New Leadership GBA Officers Elected, Installed
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We’re excited to announce the 2026-2027 volunteers heading up the Leadership GBA Board of Directors. The new officers and board members were installed and elected at this week’s Leadership Conference (see story below for conference highlights). “One of Leadership GBA's greatest strengths is bringing together bankers who are eager to learn, lead and serve. I'm looking forward to seeing what this outstanding group of officers and board members accomplishes during the coming year,” said Susan Moss, GBA chairman and president and CEO of Planters and Citizens Bank.
2026-2027 officers are:
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- Chair: Zach Giddens, SunMark Community Bank
- Chair-Elect: Luke Lanier, Durden Banking Company
- Vice Chair: Bert Durand, The Citizens Bank of Georgia
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Past Chair: Robert Duvall, Bank of Madison
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North Group: Rick Tatum, Northeast Georgia Bank
- Central Group: Rachel Thompson, Bank of Newington
- South Group: PK Huling, Citizens Bank of the South
- At-Large: Josh Crews, Bank of Dudley
- At-Large (1-year term): Cole Pitts, First National Bank
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Associate Member Rep.: Tim Finney, ServisFirst Bank
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Leadership Conference Program Highlights
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Here's a summary of the Tuesday and Wednesday educational sessions from the 2026 Leadership GBA Conference.
Advocacy and Banking Update
Tripp Cofield and Georgia Department of Banking and Finance Commissioner Bo Fears opened Tuesday's general session with an update on legislative, regulatory and advocacy issues affecting Georgia banks. They discussed deposit insurance reform, the overall health of the industry, mergers and de novo activity, the unbundling of banking, interchange, fraud and digital currency trends.
Georgia Banking Environment
Cal Evans of Synovus/Pinnacle Financial Partners presented "The Georgia Banking Environment: 2026 Mid-Year Wellness Check." He shared observations on the economy beyond the headline themes and where the economy appears to be headed during the second half of the year.
How Your Bank Can Get in the AI Game
GBA Past Chairman Philip Williams of The Claxton Bank moderated a panel featuring Jaye Eubanks of United Bank, Ben Nichols of Upstate AI and Ajay John of CSI. The discussion focused on practical applications of artificial intelligence for community banks, highlighting real-world use cases and opportunities to improve efficiency.
Tokenized Money: What's Real, What's Next
Kaye Lynch-Sparks of the American Bankers Association explored the rapidly evolving world of tokenized money, including stablecoins and tokenized deposits and offered practical guidance on how banks can prepare for future developments.
The Leadership Imperative
Mike Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald MSI joined Lori Tucker of United Bank and Brannen Smith of Vallant Bank for an interactive discussion on developing bank leaders.
Closing Session
The conference concluded with retired Brigadier General Mike Oster's presentation, "Leading Through Pressure: Building Trust, Accountability and Results." Drawing on his leadership experience in high-pressure combat environments, Oster shared practical lessons on earning trust, making sound decisions during periods of uncertainty and building resilient teams that consistently deliver results.
Thank you to our sponsors. Presenting Sponsors: CSRA Business Lending, FirstStop Health and Point to Point Environmental. Platinum Sponsors: American Bankers Association, Anthem, CRS Data and Steve H. Powell & Co. Gold Sponsors: FHLBank Atlanta, First Horizon Bank and ServisFirst Bank. Silver Sponsors: Baker Tilly, McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co., Partners Benefit Group, PointeNorth Group, The First National Bankers Bank, Troutman Pepper Locke and Wipfli.
Our exhibitors were Abram Armored, Affordable Equity Partners (AEP), BancCard of America, Cash Transactions, CBSi, CCH Capital Partners, CSRA Business Lending, Econocheck, Federal Reserve Bank, Fiserv, Gulf Coast Business Credit, Integris, Kristopher James Company, NuSource Financial, OneSource Communications, Point To Point Environmental, Profit Resources, Inc., QSI and The Financial Literacy Coach.
See the photo album here.
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Georgia Leaders Represent GBA at ABA Summer Leadership Meeting
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GBA Chairman Susan Moss, president and CEO of Planters and Citizens Bank, and GBA President and CEO Tripp Cofield joined banking leaders from across the country at the American Bankers Association's 2026 Summer Leadership Meeting this week in Detroit, MI. The annual gathering brought together state bankers association leaders, the ABA Board of Directors, committee and council chairs, and ABA staff to discuss the issues shaping the banking industry. Attendees received updates on key policy developments and advocacy priorities for 2026.
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GBA Joins National and State Banking Associations Urging Stablecoin Clarifications
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GBA this week joined the ABA and more than 75 other state banking associations in urging Senate leaders to strengthen provisions of the Clarity Act governing payment stablecoins. Link to the letter here. The letter includes recommended targeted revisions to clarify the prohibition on interest, yield and reward programs tied to stablecoin holdings and to eliminate language that could create unintended incentives for consumers to hold stablecoins for extended periods. GBA supports clear regulatory guardrails that encourage innovation while preserving the important role banks play in safeguarding deposits and serving their communities.
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FEDERAL RESERVE BEIGE BOOK
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Southeast Financial Services: Cautious Growth in July
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According to the Federal Reserve's latest Beige Book report, the Southeast’s financial services sector saw modest growth amid ongoing economic uncertainty. Loan growth was primarily driven by consumer and specialized lending, with increased demand for short-term personal loans and "buy now, pay later" options, reflecting some financial stress among households. Auto and credit card lending declined, while commercial and industrial lending also fell as businesses delayed investments due to uncertain conditions. Banks reported a moderate decrease in cash-to-assets ratios, indicating a shift of liquidity into investments or dividends. Credit standards and loan pricing remained stable, and overall loan performance was steady, though some institutions noted early signs of stress among lower-income borrowers. The sector’s outlook remains cautious, with close monitoring of household financial health and business investment trends.
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2026 Georgia BankPAC Campaign Making Good Progress
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The 2026 BankPAC campaign is in full swing. Contribution forms along with all BankPAC information may be accessed on the advocacy page of gabankers.com with easy-to-follow options for making these contributions.
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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 recently are the following banks:
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Planters and Citizens Bank, Camilla, Susan Moss, president & CEO
- The Citizens Bank of Americus, Rick Whaley, president & CEO
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GBA FedPAC have come from eligible employees, officers and directors of:
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- F&M Bank, Washington, Ed Pope, president & CEO
- Planters and Citizens Bank, Camilla, Susan Moss, president & CEO
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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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Spotlight on New GBA Associate Member Georgia Small Business Capital
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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 Georgia Small Business Capital.
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Since 1989, Georgia Small Business Capital (GSBC) has been dedicated to supporting the success of Georgia’s small businesses. As the most active SBA 504 lender in the Southeast, GSBC specializes in helping healthy, growing companies secure long-term, below-market, fixed-rate financing for the acquisition and development of fixed assets. The organization also provides refinancing solutions for existing debt related to fixed assets.
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GBA STRATEGIC PARTNER INTRAFI
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New Law, New Tiered Limits, New Possibilities
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The recently enacted 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes provisions that mark a significant shift in how U.S. banks can use reciprocal deposits—an established but increasingly important tool for deposit growth and local lending. The new law amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to expand the amount of a bank’s reciprocal deposits that can be classified as “nonbrokered,” a designation that generally reflects more stable, relationship-based funding. GBA Strategic Partner IntraFi stands ready to help banks make the most of the new legislation to grow loyal, high-value depositor relationships and strengthen their local communities. Use IntraFi’s reciprocal deposit calculator to estimate the upside for your bank. Find it here.
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Registration is now open for Georgia’s premier multi-day conference for bank CFOs and finance teams — the Financial Risk Management Conference, set for Nov. 5-6 at the Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory.
Topics
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AI Session
- FHLBank Pledging Class
- ALM Panel
- Analysis of the 2026 Election, John Ashford, The Hawthorn Group
- More!
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Don't miss this year's Women in Banking Conference, where you'll find a dynamic mix of educational sessions that deepen professional knowledge and encourage personal growth. It’s this unique blend of learning and connection that creates the high-energy, collaborative atmosphere our attendees value year after year.
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BSA Peer Group Meeting is July 22, Macon
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BankPAC Pickleball Aug. 27, Macon
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Get involved beyond the court!
Sponsorship Opportunities are available, with prices ranging from $250 - $650. Click here for details or contact GBA’s Kathy Friestad with questions.
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HR Professionals Peer Group Meeting
Sept. 3 in Macon
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South Georgia Community Bank Symposium Sept. 17, Valdosta
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Ops/Tech Peer Group Meeting Sept. 22
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Jim Stewart of Vallant Bank and GBA Operations & Technology Committee member will facilitate the meeting covering industry hot topics. Participants can help shape the discussion by submitting topics during the registration process. Sponsorships are available. Click here for sponsorship information.
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President/CEO, Bank Counsel, Bank Accountant Conferences Oct. 4-6
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Compliance Conference – Oct. 21 – 23,
Sea Palms Resort, St. Simons Island
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ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
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Credit Skills, Fraud Response, ChatGPT for Accountants and More Great Basics
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Take a look at online training opportunities available to GBA members from OnCourse Learning and the American Bankers Association.
Upcoming hot topic webinars:
Self-paced courses, certificates and reference guides:
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Atlanta – Georgia Bankers Association
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Fauzia Anjum has been promoted to Controller. During the past five years with GBA, Fauzia has implemented systems and processes that have enhanced financial reporting, strengthened internal controls and improved the efficiency of GBA’s accounting operations.
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Bainbridge – First Port City Bank
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Kyle Staples, Vice President/Commercial Lender, was recently inducted as the new President of the Rotary Club of Bainbridge.
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Cumming – The Citizens Bank of Georgia
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Congratulations to Bert Durand, whose son, Thomas, is in his plebe summer as a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy.
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Duluth – Loyal Trust Bank
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Bhavana Amin has joined the bank as Vice President and Branch Banking Leader for the bank’s upcoming Duluth branch.
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| Moultrie – Bank of America
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Our sympathies to the family and friends of Jerry Vereen, who passed away July 11. Vereen served on the board for the southern Georgia division for Bank of America. Read more here.
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Senoia – First Peoples Bank
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The bank’s new full-service branch is now open at 8060 Wells Street. Walker Curtis has been named Senoia market president, and Whitney Guarderas has joined the bank as Senoia branch manager.
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Twin City – Durden Banking Company
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Our sympathies to the bank, family and friends of bank director Danny Olliff, who passed away July 14. Read more here.
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Our sympathies to the family and friends of Tom Kurrie, who passed away June 29. He served for many years as counsel to Park Avenue Bank and was a founding member of the GBA Bank Counsel Section. He chaired the section in 1996. Read more here.
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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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