating contest.
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The bank participated in the Peach Education Tax Credit program with a contribution supporting Newton County Schools' priorities, including literacy, educational opportunities and workforce development.
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Read All About It: Send Us Your News
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We want to share your news with your colleagues across the state. Please forward your announcements and photos to GBA's David Oliver and Katina Weiss.
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Recruit, Retain and Develop the Best Bankers with GBA's Job Bank
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GBA will post open positions, free of charge, for GBA members. See the open positions in Georgia here. We will also post professional summaries for bank-job seekers on our Bankers Available page. Contact Katina Weiss, 404.420.2021, with questions or needs.
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