Russel Carlson Named President and CEO of
GBA Insurance Trust
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The Georgia Bankers Association Insurance Trust Board has named Russel Carlson as the next president and CEO of the GBA Insurance Trust. He will join the association in August.
Carlson currently serves as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health, a $20 billion state agency that oversees the state’s largest insurance programs, including Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids and the State Health Benefit Plan, which cover nearly 3 million Georgians. His background also includes serving as vice president of government relations at the Georgia Health Care Association and as deputy adjutant general (the highest-ranking civilian) in the Georgia Department of Defense.
“Russel’s leadership experience at the highest levels of Georgia’s health system gives him a unique and invaluable perspective for this role,” said GBA President and CEO Tripp Cofield. “His deep understanding of healthcare policy, health insurance plan administration, and serving the needs of large constituencies will be a tremendous asset to the Trust and the more than 12,000 Georgia bankers and their families who rely on our programs.”
A Mississippi native, Carlson earned his Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from the University of Georgia. He lives in Madison with his wife, Anne-Marie, and their three children.
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Leadership Conference Set to Shine
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We’re excited to host almost 400 members, their families and guests who are set to hit the road for the GBA Leadership Conference that starts Monday, July 14, at the Omni Ameilia Island. This year’s program includes a solid mix of technical skill building, industry advocacy, economic trends and leadership lessons. Attendees will elect new group representatives to the Leadership GBA Board, and we’ll install new officers for the board. Of course, there will also be plenty of time for family networking and fun in the sun at this signature event for our state’s emerging banking leaders. Look for details next week.
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2025 Georgia BankPAC In Full Swing
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During GBA’s Annual Meeting last month, BankPAC Board Chair Maury Beasley, president and CEO of Georgia First Bank, announced the kickoff of the 2025 campaign for the GBA StatePAC and GBA FedPAC. Bank CEOs should have received the campaign materials outlining steps to make your bank’s contribution to the StatePAC and eligible individuals' participation in the FedPAC. These contribution forms and all BankPAC information may be accessed on the advocacy page of gabankers.com with easy-to-follow 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 to the GBA StatePAC already are the following banks:
- Bank of Dawson, Barry Lyle, CEO
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F&M Bank, Washington, Ed Pope, president & CEO
- First American Bank and Trust Co., Athens, Rhodes McClanahan, CEO
- First National Bank, Bainbridge, Brad Barber, president & CEO
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Georgia Community Bank, Dawson, Scott Beeley, CEO
- Legacy State Bank, Loganville, Bill Walker, president & CEO
- South Coast Bank, Brunswick, Al McKinnon, president & CEO
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The Geo. D. Warthen Bank, Sandersville, Ken Bibb, CEO
- Wheeler County State Bank, Alamo, Hugh Lentile, chairman & CEO
Recent contributions to the GBA FedPAC have come from eligible employees, officers and directors of the United Bank (VA), doing business as United Bankshares, Peachtree Corners, Monty Watson, regional president.
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Stripe MALPB Charter Approved June 30
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The State of Georgia on June 30 approved Stripe’s application for a merchant acquirer limited purpose bank (MALPB) charter, making it the second company to obtain such a charter. This allows Stripe to directly access the payment networks and handle payment processing without using a sponsoring bank. The MALPB charter comes with strict limits. It supports only merchant acquiring and does not allow traditional banking activities. Stripe cannot take deposits from the public, issue cards or sponsor ATMs. Other states have considered similar limited bank charters aimed at companies focused on payment processing or specific financial services, rather than full-service banking. Read more here.
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Support Texas Communities Affected by Flooding
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Georgia bankers can support colleagues and communities in Texas impacted by catastrophic flooding through the Texas Bankers Foundation’s online donation page. The foundation has already given $10,000 to help victims along the Guadalupe River and will provide more aid as needed. All donations go directly to those affected. Visit the Texas Bankers Foundation donation page to contribute.
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Serial Bank Robber Sentenced for Armed Heists Across Georgia
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A Dallas, GA, man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for a series of armed bank robberies and attempts that targeted Wells Fargo, Truist and Fifth Third Bank branches during a November 2023 crime spree.
Prosecutors said the defendant brandished a firearm while robbing or attempting to rob banks in Hampton, Atlanta and Marietta, often using a Pringles can to conceal stolen cash. He fled with cash from a Fifth Third Bank branch after displaying a gun and demanding money, placing the stolen funds inside the can before leaving.
On Nov. 29, Dallas police arrested the defendant, recovering cash, a firearm and the green Pringles can used during the robberies. The investigation involved the FBI and local police agencies across multiple jurisdictions.
The defendant pleaded guilty to bank robbery, attempted bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. He was sentenced to 10 years, five months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
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FDIC Report Highlights Strong Consumer Protection by Banks
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The FDIC last week published its 2025 “Consumer Compliance Supervisory Highlights,” noting banks’ strong performance in protecting consumers. The report showed that nearly all FDIC-supervised institutions earned top marks for compliance in 2024. Some highlights:
- 97% of FDIC-supervised institutions received satisfactory or better compliance ratings in 2024.
- The most cited violations included the Truth in Lending Act and the Flood Disaster Protection Act.
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Consumer complaints closed by the FDIC rose 14% in 2024, with most resolved within performance goals.
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Melissa Brown Finds Her Place in Banking
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Melissa Brown always felt drawn to a career in banking, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandfather. While studying finance in college, a part-time teller job opened the door for what would become a career filled with learning and growth across several roles. When the opportunity to step into bank compliance came along, she found her true calling in banking.
“I learned that respect isn’t something that comes with a title—you have to earn it,” she said, reflecting on advice that continues to guide her as compliance officer and vice president at First Peoples Bank in Pine Mountain.
Today, Brown’s passion for fraud prevention drives her commitment to customers, especially when she can tell someone their funds have been recovered or fraud was prevented before it reached their account. Read more in her GBA Member Profile.
Related: Brown is a member of the GBA Compliance Committee, which looks forward to welcoming bank compliance pros from around the state at the upcoming GBA Compliance Conference, Oct. 20-22 at the Westin Jekyll Island. Learn more and register here.
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Swing into Action for GBA’s State Bank PAC
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Registration is now open for our annual BankPAC Golf Classic, Wed., Oct 15 at the River Forest Club in Forsyth. Golfers do not need to be GBA members to play, so invite clients, directors and friends to enjoy a great day on the course while supporting the GBA StatePAC. This event is a two-person scramble, with prizes for top teams and special contests. Registration options are: Individual Golfer ($190); Two-Person Team ($310); and Two-Person Team with Hole Sponsorship for $555 (best deal!) and include greens fees, cart, range balls, boxed lunch and post-play reception.
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* The GBA StatePAC contributes only to candidates running for state-level offices such as the Georgia General Assembly, the Governor’s office and the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Contributions can be made from an individual, from bank funds if you are a state-chartered bank or from a national bank holding company if the contribution is made from funds other than those resulting from the operations of the national bank.
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Financial Risk Management Conference Nov. 6-7 at The DeSoto, Savannah (NEW LOCATION)
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Registration is now open for the 2025 GBA Financial Risk Management Conference, Nov. 6-7 at The DeSoto, Savannah. Planned by the GBA’s Asset/Liability Management Committee, the conference sessions will include:
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Ryan Hayhurst, The Baker Group LP
- Public Funds Strategies
- Liquidity, Exam and Audit Panels
- AI Session
- And More...
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We’d like to thank these Associate Members who are showing their support:
- Gold Sponsor: Ncontracts
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Silver Sponsors: Carr Riggs & Ingram CPAs and Advisors, FHLBank Atlanta, FHN Financial and Wiplfi LLP.
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Ops/Tech Peer Group Meeting Sept. 10 in Athens
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Bank operations and technology professionals should make sure to join GBA's next Operations & Technology Peer Group Meeting, set for Sept. 10 at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in Athens. Led by Sam Drennen, EVP, Chief Operating Officer, First American Bank & Trust, this event will foster in-depth peer discussions on the critical challenges and opportunities facing bank operations and technology professionals today.
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More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up
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WEBINARS – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
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Hot Topics in IT Examinations, Small Bank Community Reinvestment Act Workshop, Opening Business Accounts and More
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Here’s a sampling of upcoming webinars.
Want to see the full webinar schedule?
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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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Spotlight on New GBA Associate Members
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Over the next few weeks, we want to give a warm welcome to several new GBA Associate Members that 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:
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Diebold Nixdorf
Ms. Heather Minock, heather.minock@dieboldnixdorf.com
North Canton, OH
www.dieboldnixdorf.com/en-us/banking/
Diebold Nixdorf 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.
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| 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.
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FREE LIVE WEBINAR + Q&A JULY 17, 3-4 P.M.
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Navigating Overdrafts in a Post-CFPB Environment
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The CFPB’s decision to repeal the overdraft rule may feel like relief, but oversight is far from over. Join Cheryl Lawson, EVP of Compliance Review, and John Cohron, CEO of GBA Strategic Partner ADVANTAGE, powered by JMFA, for a practical session on keeping your overdraft program compliant and consumer-friendly. They’ll explain why clear communication, fair costs, and regular data reviews still matter. You’ll also learn how to prepare for audits and meet customer expectations around fairness and access.
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FREE WEBINAR JULY 22 AT 11 A.M.
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Q3 2025 Outlook - Banks and Fintech Navigate Volatility with Renewed Optimism
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Join experts from GBA Strategic Partner S&P Global for a one-hour webinar on the Q3 outlook for U.S. banks and fintech. As net interest margins improve and assets reprice, banks face uncertainty from tariffs and credit risks. Easing regulation and fintech collaboration provide optimism. The session will cover deposit trends, credit quality, earnings prospects, and the evolving role of fintech, including Banking-as-a-Service, stablecoins and real-time payments.
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FREE WEBINAR JULY 24 AT 2 P.M.
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Mid-Year Compliance Check-In: What 2025’s Regulatory Shifts Mean for Your Bank
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The first half of 2025 brought about rapid changes to bank regulation, and these changes are reshaping compliance priorities for the remainder of the year. Join GBA Strategic Partner Ncontracts’ experts for a breakdown of what’s happened so far, what’s still in play and how it all impacts your bank’s exam readiness.
From executive orders and Section 1071 delays to shifting CFPB enforcement focus, they’ll help you connect the dots and plan with confidence. Highlights will include:
- Which regulatory priorities have gained momentum, and which have stalled
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How CFPB and other enforcement changes could affect your compliance strategy
- Key developments around fee caps, digital payments, and fair lending
- What to expect in upcoming exams and how to stay a step ahead.
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Compliance Alliance Question of the Week
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Question: Our bank recently received an ACH deposit that looked suspicious, and our team wanted to put a hold on the funds – can we do that?
Answer: While ACH transfers are generally governed by NACHA rules – and, notably, those rules do not contemplate nor address the holding of an ACH - the ability to delay availability for ACH transactions is covered under Regulation CC, which treats ACH credits and ACH debits very differently. Read more here.
Compliance Hub Demo Schedule:
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Atlanta - Bank of America
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Bank of America Atlanta team members Shanderay Lewis, global financial crimes investigations manager, and Kyle Miller, community relations manager, were recently awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors recognizing commitment to community service. Read more.
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Atlanta - Banksouth Mortgage
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Banksouth Mortgage founder and CEO Kim Nelson was recognized by HousingWire as one of its Women of Influence for the second time.
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Blairsville - River City Bank
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Logan Dyer and Kathy Kozak have been promoted to universal banker II.
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Blue Ridge - Peoples Bank of North Georgia
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Maureen Price has joined the bank as AVP/loan officer assistant at its LPO office in Blue Ridge.
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Hahira - Citizens Community Bank
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Glenn Copeland is retiring from the bank after 33.5 years there and over 50 years in the banking industry. He will remain on the bank’s loan committee and board of directors.
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Milledgeville - Century Bank and Trust
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Brandi Osborne has been promoted to senior loan assistant. The bank also launched a new look for its website at Century.bank.
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| Moultrie - Moultrie Bank & Trust
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Chad Blanchett has joined the bank as SVP, senior credit officer.
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Perry - The former Bank of Perry
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Our sympathies to the family and friends of past CEO and Chairman Lewis Meeks, who recently passed away. Read more.
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Thomasville - TC Federal Bank
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Monique Florence and Shiquita Brooks have been promoted to universal banker II.
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Watkinsville - Oconee State Bank
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Lois Roegge has joined the bank as SBA portfolio manager.
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Watkinsville - Oconee State Bank
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Zach Bolding has joined the bank as an essential banker.
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Washington, DC - Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)
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Jonathan Gould has been confirmed to serve as the next comptroller of the currency
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Atlanta - Georgia Bankers Association
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Our sympathies to Sherry Scruggs, public deposit collateral pools director, and her family, as they mourn the loss of her mother-in-law, Jane D. Scruggs.
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Milledgeville - Exchange Bank
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The bank sponsored Georgia College & State University’s 2025 Governor’s Summit, hosted by the Deal Center to address early language and literacy development in Georgia. The coffee sponsorship, in partnership with The Morning Grind’s Coffee for a Cause and the Life Enrichment Center, helped fuel conversations during the event. Read more.
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| Milledgeville - Exchange Bank
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The bank pledged $9,000 to support GCSU’s Depot Interpretive Center, with the first $3,000 installment made ahead of the center’s upcoming groundbreaking. The pledge will be fulfilled over three years. Read more.
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Perry - SunMark Community Bank
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The bank donated $1,000 to Habitat for Humanity - Houston County’s upcoming Women’s Build in October. This project empowers women to help families build strength and stability through safe, affordable housing.
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Perry - SunMark Community Bank
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The bank partnered with the Houston County School District to recognize the Top 5 Teachers of the Year, presenting each with a special gift to honor their dedication to local students.
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Thomasville - TC Federal Bank
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Bank team members wrapped up Elder Abuse Awareness Month by hosting an Elder Abuse Awareness Workshop at the Thomasville YMCA led by Cindy Weier, VP and regional branch manager, and Kevin Vick, SVP and Thomasville market president.
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| Bank President Ed Pope and VP Michael Harley joined Augusta Tech’s Banking & Finance Bootcamp to lead a session on community banking, sharing their experiences with participants and encouraging careers in local banking.
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| Watkinsville - Oconee State Bank
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Bank team members partnered with the Oconee Area Resource Council for its Summer Food for Kids program, helping pack meals for local families.
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The bank donated $15,000 to the Pike County Parks and Recreation Authority, recognizing its positive impact on the community and contributing to continued growth and athletic opportunities for local families.
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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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