Georgia Banking Commissioner Kevin Hagler to Retire
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Congratulations and a big thank you to Georgia Banking Commissioner Kevin Hagler, who announced this week he'll retire from the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (DBF) at the end of August, concluding a 30-year career.
Hagler joined the DBF in 1997 and advanced quickly, becoming District Director in 2003 and Deputy Commissioner for Supervision in 2008. In 2013, he was sworn in as Commissioner.
Under his leadership, Hagler helped the DBF and the industry navigate a variety of economic challenges including the final stages of the Great Recession and the Covid-19 pandemic with wisdom, foresight and a collaborative approach to supervision.
"Kevin led with thought and grace as a deputy during some of the darkest days of Georgia banking. He then stepped up days after his appointment to defend the industry from perilous overreach. Nothing may be missed more, though, than his brave and well-timed wit," said GBA Chairman Philip Williams, EVP, Georgia banking president, The Claxton Bank.
"Kevin has been a steady leader in the Georgia banking industry for decades," said Tripp Cofield, president and CEO of the Georgia Bankers Association. "From helping shape legislation to modernize Georgia’s banking code to leading efforts against check fraud, Kevin’s work has always focused on strengthening our financial institutions. He’s consistently made time to speak at industry events such as GBA’s Legislative and Economic Forum, demonstrating a commitment to open dialogue and collaboration. Kevin has not only been a trusted partner, he’s also become a valued friend. We’ll miss him and wish him all the best."
Hagler has also had an impact on the industry at the national level. He served in key leadership roles with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), including Chairman in 2020, had a role in modernizing the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System, and was a charter member of the FDIC’s Advisory Committee of State Regulators.
Effective Sept. 1, 2025, Senior Deputy Commissioner Bo Fears will serve as Acting Commissioner until a successor is appointed. We look forward to our continued partnership with Kevin, Bo and the DBF team during the transition.
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Senate Clears Bill to Limit Mortgage Trigger Leads
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On Sunday the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 2808, the bipartisan Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, by unanimous consent. The bill would significantly limit credit reporting agencies' ability to sell mortgage applicant data that often leads to a flood of unwanted loan solicitations.
The House approved the measure in June. With both chambers now aligned, the bill heads to President Trump for signature. GBA has long supported state and federal legislative efforts to strengthen consumer privacy and curb predatory practices in mortgage lending, and we’re pleased to see this priority legislative initiative reach the finish line in Washington.
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2025 Georgia BankPAC Update
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Bank CEOs – have you, your directors and employees made contributions yet to the GBA FedPAC? Please consider supporting this critical effort as well as the GBA StatePAC for the 2025 BankPAC campaign.
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.
Banks contributing to the GBA StatePAC recently are:
- Tandem Bank, Tucker, Charles DeWitt, president & CEO
And, contributing recently to the GBA FedPAC are those eligible employees, officers and directors of the following banks:
- Ameris Bank, Atlanta, Palmer Proctor, CEO
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First National Community Bank, Chatsworth, Ryan Earnest, president & CEO
- Tandem Bank, Tucker, Charles DeWitt, president & CEO
- The Citizens Bank of Americus, Rick Whaley, president & CEO
- Truist Bank, Atlanta, Katherine Saez, regional president, Georgia and Alabama
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United Bank, Griffin, Jim Edwards, CEO.
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Get Ready for Georgia Peanut Bank Week – Order Your Bank’s Supplies by Aug. 29!
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Mark your calendars! The 49th-annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week is set for Oct. 20–24. This year’s theme, “Peanuts and Pennies: Growing Georgia Together,” celebrates the collaboration of banking and agriculture.
Hosted by GBA and Georgia Peanut Commission, this yearly tradition gives banks a chance to showcase their peanut pride and connect with customers using fun, printable activities for kids and, of course, the famous promotional packs of Red Bag Peanuts.
Please place your order by Aug. 29 to receive your supplies in time.
Questions? Contact Maddie Frost at maddie@gapeanuts.com or 229.386.3470.
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Second Quarter 2025 Community Bank Sentiment Index Released
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The Conference of State Bank Supervisors released the second quarter 2025 Community Bank Sentiment Index results July 8. Data collected during June from community banks across the country shows the CBSI remained strong at 126, holding close to its previous record high of 129 in the first quarter.
Despite a slight dip, the index continues to reflect broad optimism among community bankers nationwide. At well above the neutral level of 100, this is one of the highest readings since the index began in 2019.
The CBSI provides a quarterly snapshot of how community bankers view the future. Responses are combined into a single index value where 100 indicates neutral sentiment, readings above 100 indicate positive sentiment, and readings below 100 indicate negative sentiment.
Read the full CBSI results here.
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Status of Important Cases for August 2025
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The latest ABA Newsbytes Banking Docket is now available. Read about the status of important cases here. Each article contains a “Read more” link with access to additional details on the issues, case summaries and links to related documents. Of specific relevance to Georgia, the 11th circuit federal appeals court in Atlanta upheld the conviction of Matthew Zayas for causing Wells Fargo to violate the Bank Secrecy Act by structuring cash withdrawals to avoid triggering a currency transaction report.
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Charting the Course for 2026 Banking School
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The Georgia Banking School Board met Thursday to start work on the curriculum for the 2026 school session. Board members are peer bankers from banks of various sizes and geographic regions who perform different job functions at their banks, and most are graduates of the school who now volunteer to design the school experience. They spent the day reviewing the curriculum for each of the three class groupings, setting faculty members and making program adjustments based on student feedback.
“Our volunteer board members put their hearts and souls into crafting the very best learning experience for the students each year. We made a lot of progress to fine tune the curriculum during this meeting, and we're excited about the 2026 school session,” said Georgia Banking School Board Chair Peter Faser, longtime banking executive and principal at The Profitability Coach. Faser led the meeting, which included a welcome to new board member Sarah Clark, United National Bank, who was the 2025 class graduate of distinction.
Invest in your career or the career of a key developing team member by enrolling in this signature GBA program that has been developing leaders for more than 60 years now. Registration will open in September, and demand will be high for spots in the first-year class, so be ready to enroll as soon as possible. Get details about the school here.
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Georgia’s Leading Women Bankers to Gather for Annual Conference
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We look forward to welcoming more than 150 women in the banking industry from across Georgia to the 2025 Women in Banking Conference Aug. 14-15 at Chateau Elan in Braselton. Since its start in 2014, this annual event has become a cornerstone for professional growth, leadership development and peer connection among women.
This year’s program highlights include a fireside chat on the state of Georgia banking with Melissa Sneed of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance and GBA’s Elizabeth Chandler; an interactive session on managing change with Susan Moss of Planters & Citizens Bank and Mikelle Brady of Profit Resources; and roundtable discussions. Attendees will also take part in conversations on health and wellness, explore fraud and financial crime prevention and enjoy a closing keynote from award-winning author Dima Ghawi.
A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:
- Presenting Sponsor: CRS Data
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Diamond Sponsor: Profit Resources
- Gold Sponsor: McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co.
- Silver Sponsors: Carr, Riggs & Ingram; FHLBank Atlanta; ServisFirst Bank; Troutman Pepper Locke; and Wipfli.
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Boost Your Compliance Knowledge and Your Credentials - CRCM Credits Available
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We’re excited to announce that the 2025 GBA Compliance Conference, Oct. 20-22 at The Westin Jekyll Island, has been approved for continuing education credits by the American Bankers Association (ABA) Professional Certifications program. Attendees can now earn:
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13 CRCM credits
- 7 CERP credits
- 2.5 CAFP credits.
Learn more here. This premier multi-day event delivers a comprehensive agenda of compliance topics, led by nationally known experts, and offers unmatched networking opportunities in a scenic, relaxed coastal setting.
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A huge thank you to our conference sponsors!
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Platinum Sponsors: Centrant Community Capital and Steve H. Powell & Company
- Silver Sponsors: Carr, Riggs & Ingram; Compliance Alliance; Mauldin & Jenkins; and Troutman Pepper Locke.
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Next Ops/Tech Peer Group Meeting Set for 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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Financial Risk Management Conference Nov. 6-7 at The DeSoto, Savannah (NEW LOCATION)
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Join the growing group of bank CFOs and finance team members set to attend the next 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
- Public funds strategies
- Liquidity, exam and audit panels
- AI session
- And more!
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A huge thank you to our conference sponsors!
- Gold Sponsor: Ncontracts
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Silver Sponsors: BOK Financial, Carr Riggs & Ingram CPAs and Advisors, FHLBank Atlanta, FHN Financial, ServisFirst Bank and Wiplfi.
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Reminder: Registration Now Open!
2025 GBA Credit Conference
Dec. 4-5, 2025
UGA, Athens
Register Here
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| More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up
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Fraud Academy - Aug. 12-14, Virtual or In-Person in Lexington, KY (Last Call!)
BankPAC Inaugural Pickleball Tournament - Aug. 21, Rhythm & Rally, Macon (More Spots Just Added!)
- Personal Cash Flow Analysis Seminar - Aug. 26 at Middle Georgia State University, Macon
HR 101: Welcome to Human Resources - Aug. 26 at Middle Georgia State University, Macon
Loan Structuring and Documentation for Loss Prevention Seminar - Aug. 27 at Middle Georgia State University, Macon
- President/CEO, Bank Accountant & Bank Counsel Conferences - Sept. 28-30 at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District
South Georgia Community Bank Symposium - Oct. 8, Valdosta State University
New Account Documentation & Compliance Bootcamp - Oct. 8, Middle Georgia State University, Macon
BankPAC Golf Classic - Oct. 15, River Forest Golf Club, Forsyth
Succession Planning Online Workshop Series - Nov. 3 & 17, Virtual
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Do’s and Don’ts on Checks, Bank Accounting Boot Camp, Cyber Security 101 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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GBA PARTNER ADVANTAGE, POWERED BY JMFA
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Free On Demand Webinar - 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 done. Join Cheryl Lawson, EVP of Compliance Review, and John Cohron, CEO of GBA Partner ADVANTAGE, 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. Watch On Demand here.
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Free Webinar: How to Run a BCP Tabletop Test, Aug. 28 at 2 p.m.
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A tabletop test is a powerful way to assess your business continuity plan (BCP), but starting can be tough. Join BCP experts from GBA Partner Ncontracts as they cover how to plan, run, and document an effective test. Learn to build realistic scenarios, engage participants, and meet examiner expectations. This session will help you avoid common mistakes, tailor tests to your institution, and use results for continuous improvement. Whether you're refining your process or just getting started, you'll walk away with practical tips to boost your BCP testing program and ensure exam readiness.
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XGBoost Fundamentals for Bankers – A Simple Overview
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XGBoost (Extreme Gradient Boosting) is a powerful machine-learning tool that helps banks predict loan defaults, assess credit risk and improve financial forecasting. It works by combining multiple decision trees, each one correcting the previous, to deliver accurate and reliable results. Key advantages include automatic handling of missing data, prevention of overfitting through built-in regularization and fast performance on large datasets. For bankers, XGBoost offers clear benefits in risk management and lending decisions. This article from GBA Associate Member DCG provides a banker-friendly introduction to how XGBoost works, why it matters, and where it’s being used. With questions, contact Kelly Coletti at kcoletti@darlingconsulting.com.
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Compliance Alliance Question of the Week
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Question: Are banks still required to upload their CRA Public File to their website by Jan. 1, 2026, now that the October 2023 CRA rule has been rescinded and the agencies are reverting to the 1995 CRA regulations?
Answer: Technically, yes…for now, at least. That is to say, the 2023 CRA Final Rule is still on the books, and under that rule, the requirement to post the CRA Public File on the bank’s website has an applicability date of January 1, 2026.
However, the Agencies have proposed rolling back the 2023 rule and reinstating the 1995 CRA regulations, which don’t require the Public File to be posted online. If that rollback is finalized as expected in the coming months, the website posting requirement would disappear along with the rest of the 2023 rule. For further details – and to review the proposed rule itself – please see its entry in the Federal Register: 90 FR 34086. Compliance Hub also recently presented a webinar on these changes which you may be interested in here.
Compliance Hub Demo Schedule:
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Cairo - United National Bank
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Our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of bank board member Randy Holton, who recently passed away.
Read more.
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Cochran - The Citizens Bank of Cochran
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Monica Beck has joined the bank as a teller.
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Cordele - Planters First Bank
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Daisy Perez has been promoted to treasury specialist. Read more.
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Jasper - Community Bank of Pickens County
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Chief Risk Officer and Information Security Officer Kathy Enis Westbrook has been appointed to the board of directors. Read more. The bank is also celebrating 25 years of service to the community. Read more.
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Congratulations to the following members named by the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce to the newest class of Leadership Thomas:
- Chandler Dollar, Thomasville National Bank
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Jonathan Groover, Synovus
- Shamus Kenny, TC Federal Bank
- Tina Ramsey, Ameris Bank
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Jordan Robison, The First
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Melissa Griffith has joined the bank’s Lincolnton office.
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Tallahassee, FL - Capital City Bank
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Don May, senior vice president and North FL/South GA regional market executive, has received an officer title.
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Vidalia - Altamaha Bank and Trust Company
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The bank has unveiled a new logo as part of a refreshed brand identity.
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Watkinsville - Oconee State Bank
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Kim Jones has joined the bank as executive assistant to the president/CEO.
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Washington, D.C. - Federal Reserve Board of Governors
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President Trump has announced his intention to nominate Dr. Stephen Miran to temporarily fill a vacant seat on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Miran would serve through Jan. 31, 2026, while a permanent appointee is identified. Miran currently serves as Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers.
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Alapaha - Bank of Alapaha
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The Bank of Alapaha joined the Community Family Resource Day Aug. 2 to help local students start the year strong! Event participants gave away school supplies & smiles to support the community.
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Albany - Flint Community Bank
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The bank attended a new teacher orientation to share gifts and appreciation for educators ahead of the first day of school.
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Athens - First American Bank & Trust Company
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The bank sponsored Clarke County School District’s convocation as they begin the 2025-2026 school year.
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Truist Foundation released its multiyear impact report, Scaling for Impact, highlighting the results of its strategic philanthropy since 2020. Since 2021, the foundation’s funding has helped create or retain 26,800 jobs, support more than 18,000 small businesses and place nearly 16,000 workers into jobs. Read more.
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| Bainbridge - First Port City Bank
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The bank hosted Mahjong & Mimosas, a networking event for female entrepreneurs and business owners. The gathering was supported by Well on Wheels, La Fête, the Recovery Room, and The Simmons House.
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Cordele - Planters First Bank
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Bank team members provided goody bags and welcome remarks from Senior Vice President Bobbie Clemons at Pulaski County Schools’ Back to School Breakfast and Program. The bank also served as refreshment sponsor for the M.E. Roden Library’s Summer Reading Program Finale.
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Bank team members participated in Greene County High School’s Back to School Bash, providing pens, pencils, crayons and notebooks to help students start the school year prepared. The bank sponsored the 2025 Hope Gala, benefiting the Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation.
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Griffin - First National Bank of Griffin
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The bank’s John and Virginia Newton Scholarship Fund awarded 2025 scholarships to Claire Anne Daniels and Janiya Marchelle White.
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Milledgeville - Exchange Bank
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The bank delivered appreciation gifts to 52 Baldwin County bus drivers to recognize their role in safely transporting students each day and providing friendly, welcoming service.
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Perry - SunMark Community Bank
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The bank shared tokens of appreciation with teachers and staff of Pulaski County School District as the new school year begins.
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Social Circle - Pinnacle Bank
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Bank team members from the Social Circle branch cheered on students, teachers and families as they returned for the start of a new school year.
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Watkinsville - Oconee State Bank
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The bank sponsored a Back-to-School lunch at Baddies restaurant for teachers at Malcolm Bridge Elementary.
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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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© 2025 Georgia Bankers Association
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