MEMBER NEWS

49th Annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week Highlights

Thank you to our friends at the Georgia Peanut Commission and all the GBA members who worked hard this week to promote the 49th-annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week. Banks all across the state offered tributes to Georgia’s peanut farmers. To mark the occasion, a number of GBA members offered delicious peanut giveaways, contests and promoted other fun activities throughout the week on social media. Take a look at a few examples below.

Sarah Clark’s Lifelong Connection to Her Bank

For Sarah Clark, assistant vice president and lending officer at United National Bank in Cairo, the bank has been part of her entire adult life, both as a customer and part of the team. “They’ve been with me every step of the way, from my first checking account to financing my car and home. Because I genuinely believe in our services, my job is a pleasure, and I’m proud to recommend us to clients.”

Sarah’s first job was at Cairo Auto Supply, a small-town parts store where she balanced work with school. “The couple who owned the business worked with my schedule and always looked out for me,” she said. “It showed me how much a good employer can shape your success.” It’s also where she met her husband, then a delivery driver, beginning a partnership that’s lasted 18 years.

Her greatest mentor, however, is her mother. “She had her first child at 15, got her GED while raising three kids and built a successful career,” Sarah said. “She taught me never to be afraid of hard work.” A member of the Georgia Banking School Board of Directors, Sarah brings that same determination to her professional and volunteer roles. Read more in her GBA Member Profile.

Related: Now is the time to secure your spot as a student in the 2026 Georgia Banking School, April 26 - May 1 at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in Athens. For more than 60 years, the school has been developing the talents of the next generation of Georgia bank leaders.

Action Needed: Vote in FHLBank Atlanta 2025 Director Election

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta is conducting an election to fill one public interest independent directorship on its board. Each financial institution that was a member of the Bank as of Dec. 31, 2024, is eligible to participate.

The board has nominated Brian P. McLaughlin, CEO and Co-Founder of PlanitWorks, Baltimore, MD, for the position. To be elected, the nominee must receive at least 20% of eligible votes, even if running uncontested.

Member institutions received an email invitation to vote on Oct. 20, and completed ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m. ET, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. With questions, contact Courtney Tobin, Associate General Counsel, at 404.888.5343 or ctobin@fhlbatl.com.

ADVOCACY

Democracy Days: Lead by Example—Vote in Georgia’s Upcoming Elections

Early voting is underway across Georgia for the Nov. 4 General Election, and bankers can help set the example in their communities by turning out to vote and encouraging others to do the same. Even in an off-year election, voter participation is critical. GBA encourages all members to take part and demonstrate leadership in civic engagement across the state.

This year’s ballot includes statewide elections for two Georgia Public Service Commission seats (Districts 2 and 3), as well as a number of local races across the state. The Public Service Commission regulates key utilities such as electricity, natural gas and telecommunications, affecting the cost of energy, reliability of service and long-term infrastructure planning for all Georgians.

Early voting runs through Oct. 31, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. To confirm your registration, find your polling place, and preview your sample ballot, visit the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov.

GBA Engages Georgia Delegation on CDFI Fund Support

This week, GBA encouraged members of Georgia’s congressional delegation to sign on to a bicameral letter supporting the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. Georgia representatives Buddy Carter (GA-01), Mike Collins (GA-10), and Rich McCormick (GA-07) joined the letter, which was addressed to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought. The effort follows a letter sent by national banking trade groups urging the Trump Administration to reverse recent staff reductions and funding freezes. Both letters noted that the CDFI Fund plays a vital role in helping banks and community lenders expand access to credit, support small businesses, and revitalize underserved areas. Read more about the national trades letter here. 

The 2025 BankPAC campaign to raise funds for the GBA StatePAC and GBA FedPAC is going strong, and we hope you will consider contributing. Contribution forms, along with all BankPAC information, can be accessed on the advocacy page of gabankers.com, which includes 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. Contributing recently to the GBA FedPAC are those eligible employees, officers and directors of the following banks:

• Citizens Bank of Americus, Rick Whaley, president & CEO
• Great Oaks Bank, Richmond Hill, Brad Brookshire, CEO
• Planters First Bank, Cordele, Eli Tinsley, president & CEO

If you have questions, contact Elizabeth Chandler at 404.372.7893 or Bo Brannen at 404.731.9886.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Federal Reserve Issues FAQ on Penny Orders and Deposits

We've had several questions from members recently about how banks should handle penny orders and deposits following the U.S. Treasury’s decision to end penny production. Here's a new FAQ resource from the Federal Reserve with helpful information.

The document explains how the Fed will manage penny distribution as inventories decline, including which coin distribution locations will no longer accept or fulfill penny orders. It also provides guidance on using the FedCash® Services platform for coin orders and deposits and outlines the timing of changes at affected sites.

All other FedCash operations for currency and coin remain unchanged. Bankers can review the full FAQ and list of affected sites here.

Survey: Consumers Trust Banks Most for Fraud Protection, Value Credit Card Rewards

Two new national surveys commissioned by the American Bankers Association highlight strong consumer confidence in banks.

• Trust and Data Security: Half of U.S. adults say they trust banks more than any other entity to protect them from fraud — a margin of more than 6-to-1 over the next closest industry. Nearly nine in ten customers (87%) say their bank takes proactive steps to prevent scams, and 96% find bank fraud alerts valuable. Most respondents (76%) also believe all organizations that handle financial data should follow consistent rules for sharing and security.
• Credit Card Satisfaction: Ninety-four percent of Americans say they’re satisfied with their credit cards and value the convenience they provide. Nine in ten appreciate their card rewards programs, and seven in ten would be disappointed to lose them due to potential government restrictions. Two-thirds oppose government caps on interest rates if they would lead to higher fees or reduced access to credit.

Both surveys underscore that Americans view banks as trusted partners, recognize their leadership in protecting consumers and value the benefits that competitive financial products deliver.

GBA NEWS

GBA Compliance Conference Delivers Timely Updates

This week’s Compliance Conference at The Westin Jekyll Island brought together community bank compliance professionals for three days of learning, networking and collaboration. Highlights included Chris Willis’s 1071 & Fair Lending Update, Fraud on All Fronts with experts from the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and a Georgia Prosecutor and Third-Party Risk Management strategies from Tory Haggerty. Attendees gained practical insights from the Regulatory & BSA Panel, explored the importance of communication in building a stronger Compliance Management System and learned how digitalization can empower community banks presented by Brad Rustin, Nelson Mullins. Interactive sessions, including a roundtable discussion and conversations around findings from recent reviews, allowed participants to share best practices on pressing compliance issues. See photos from the conference here.

Thank you to GBA’s Compliance Committee for all their hard work in planning the event. And a big shoutout to our sponsors and exhibitors for helping make this year’s conference a success – Platinum Sponsors: Centrant Community Capital and Steve H. Powell & Company. Silver Sponsors: Compliance Alliance; Carr, Riggs & Ingram; Mauldin & Jenkins; and Troutman Pepper Locke.

Scenes from the GBA Ag Farm Tour

Bankers from across Georgia gathered in Vidalia this week for the annual GBA Ag Farm Tour, an event that offers a firsthand look at the people, operations and innovations driving the state’s largest industry.

The two-day program began Wednesday with a fish fry lunch hosted by Altamaha Bank and Trust Company's Jake Cleghorn in Lyons, followed by tours of several standout local agribusinesses: Terra Dolce Farms, Herndon Farms / SuperFit Greens and Southern Mark Industries (SMI). Participants capped off the day with dinner and networking at Stanley Southern Traditions. Thursday’s visits included the Greater Vidalia Center for Rural Entrepreneurship and Vidalia Valley processing and packing facility, where attendees explored how local producers are blending tradition with technology to strengthen Georgia’s ag economy.

Special thanks to Jake Cleghorn, Brent Sammons and others on the Altamaha Bank and Trust team for joining our group and hosting us at several stops on the tour this week!

Spotlight on New GBA Associate Members

Over the next few weeks, we want to give a warm welcome to several new GBA Associate Members we onboarded last quarter. 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:

nCino

Mr. Tyler Shanahan, tyler.shanahan@ncino.com

Wilmington, NC

www.ncino.com

nCino (NASDAQ: NCNO) is powering a new era in financial services through best-in-class, intelligent solutions. Serving over 2,700 global customers, nCino helps financial institutions boost efficiency and enhance experiences. Integrating AI and actionable insights, nCino’s solutions optimize decision-making, improve risk management, and elevate customer satisfaction by uniting people, AI and data.

Payroc

Mr. Bob Balogh, bob.balogh@payroc.com

Atlanta, GA

www.payroc.com

Payroc, founded in 2003, is a global payments platform and merchant acquirer processing over $93 billion annually for 158,000+ merchants. Known for top-tier sales enablement and unified commerce solutions, Payroc helps businesses grow with innovative, full-service technology and key card brand network sponsorships across its high-growth, multinational processing ecosystem.

Sones & White Consulting

Mr. Ben Sones, bsones@soneswhite.com

Ridgeland, MS

www.soneswhite.com

The firm helps clients access and leverage funding programs designed to incentivize financing and development activities in underserved communities. They have mastered the complicated world of CDFI grant funding and, to facilitate access to these programs, have created scalable processes for clients while also providing targeted tools that enable those clients to tell their unique stories.

TRAINING & EVENTS

Peer Group Meetings for Bank Auditors and Marketing Pros Coming Up

Two GBA peer group meetings are coming up soon. Each are designed to help bank professionals exchange ideas, explore new strategies and strengthen their networks.

• Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting – Nov. 18, Macon
  Internal auditors are invited to join this forum at Idle Hour Golf & Country Club from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. The agenda features an educational session with Rhonda Norris, Symphona, and a peer-led roundtable facilitated by David Attaway, Symphona. Participants can submit discussion topics during registration to shape the conversation. Register here.
  
• Marketing Peer Group Meeting – Dec. 9, Macon
  Bank marketing professionals will gather at the Methodist Home for Children & Youth for a full day of collaboration and learning. The program includes an interactive roundtable and a session with Eric Cook, WSI, on applying artificial intelligence in financial marketing. Attendees will exchange ideas, discuss trends, and share best practices. Register here.

Get Ready for the 2026 BSA Summit – Jan. 12–15, Lanier Islands Resort

Make plans now to join compliance peers from across Georgia for the third annual GBA BSA Summit, Jan. 12-15, 2026, at the scenic Lanier Islands Resort.

With regulatory expectations tightening and financial crimes growing more complex, this conference is your opportunity to strengthen your BSA/AML/CFT and OFAC programs through practical training and peer exchange. Attendees will gain the tools, insights, and strategies needed to stay ahead of emerging risks and strengthen their institutions’ compliance posture.

Stay tuned for more agenda details coming soon, and reserve your spot today.

Reminder: Sign Up Today for Legislative and Economic Forum and Reception

Make plans today to attend GBA’s next Legislative and Economic Forum and Reception, Jan. 28, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta (downtown). This annual event is hosted by the GBA Board of Directors, Public Affairs Committee and BankPAC Board. The three-hour afternoon Forum features legislative updates, economic news and conversations with key legislative leaders. The Forum is followed by our annual Legislative Reception honoring members of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, statewide Judiciary and other dignitaries. Any member bankers, Associate Members or Bank Counsel Section members with management, finance, business development or government relations-related responsibilities or interests are invited and encouraged to attend.

Registration options include Forum & Reception; Forum Only; and Reception Only.

Thank you to these Associate Members that are showing their support of the event through sponsorship:

• Platinum Sponsor: Olsen Palmer
• Silver Sponsors: CRS Data; EBS Strategies; McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co.; Point To Point Environmental; and ServisFirst Bank.

With questions, contact GBA's Kathy Friestad. 

Registration Opening Soon!

Georgia BankPAC Sporting Clays Tournament
Feb. 5, 2026
Old Hudson Plantation

More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up

• Succession Planning Online Workshop Series - Nov. 3 & 17, Virtual

• BSA Peer Group Meeting - Nov. 4, Virtual

• Financial Risk Management Conference - Nov. 6-7, The DeSoto, Savannah

• Credit Conference - Dec. 4-5, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens

• IRA Academy - Feb. 3-5, Middle Georgia State University, Macon

• 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

Managing Interest Rate Risk, Fraudulent Cashier’s Checks, Commercial Lending Training Program and More 

Take a look at online training opportunities available to GBA members from OnCourse Learning and the American Bankers Association:

• Consumer Lending - Oct. 27 - Feb. 27
• Managing Interest Rate Risk - Oct. 27 - Dec. 29
• Fraudulent Cashier’s Checks: Best Practices for Avoiding Losses - Oct. 29
• Opening New Accounts Training Program - Nov. 3
• Commercial Lending Training Program - Nov. 6
• Bank Accounting: Interest Earning Assets - 2 Part Workshop - Nov. 12
• 2025 Call Report: Common Exam Issues - Nov. 14
• BSA Critical Issues and Updates - Nov. 18

PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

As a GBA Endorsed Partner, Ncontracts is offering GBA members an exclusive year-end discount.

Limited-Time Offer:

• 50% off Year 1 when you purchase any 2 solutions
• 3-year contract required
• Offer expires Dec. 31, 2025

Eligible NContracts Solutions:

• Third-Party Risk Management
• Compliance Management
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Internal Audit
• Policy Management

To schedule a demo and learn more about this limited-time offer, contact Carrie Parker at carrie.parker@ncontracts.com.

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.

COMPLIANCE CORNER

Nov. 18–20, 9 a.m – 1 p.m. | Virtual

Join fellow banking leaders, regulators, and fintech innovators for the 2025 Virtual Stablecoin Conference, hosted by Compliance Alliance in partnership with the Bankers Institute and 38 state bankers associations. Over three days, attendees will gain insights into the evolving stablecoin landscape. From regulatory updates to real-world applications in banking infrastructure and compliance, you’ll hear directly from influential voices such as U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (SD) and U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty (TN), Caitlin Long of Custodia Bank, and leading compliance and technology experts shaping digital asset policy and innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed, connected, and ready for what’s next. Register now to secure your virtual seat.

NEWSMAKERS

Athens - Classic City Bank

The bank is celebrating its fifth anniversary. A community cookout on Nov. 7 will mark the milestone. Read more.

Atlanta - Coastal States Bank

Will Rivenbark has joined the executive leadership team as executive vice president and head of commercial real estate lending. Read more.

Atlanta - Georgia Skyline Bank, i.o.

A group of Georgia banking veterans, led by CEO Steve Crowell, is organizing Georgia Skyline Bank, a de novo community bank headquartered in North Fulton. The bank’s team includes Ryan Floyd, Phil Resch and Nick Marsit, and is currently raising $35 million to fund its launch. Read more.

Atlanta - Southern First Bank

The bank welcomed Tyler Persaud as team leader and senior vice president in the Atlanta office.

Atlanta - Synovus Bank

Tanner Martin has joined the Government Guaranteed Lending Group as a USDA lender.

Columbus - Colony Bank

Ben Page has joined the bank as a commercial banker for the Columbus market, based at 1581 Bradley Park Drive. Read more.

Columbus/Nashville - Synovus Bank/Pinnacle Financial Partners

Pinnacle Financial Partners and Synovus Financial Corp. have announced their Georgia market and specialty banking leaders as part of the next phase in their merger integration. Read more.

Jasper - Community Bank of Pickens County

The bank welcomed Chandler Cardis as a new teller.

Manchester - F&M Bank and Trust Company

Jamie Hall has been promoted to chief operating officer.

Sandersville - Citizens Bank of the South

Our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Chairman of the Board Howard Clifford Sheppard Jr., who recently passed away. Read more.

Tifton - South Georgia Banking Company

The bank celebrated 55 years of serving the Tifton area, as featured recently on FUN Channel America.

Washington - F&M Bank

Rhonda Newsome has been promoted to assistant vice president of digital operations.

Tampa & Pensacola, FL - Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund

The accounting firm earned ClearlyRated’s 2025 Best of Accounting Award for Service Excellence for the third consecutive year. Saltmarsh achieved a Net Promoter Score of 75.6%, nearly double the industry average, reflecting clients’ trust in the firm’s dependability and expertise. Read more.

Atlanta - Georgia Department of Banking and Finance

Mathew Robinson has been promoted to Director for Supervision, effective Oct. 1. Robinson joined the Department in 2006 and has served in multiple leadership roles, most recently as Supervisory Manager. In his new position, he will oversee depository  institutions, holding companies and trust companies statewide.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Aiken - Security Federal Bank

The bank sponsored the Aiken Steeplechase Association’s Annual Oyster Roast Fundraiser. The bank also helped kick off Trunk-or-Treat season at the Columbia County Parks and Recreation Trick-or-Treat event, where the Evans and Riverwood teams handed out treats and met hundreds of families.

Bainbridge - First Port City Bank

In celebration of Pharmacy Week, the bank team dropped off lunch for the staff at Memorial Hospital and Manor Pharmacy.

Brunswick - South Coast Bank & Trust

The bank partnered with Keep Golden Isles Beautiful for a Community Document Shred Event, safely shredding 6,500 pounds of documents.

Buford - Peoples Bank & Trust

The bank recently hosted a Fraud Prevention Seminar, helping customers learn how to recognize and avoid common scams such as romance, investment, tech support and government impersonation fraud.

Cairo - First National Bank

Market President Barry Pollock treated his team to “Turner’s Tea” to support the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation through Turner’s Tribe. Thanks to Cairo Nutrition, $3 from each tea sold goes toward the cause, a meaningful effort inspired by Turner, whose mother serves on the bank’s board.

Cordele - Planters First Bank

The bank’s Hawkinsville team delivered care bags to breast cancer patients at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute and Georgia peanuts to hospital staff. In Macon, the bank is also offering free pocket calendars while supplies last and partnering with United in Pink to support Central Georgia families affected by breast cancer.

Covington - Newton Federal, a Division of Affinity Bank

Bank team members participated in the Newton County Pink Walk, showing support for breast cancer awareness, celebrating survivors and honoring those still in the fight.

Glennville - Glennville Bank

The bank sponsored the Long County Public Library’s “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” Family Story Time Brunch.

Greensboro - BankSouth

The bank’s Lake Oconee team sponsored the 32nd-Annual LOABA Golf Tournament, enjoying a beautiful day on the course supporting local businesses and community connections.

Milledgeville - Century Bank and Trust

Bank team members volunteered at the annual Deep Roots Festival.

Milledgeville - Exchange Bank

The bank hosted its annual First Responders Luncheon, honoring local heroes for their service and dedication to keeping the community safe.

Vidalia - Altamaha Bank & Trust Company

Bank team members rolled the dice for a good cause at the United Way Bunco Night, raising funds to support local programs in Toombs, Montgomery and Wheeler counties.

Washington - F&M Bank

The bank has partnered with Blood Cancer United to raise funds for research and patient support. Donations can be made at the Washington and Lincolnton branches—every dollar helps bring hope to families affected by blood cancers.

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.