June 18, 2025

GBA NEWS

Barber Closes Book on Solid Year for GBA

In his final address as Georgia Bankers Association Chairman, Brad Barber highlighted a year of transition, resilience and strong advocacy. Key themes included navigating regulatory and economic uncertainty, advancing education and leadership programs and achieving significant legislative wins such as the expansion of the intangible recording tax exemption. “Our members are engaged, resilient and ready to meet challenges head-on,” Barber said, affirming the association’s continued strength and commitment to Georgia’s banking community. Read the full address here.

Williams Installed, Moss and Perry Elected, New Board Members Installed

At the 133rd GBA Annual Meeting June 15, Philip G. Williams, EVP and Georgia Banking President of The Claxton Bank, was installed as the 137th GBA Chairman.

GBA members also elected three other officers for 2025-26. Susan V. Moss, president and CEO, Planters and Citizens Bank, Camilla, is our new Chairman-Elect. Timothy M. Perry, president and CEO, The Citizens Bank of Georgia, Cumming, is the new Vice Chairman. Steven Walker Jordan Jr., president and CEO, Bank of Monticello, will serve a three-year term as Secretary-Treasurer.

In addition, six new board members were installed for their terms beginning July 1:

North Group: Bartow Morgan, CEO, Georgia Banking Company, Atlanta
Central Group: Scott Swafford, president and COO, United Bank, Zebulon
South Group: Brad Brookshire, CEO, Great Oaks Bank, Richmond Hill
At Large: Nikki Stephenson, EVP and head of Commercial Banking, Regions Bank, Atlanta
Leadership GBA Chair: Robert Duvall, first VP, branch manager, Bank of Madison
Community Bankers Committee Chair: Ed Pope, president and CEO, F&M Bank, Washington

Additionally, Jay Torbert, president and CEO, Southeastern Bank, Darien, will serve in the position designated for the chair of GBA Services Inc., continuing also as a South Group board member.

Philip Williams Begins GBA Chairmanship Focused on Talent, Tradition and Trust

In his heartfelt opening remarks as Georgia Bankers Association Chairman, Philip Williams shared his deep personal and professional connection to banking, reflecting on mentors, milestones and the pivotal role GBA has played in his life. Looking ahead, Williams emphasized the need to attract and develop new talent, adapt to rapid change and preserve the strong values and community at the heart of Georgia banking. “The world might see a career in banking and love as a life’s goal to be at odds—but they are not,” he said, calling on members to shape a future that blends purpose, innovation and tradition. Read the full remarks here.

Outgoing Board Leadership Thanked for GBA Service

During the annual GBA Board Dinner, Chairman Brad Barber thanked the following board members for their service, as their terms are wrapping up this month.

Charles Dewitt, Tandem Bank, represented the North Group.
Brent Sammons, Altamaha Bank & Trust, represented the South Group.
Al McRae, Bank of America, served as an at-large board member.
Brad Sheffield, Synovus Bank, represented the Leadership GBA section as its Chairman.
Greg Eiford, TC Federal Bank, served two terms as Chair of the GBA Services, Inc. Board of Directors.

Walker Jordan, Bank of Monticello, who represented the Central Group, and Tim Perry, The Citizens Bank of Georgia, who served a three-year term as Secretary Treasurer, will continue to serve on the GBA board of directors in new officer roles.

50+ Year Bankers Honored

Each year at the Annual Meeting we recognize and thank bankers who have dedicated 50 years or more to the banking industry. At this year’s 133rd Annual Meeting, five distinguished professionals were honored for their decades of service:

Mike Chastain, chairman of the board, United National Bank, Cairo
Donnie Elliott, commercial banker, United Bank (operating in Georgia as United Bankshares), Peachtree Corners
Ronnie Howard, commercial lender and senior vice president, First American Bank & Trust Company, Athens
Ed Loomis, former president and CEO, Colony Bank, Fitzgerald, and its holding company
Steve Bridges, government relations consultant, Georgia Bankers Association, Atlanta

We’re grateful for the remarkable service, leadership and dedication these professionals have shown throughout their careers.

Ideas, Impact and Inspiration at 2025 GBA Annual Meeting

Here’s a summary of the 2025 Georgia Bankers Association Annual Meeting sessions, which focused on economic trends, leadership, advocacy and the evolving banking landscape.

Economic Outlook
The opening session featured Chris Low, chief economist at FHN Financial, who delivered an in-depth economic update, helping bankers better understand current market dynamics and future conditions.

Bank Strategy and Leadership Development
A panel of leading Georgia banking attorneys—Jonathan Hightower of Fenimore Kay Harrison, Mark Kanaly of Alston & Bird and James Stevens of Troutman Pepper Locke—discussed critical strategic trends including regulatory shifts, capital markets and talent competition. Later, Caleb Stevens of SouthState Bank moderated a compelling leadership session featuring University of Georgia Football Chaplain Thomas Settles III and former player Jeb Blazevich, who emphasized the traits that define leaders worth following.

State Legislative Insights
A legislative panel moderated by Elizabeth Chandler, GBA’s EVP for government relations and advocacy, brought together state leaders including Rep. Shaw Blackmon, Sen. John Kennedy, Sen. Carden Summers and Rep. Noel Williams to discuss legislative priorities affecting Georgia’s banking sector.

National and Peer Perspectives
A fireside chat between Rob Nichols, president and CEO of the American Bankers Association, and GBA President and CEO Tripp Cofield explored national advocacy efforts and industry challenges. Philip Williams of The Claxton Bank moderated a CEO panel featuring Charles DeWitt of Tandem Bank, Greg Eiford of TC Federal Bank and Tim Perry of The Citizens Bank of Georgia, who shared insights on operational strategy, growth and innovation in their banks.

Closing Inspiration
The final session featured Roseann Sdoia Materia, Boston Marathon bombing survivor and author, who shared her powerful story of resilience. She made a short presentation and did an interview with GBA EVP and COO David Oliver for details about her experience that reminded attendees that success in life—and in banking—is built through endurance and purpose.

This year’s program underscored the strength of Georgia’s banking community and the GBA’s commitment to leadership, advocacy and professional excellence. See all the photos on GBA's Facebook page.

GBA Insurance Trust Elects Directors

The GBA Insurance Trust (GBAIT) held its annual business meeting June 14 and elected three directors. The following banking professionals were elected by their peers to serve a three-year term, expiring in 2028:

Rick Whaley, president and CEO, The Citizens Bank of Americus
Jackson McConnell, CEO, Pinnacle Bank, Elberton
Tripp Cofield, president and CEO, Georgia Bankers Association

In addition, Whaley and GBA Retirement Services (GBARS) Chairman Chuck Copeland, First National Bank of Griffin, gave an update about their respective affiliates during a discussion led by GBAIT/GBARS President and CEO Tripp Cofield.

GBAIT Highlights:

165 banks & Associate Member companies covered
12,000+ lives covered
Cost of coverage 21% less than industry peers.
Rates 17% less than other private companies in the Southeast
Allied Benefits now handling claims, Capital Rx pharmacy benefits.

GBARS Highlights:

69 plans administered
3,700 bankers participate
67% on target to retire at 70% of current income, well above national average
5 new plans this year, two in progress
$330+ million in assets managed.

INDUSTRY NEWS

CFPB Delays Section 1071 Compliance Deadlines by One Year

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will delay the compliance deadlines for its small-business lending data collection rule under Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act by about a year, according to a Federal Register notice. The rule, which requires financial institutions to report small-business lending data, had been paused due to legal challenges from banking trade groups. Under the new timeline, Tier 1 lenders must begin collecting data by July 1, 2026; Tier 2 by Jan. 1, 2027; and Tier 3 by Oct. 1, 2027, with data submissions due June 1 of the following year. The CFPB also plans to issue a new proposed rule to revise 1071 and is accepting public comments through July 18. Read the federal register notice here.

Agencies Seek Input on Measures to Curb Payments Fraud

Federal bank regulators have issued a joint request for comment on ways to reduce payments fraud, with a focus on check fraud. The agencies are seeking feedback on five areas: cross-industry collaboration, education for consumers and businesses, regulatory and supervisory strategies, data sharing and potential improvements to Federal Reserve Bank services. The goal is to identify actions that better protect consumers, businesses and financial institutions. Comments will be accepted for 90 days following publication in the Federal Register. Members are encouraged to review the request and provide input.

PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Welcome GBA's Newest Associate Members

GBA Associate Membership is offered to individuals and organizations that want to do more business with banks as clients. These members also provide invaluable support to GBA's activities and programs throughout the year through attendance, sponsorships, exhibits and shared expertise. Be sure to get to know them and thank them for supporting the GBA.

Sophos

Ms. Shreya Karthik shreya.karthik@sophos.com

Dallas, TX | www.sophos.com

Sophos defends organizations from cyberattacks with an adaptive, AI-driven platform and expert-led security services.

Diebold Nixdorf

Ms. Heather Minock heather.minock@dieboldnixdorf.com

North Canton, OH | www.dieboldnixdorf.com/en-us/banking/

Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated is a world leader in enabling connected commerce for millions of consumers every day. As an innovation partner for top financial institutions and retailers, Diebold Nixdorf delivers unparalleled solutions essential to evolving in an ‘always on’ consumer landscape.

KNAV

Vivek Shah, Vivek.Shah@IGAPL.com

Atlanta, GA | www.knavcpa.com

KNAV is a global accounting and advisory firm delivering a full spectrum of financial services. They bring clarity to complex compliance matters and help businesses achieve their milestones. Their professionals are experienced in local and cross-border regulations, utilizing this knowledge to assist clients by issuing audit reports, providing tax advice, ensuring compliance, and advising on all aspects of M&A.

The Peoples Bank of SC

Mr. Addrian Wilson, awilson@peoplesbanksc.com

Iva, SC | www.peoplesbanksc.com

The Peoples Bank is a locally owned and operated financial institution that provides comprehensive financial services and products to Anderson, SC, and its surrounding areas. Founded in 1951, the bank has expanded from a single location to seven full-service banking offices. They offer a comprehensive range of products and services for both personal and business banking.

GBA Compensation Survey Deadline is June 27

Data collection for the 2025 GBA Compensation Survey wraps up on June 27. This valuable resource provides detailed compensation data, including base salaries, incentives, and total compensation, along with insights into HR practices such as salary increases, outsourcing, turnover and recruiting. Results are broken out by asset size and Georgia regions, helping your bank make informed, strategic decisions. Results will be available the week of Aug. 11. Pricing is $650 for participants and $1,495 for non-participants. Need help submitting? Contact Rhonda Snyder at rhonda.snyder@pearlmeyer.com for assistance from Pearl Meyer.

TRAINING & EVENTS

Successful Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting Brings Insightful Discussion

We had a strong turnout for GBA’s Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting held June 17 at Idle Hour Golf & Country Club in Macon. The session featured an engaging presentation from Jason Keith of Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund on the future of internal audit, followed by a dynamic roundtable discussion led by Ron Mitchell of Mauldin & Jenkins. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the conversation!

Join Us for these Upcoming Peer Group Meetings!

BSA Peer Group – July 24, Macon
Connect with fellow BSA professionals at Idle Hour Golf & Country Club for a full day of learning and networking. Kristen Stogniew of Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund will facilitate the morning roundtable, covering best practices and hot topics in BSA/AML/CFT and OFAC compliance. After lunch, hear a rare perspective from former fraudster Matthew Cox, once on the U.S. Secret Service’s Most Wanted list, as he shares insights from his story. Register here.
Operations & Technology Peer Group – Sept. 10, Athens
Join us at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in Athens. Sam Drennen, EVP and chief operating officer at First American Bank & Trust Co., will lead the session, which will include in-depth peer discussions on challenges and opportunities in bank operations and technology. Register here.

Next Session of Fundamentals Program Starts July 10

Join peers from 30 state bankers associations around the country in a unique Understanding Bank Performance program, a virtual five-session course designed to enhance your ability to interpret bank financials and key performance metrics. GBA partners with the Washington Bankers Association to make the program available to our members.

Who Should Attend? This program is perfect for new bankers looking to build a solid foundation, as well as experienced bankers seeking to deepen their financial analysis skills.

Flexible & Convenient: Attend online, with sessions running every Wednesday and Thursday from July 10 to Aug. 1.

REGISTER HERE

Sign Up Today!

More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up

Leadership Conference - July 14-16 on Amelia Island, FL
Fraud Academy - Aug. 12-14, virtual and in-person in Lexington, VA
Women in Banking Conference - Aug. 14-15 in Braselton
Personal Cash Flow Analysis Seminar - Aug. 26 in Macon
HR 101: Welcome to Human Resources - Aug. 26 in Macon
Loan Structuring and Documentation for Loss Prevention Seminar - Aug. 27 in Macon
President/CEO, Bank Accountant & Bank Counsel Conferences - Sept. 28-30 in Savannah

WEBINARS – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING

Treasury Management, AI and Microsoft Excel, Hot Topics in IT Examination and More

Here’s a sampling of upcoming webinars.

Dealing with Examiners in an Age of Constant Change: Keys and Tips to Success -June 25
Treasury Management: A Powerful Tool to Increase Deposits and Fee Income - June 26
AI and Microsoft Excel - July 1
Small Bank Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Workshop - July 9
BSA/AML Training for Staff - July 15
8 Keys to Teller Excellence - July 16
Hot Topics in the IT Examination - July 18
Small Bank Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Workshop - July 21
Encouraging the Next Generation of Women Leaders - July 24
Opening Business Accounts - July 29

Want to see the full webinar schedule?

WEBINAR CALENDAR

COMPLIANCE CORNER

Compliance Alliance Question of the Week

Question: Are new-auto loans as well as used-auto loans within the scope of the exception under the Military Lending Act (MLA)?

Answer: If the loan otherwise meets the scope of the exception for vehicle loans in the MLA, then the vehicle being purchased and securing the loan may be new or used. In other words, the exception in the MLA does not specifically require that the automobile in question be either new or used, as set out here:

“… (1) Consumer credit means credit offered or extended to a covered borrower primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, and that is:

(i) Subject to a finance charge; or

(ii) Payable by a written agreement in more than four installments.

(2) Exceptions. Notwithstanding paragraph (f)(1) of this section, consumer credit does not mean:

(ii) Any credit transaction that is expressly intended to finance the purchase of a motor vehicle when the credit is secured by the vehicle being purchased…”