Trump Nominates CFPB Director; Senate Committee Advances Hill for FDIC Chair
|
There was new activity this week in filling the top jobs at the CFPB and the FDIC. President Trump has nominated Stuart Levenbach for Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director, though a CFPB spokesperson said the filing was a technical step to allow Office of Budget Management (OMB) director Russ Vought to continue serving as acting CFPB director. Levenbach currently serves in a senior role at OMB and previously held positions at NOAA and the White House. He was nominated after Jonathan McKernan withdrew to pursue a Treasury role. The CFPB remains without a permanent director and is managing ongoing litigation related to Vought’s efforts to reduce staff and a DOJ memo stating the bureau may deplete its funding early next year. Separately, the Senate Banking Committee voted 13-11 to advance Travis Hill’s nomination to serve as FDIC chairman.
|
|
|
CDFI Fund Layoffs Rescinded
|
We’re encouraged by news this week that the Trump administration has rescinded reduction-in-force notices for employees of the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. The decision follows weeks of uncertainty during the federal government shutdown, when the Office of Management and Budget issued termination letters as part of a broader federal workforce reduction plan. Last month GBA was active in encouraging Georgia's congressional delegation to support maintaining CDFI staffing levels. We’re appreciative of the bipartisan support from Reps. Sanford Bishop (D-GA-2), Hank Johnson (D-GA-4) and Nikema Williams (D-GA-5), Buddy Carter (R-GA-1), Mike Collins (R-GA-10) and Rich McCormick (R-GA-7), who all signed on to letters supporting the staffing and mission of the fund.
|
|
|
Strong Public Support for Re-Examining Credit Union Tax Breaks
|
It has been 20 years since Congress held any sort of oversight hearing about the credit union tax exemption, and a new national survey shows strong consumer support for Congress to revisit the federal tax-exempt status of credit unions.
-
67% believe that Congress should reexamine the tax-exempt status of federal credit unions, while only 14% opposed such a hearing.
- 58% say credit unions should pay federal taxes like banks, while just 18% disagree.
-
Only 17% know credit unions don’t pay federal taxes, leaving 83% unaware of the exemption.
Read the full survey results here.
|
| |
|
2025 Georgia BankPAC Update
|
| |
|
As the next election cycle is heating up, the 2025 BankPAC campaign has had a really good year. If you and your bank have yet to contribute, please consider doing so before year end. Your support is critical in ensuring the banking industry’s participation during this process. Contribution forms along with all BankPAC information may be accessed on the advocacy page of gabankers.com with instructions and options for making these contributions. As a reminder, state-chartered banks or national bank holding companies may contribute to the StatePAC, while eligible individuals may do so to the FedPAC. If you have questions, contact Elizabeth Chandler at 404.372.7893 or Bo Brannen at 404.731.9886.
Contributing recently to the GBA FedPAC are those eligible employees, officers and directors of the following banks:
-
South Georgia Banking Company, Tifton, Glenn Willis, CEO
- United Bancshares, Peachtree Corners, Monty Watson, Regional President.
|
|
|
Roger Tutterow to Speak at January Legislative and Economic Forum
|
We’re excited to announce that Dr. Roger Tutterow, Henssler Financial Endowed Chair and Professor of Economics at Kennesaw State University, will share his perspective on the state and national economy at our annual Legislative and Economic Forum Jan. 28 at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta. Tutterow will join other experts and state leaders who will offer valuable insights into banking issues, public policy priorities, and how legislative actions may impact the year ahead.
|
| |
|
The Forum will be from 3-6 p.m., followed by our annual Legislative Reception honoring members of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, statewide Judiciary and other dignitaries. Registration options include Forum and Reception; Forum Only; and Reception Only. Click here to register and for all the details. GBA has reserved a block of rooms at the Ritz; click here for information. Thanks to our event sponsors:
- Platinum Sponsor: Olsen Palmer
- Silver Sponsors: CRS Data; EBS; McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co.; Point to Point Environmental; and ServisFirst Bank
|
|
|
FRB Atlanta Releases New Georgia and Atlanta Small Business Snapshots
|
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Community and Economic Development group has released snapshots from the latest Small Business Credit Survey about business conditions for small employers across Georgia and the Atlanta MSA. The reports are based on surveys done in late 2024. Statewide, more Georgia firms reported revenue increases over the prior year, and applications for financing rose, particularly for lines of credit and business loans. Challenges such as supply-chain issues continued to ease. At the same time, many firms still described their financial condition as poor or fair, and more reported operating at a loss. In the Atlanta MSA, the story is similar. More firms saw revenue gains, and the share applying for credit ticked up, with credit cards, loans and lines of credit leading the way. Thanks to John Douglas, director of supervisory outreach at the Atlanta Fed for sharing these reports with us.
|
|
|
Survey: Mobile Banking Apps Remain Consumers’ Top Choice
|
A new Morning Consult survey shows mobile banking remains Americans’ preferred way to manage their accounts. Insights include:
-
Mobile banking is the top choice, with 54% of consumers using mobile apps most often.
- Online banking follows at 22%, while traditional channels continue to trail: branch visits (9%), ATMs (6%) and telephone banking (4%).
-
Mobile adoption has more than doubled since 2017, with strong use across generations—Gen Z: 63%, Millennials: 67%, Gen X: 56%
- For the first time, 38% of Baby Boomers said mobile apps are now their primary channel.
|
| |
|
Two New Members Join Bank Accountant Board of Directors
|
We’re pleased to introduce the two newest members of GBA’s Bank Accountant Board of Directors. Their contact info is below if you’d like to reach out and welcome them. As a reminder, the GBA Bank Accountant Section, established in 2018, supports accountants working for or with GBA member banks. The section focuses on sharing insights on key accounting issues, building professional skills, shaping advocacy positions and strengthening industry connections. The section’s Board of Directors includes one representative from each GBA Associate Member Accounting Firm.
|
|
|
GBA Retirement Services Meeting Held this Week
|
The GBA Retirement Services Board of Directors, led by Chuck Copeland, First National Bank of Griffin, held its quarterly meeting last week. The Board consists of these nine bankers who oversee the employee retirement benefit program trusted by more than a third of Georgia’s community banks. It is notable that 72% of participants in the GBA 401(k) program are on track to replace at least 70% of their income in retirement. This number is up from 65% at this time last year. The national average is closer to 30%.
The Board meets regularly with the discretionary trustee and investment manager of the Trust, American Trust Company, to review the investments we offer and ensure we offer a top-notch, high quality, low cost 401(k) option for plans of all sizes. In addition to the quarterly investment review and summary of retirement readiness for participants in the Trust, this meeting included a budget review and approval of fee schedules for 2026. More details will be sent to member plans in the Trust in the coming weeks.
With assets now exceeding $350 million, being a part of the GBA Master Trust allows smaller plans, including plans of banks, associate members and bank clients, to gain buying power for an effective 401(k) solution for participants. If you would like more information or a proposal for 401(k) services, please contact Mandy Richards at 404.420.2025 or 678.549.4167.
|
|
|
GBA Retirement Services 401(k) Seminars Held This Week
|
GBA Retirement Services held its annual training seminars in Duluth and Macon this week. Presenters from American Trust and GBA Retirement Services discussed administration, the year-end testing process, participant education, plan design overview, SECURE 2.0 Act updates and fiduciary responsibilities of 401(k) plan sponsors. We provide this additional training each year for members at no cost. For Trust members who were unable to attend, there will be a live Webinar Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. If you would like more information or a proposal for 401(k) services, please contact Mandy Richards at 404.420.2025 or 678.549.4167.
|
|
|
Internal Audit Peers Meet for Fraud-Focused Training
|
Our Internal Audit Peer Group met earlier this week for a productive day of learning and collaboration. Rhonda Norris, CPA and partner at Symphona, led an in-depth session on strengthening internal audit programs to better identify and mitigate fraud risks. Attendees explored how to assess fraud risk, recognize common fraud schemes, design a tailored risk assessment framework, create a risk-based action plan and apply lessons from real-life case studies to enhance fraud detection and prevention efforts. Participants also had a dynamic roundtable discussion moderated by David Attaway, CPA, partner at Symphona. Thank you to all who joined us. Stay tuned for information about the next meeting!
|
|
|
The Power of Storytelling in Bank Marketing with Raquel Cobb
|
Raquel Cobb, VP and marketing & communications director at Coastal States Bank, Atlanta, began her career with a work-study role in her local school system’s communications office. “I learned the importance of tailoring your message to your audience,” she said, a lesson that continues to guide how she shapes the bank’s brand story today.
A member of the GBA Marketing Committee, Cobb credits her first supervisor in the communications office and later another mentor in college for investing time in her and exposing her to opportunities in this field. “Their willingness to share what they knew motivated me to do the same,” she said, noting that she now pays that forward through mentoring and community involvement.
One highlight of her current role came during Coastal States Bank’s 20th anniversary celebration, when Cobb produced a video featuring the bank’s original team members. The project resonated far beyond its intended audience. A banker later told her a new client chose the bank after watching it and said, “It was so moving. It made me want to be part of the family.” Read more in her GBA Member Profile.
|
|
|
Registration Now Open for 2026 Marketing Conference & Customer Insights Workshop
|
Georgia’s premier in-person event for bank marketing professionals is back March 25-27 at the DeSoto Savannah. The GBA Marketing Committee led by chair Emily Doherty, Great Oaks Bank, Richmond Hill, and vice chair Beth James, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co., Augusta, has been hard at work planning the agenda with topics you need in today's environment. Designed exclusively for Georgia’s bank marketing leaders and rising professionals, this program delivers the perfect blend of strategy, creativity, data-driven insights and peer collaboration. Attendees have the option to register for the pre-conference workshop, the traditional conference or both.
- Customer Insights Workshop – Pre-conference session with real bank customers moderated by Sean Hockenbery, Financial Marketing Solutions. Learn what attracts and retains your customers and how to form effective focus groups.
-
Marketing Conference – Packed with sessions on social media, creative strategies, culture, leadership and peer sharing.
Connect, learn and grow with fellow marketing professionals by signing up today.
|
GBA member banks, Strategic Partners and Associate Members are invited to sponsor this event. Learn more.
|
|
|
Next GBA Marketing Peer Group Meeting Two Weeks Away
|
A robust group of Georgia’s bank marketing community is set to gather Dec. 9 for their next GBA Marketing Peer Group Meeting at the Methodist Home for Children & Youth in Macon. This full-day program is designed for bank marketing professionals to exchange ideas, learn new approaches and strengthen peer connections.
Highlights include an interactive roundtable and a session with Eric Cook of WSI on using artificial intelligence in financial marketing. Attendees will discuss emerging trends, share practical strategies and connect with colleagues to address common challenges. Registration includes lunch and the opportunity to submit hot topics for group discussion. There’s still time to join your peers and benefit from collaboration and timely training!
|
|
|
New AI in Banking Workshop Offers Practical Tools for Today’s Bankers
|
GBA members can now enroll in a new four-week AI in Banking Workshop focused on developing participants as AI leaders at their bank and building real-world skills that strengthen decision-making, risk management and customer service.
The blended program combines weekly live online sessions with flexible self-paced modules, helping participants understand AI types, sharpen prompt-engineering skills, develop safe-use policies and apply practical use cases across business lines.
The course runs Jan. 12 through Feb. 6, 2026, and is priced at $595 for GBA members, the ABA member rate regardless of whether the bank is an ABA member. This is an excellent opportunity for bankers looking to build confidence with emerging tools and bring AI-driven improvements to their institutions.
|
|
|
BSA Summit Equips Bankers for Required Annual Training and Stronger Compliance
|
Bankers looking to meet their annual BSA training requirement under FinCEN and strengthen their compliance programs won’t want to miss the fourth-annual BSA Summit, set for Jan. 12–15, 2026, at Lanier Islands Resort in Buford.
Designed for BSA/AML/CFT and OFAC professionals, the Summit delivers practical, up-to-date guidance to help institutions stay ahead of rising fraud trends and heightened regulatory expectations. Through expert-led sessions, real-world scenarios and peer collaboration, attendees will gain tools they can put to work immediately to reinforce monitoring, reporting and risk-assessment processes.
The program offers a focused, retreat-style setting that encourages discussion, skill building and strategic thinking, all aligned with what bankers need to maintain compliant, well-documented programs throughout the year.
|
|
|
Registration Now Open for HR Professionals Institute
|
March 25–27, 2026 │ The DeSoto, Savannah
Join us for the 2026 HR Professionals Institute, GBA’s premier learning and networking event for bank HR leaders. We’ll be at The DeSoto in Savannah for three days of timely insights, practical tools, and peer-to-peer engagement. Planned by the GBA HR Committee under the leadership of chair Jessie Ledford, Rabun County Bank, Clayton, and vice chair Shea Zeigler, WB&T Bankshares, Inc., Valdosta, this year’s program features sessions on talent development, compensation and benefits, legal and regulatory updates, cultural leadership and the future of HR with AI. This is the perfect opportunity to elevate your HR skills and expand your professional network.
|
GBA member banks, Strategic Partners and Associate Members are invited to sponsor this event. Thank you to our Silver Sponsor already confirmed: Troutman Pepper Locke!
|
|
|
Sign Up Today!
IRA Academy
Feb. 3-5, 2026
Middle Georgia State University, Macon
Enroll Here
|
|
More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up
|
- Credit Conference - Dec. 4-5, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
-
Georgia BankPAC Sporting Clays Tournament - Feb. 5, Old Hudson Plantation, Sparta
Business Cash Flow Analysis Seminar - Feb. 24, Cherokee Conference Center at The Bluffs, Canton
Operations and Technology Conference - Feb. 25-27, The DeSoto, Savannah
Georgia Banking School - April 26 - May 1, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
GBA Compliance School - April 26 - May 1, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
|
|
|
ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
|
Analyzing Financial Statements Training, Nailing Your Job of Head Teller, Using AI for Writing and More
|
Take a look at online training opportunities available to GBA members from OnCourse Learning and the American Bankers Association:
Special Offer: OnCourse Learning/Bank Webinars are offering GBA members a seasonal promotion for the fall. Now through Nov. 28, professionals can:
-
Save 15% on any upcoming Live Accredited Webinars
- Or use 4 tokens on accredited webinars and get 1 token back..
These live accredited sessions are a convenient way for bankers to:
- Earn CE credits and stay compliant
- Learn from industry-recognized experts
- Access timely, accredited content on regulatory and compliance updates
-
Join from anywhere—no travel required.
Use promo code Fall2025 when registering! See the full webinar calendar here.
|
|
|
PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
|
|
|
GBA Endorses ServisFirst Bank’s Agent Credit Card Program
|
|
|
|
GBA is proud to endorse the agent credit card program provided by ServisFirst Bank. Through the program, banks can offer custom-branded credit cards to its customers featuring its own logo. GBA members benefit from ongoing non-interest income and unmatched service and support from ServisFirst. Two programs are available for both consumer and commercial cards. Commercial purchase cards (P-Cards) are also available. ServisFirst’s program is simple and includes card marketing and portfolio management services at no cost. To get more details about the ServisFirst Bank agent card program, contact ServisFirst’s Tim Finney, tfinney@servisfirstbank.com, 478.952.6497.
|
|
|
Colony Bank was the only Georgia-based bank recognized on American Banker's 2025 Best Banks to Work For list between $3 billion and $10 billion in assets, earning the number nine spot. Read more (subscription required).
|
Athens - Magnolia State Bank
|
The bank held a ribbon cutting event for its new Athens branch.
|
Atlanta - Citizens Trust Bank
|
Bank President and CEO Cynthia Day has won a Most Admired CEO award from Atlanta Business Chronicle for 2025. Read more (subscription required).
|
Atlanta - Georgia Banking Company
|
Bank CEO Bartow Morgan has won a Most Admired CEO award from Atlanta Business Chronicle for 2025. Read more (subscription required).
|
Troy Breitmann and Will Davis
|
Augusta - Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.
|
The bank announced three promotions within its Wealth Management division. Troy Breitmann has been promoted to senior vice president, regional trust & fiduciary manager. Will Davis has been promoted to senior vice president, regional wealth manager. Mark Phillips has been promoted to vice president, regional service manager. Read more.
|
Bainbridge - First National Bank
|
At the at the bank’s new Highway 27 location, Sutton Reece has been promoted to assistant vice president and market manager, and Nicole Maxwell has been promoted to bank officer and market supervisor. At the bank’s main office, Joshua Rathel has been promoted to banking officer and relationship manager, and Nicole Braswell has been promoted to banking officer and relationship manager. Read more.
|
Elberton/Dublin - Pinnacle Bank/Morris Bank
|
Pinnacle Financial Corporation, the holding company for Pinnacle Bank, and Morris State Bancshares, Inc., the holding company for Morris Bank, announced a strategic combination of the companies. The combined company will have $3.8 billion in assets, $3.3 billion in deposits and $2.8 billion in loans, and will operate 35 branches throughout Georgia. Read more.
|
Jasper - Community Bank of Pickens County
|
The bank announced the retirement of Dennis Leonard on Dec. 31 from his position of senior vice president/senior manager of government guaranteed lending after 45 years of service to the banking industry. Read more.
|
| Jonesboro - Renasant Bank
|
Ed Taylor has been named branch manager for the bank’s Jonesboro Main Street location.
|
Cole Pitts and Marc DeMott
|
Moultrie - First National Bank
|
Cole Pitts has been promoted to market president in Moultrie. Read more. Marc DeMott has been promoted to executive vice president and to the bank’s board of directors. Read more.
|
David Crow and Mark Gilmer
|
Pine Mountain - First Peoples Bank
|
David Crow has been named president and chief banking officer, and Mark Gilmer has been appointed market president for Henry and Fayette counties. Read more.
|
Rachel Harris and Angela Moore
|
Rachel Harris has been promoted to senior vice president, retail and deposit operations manager, and Angela Moore has been promoted to BSA officer. Read more.
|
Thomaston - West Central Georgia Bank
|
Bank Chairman and President Eddie Rogers received the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from Thomaston-Upson Chamber of Commerce.
|
Trenton - Citizens Bank & Trust
|
TAG Bancshares, Inc., holding company for Citizens Bank & Trust, and Russellville, AL-based CBS Banc-Corp., holding company for CB&S Bank, announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement whereby TAG Bancshares, Inc., will merge with and into CBS Banc-Corp.
|
Valdosta - Community Bank of Georgia
|
The bank hosted a ribbon cutting for its new branch at 2910 N. Ashley Street, Suite N in Valdosta. After serving the area for 12 years with a loan production office, the bank’s new branch will serve all banking needs from loans to deposit operations.
|
Britany Moore has joined the bank’s downtown Washington office.
|
Waycross - First Southern Bank
|
Jacksonville, FL-based Community First CU of Florida agreed to acquire substantially all of the assets and assume substantially all of the liabilities of Waycross-based First Southern Bank, a subsidiary of FSBH Corp. The deal is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2026.
|
Atlanta - Mauldin & Jenkins
|
The public accounting and advisory firm announced an expansion of its geographical reach and service capabilities through a merger with LaPorte CPAs & Business Advisors, effective Dec. 1. The combined firm will operate under the Mauldin & Jenkins name, formally establishing Mauldin & Jenkins’ presence in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Covington, and Houma, LA, as well as Houston, TX. Read more.
|
| |
JPMorganChase announced a $1.7 million grant to the Historic District Development Corporation to expand pathways to homeownership for low-to-moderate-income families in Atlanta’s Southside, Downtown and Westside neighborhoods. The grant coincides with the release of the bank’s new report, What Works: Atlanta’s Emerging Strategies for Affordable Housing, which highlights practices that can help cities nationwide strengthen housing access. Read more.
|
|
|
| Bainbridge - First Port City Bank
|
The community donated more than 7,000 pounds of food during the 2025 Food Drive, co-presented by First Port City Bank and Decatur County Family Connection. The effort was supported by schools, first responders, the hospital, local nonprofits and faith-based partners, helping families across the area ahead of the holidays.
|
|
|
|
Braselton - Pinnacle Bank
|
The Braselton branch hosted a well-attended Pinnacle Neighborhood Network meeting. President David Voyles and CFO Scott Wilson shared updates on the banking industry, the bank’s progress and economic trends.
|
|
|
| Dublin/Cochran - The Citizens Bank of Cochran & Community Bank of Dublin-Laurens County
|
Branches in Dublin and Cochran delivered Thanksgiving-season support to local fire and law enforcement agencies. The banks’ donations will help fund training, awareness programs and education for first responders and the community.
|
|
|
|
The bank contributed $10,000 to the Jones County Law Enforcement Foundation through the state’s LESS Program. The donation will support training, equipment and initiatives that enhance local public safety. Read more.
|
|
|
| The bank donated $30,000 to the Union County College & Career Academy through the Georgia Peach Education Tax Credit Program, supporting workforce development and local education initiatives.
|
|
|
|
Wrightsville - Community Bank of Johnson County, a Division of BankSouth
|
More than 400 people turned out for the bank’s Customer and Community Appreciation Event, featuring lunch from The Varsity food truck. Local businesses, 911 dispatchers and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department joined the crowd.
|
|
|
Read All About It: Send Us Your News
|
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.
|
|
|
Recruit, Retain and Develop the Best Bankers with GBA's Job Bank
|
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.
|
|
|
© 2025 Georgia Bankers Association
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
1475 Peachtree St. NE Suite 800 | Atlanta, GA 30309 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to kweiss@gabankers.com.
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
| |
|
|
