Georgia Bankers Get National Spotlight
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A couple of Georgia bankers this week are featured leading national conversations about community banking.
Wade Johnson, president and CEO of Durden Banking Company, joins GBA Associate Member Wolf & Co.'s
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"This Month in Banking" podcast to talk about the leadership, culture and relationship-focused approach that have helped the bank deliver strong results in efficiency and cost of funds. Listen here.
In American Banker, Perry Revell, CEO of AB&T, offers his perspective about how artificial intelligence can move community banks beyond the limitations of traditional core technology providers. In his BankThink column, Revell encourages banks to see AI as an opportunity to shape their own futures. Read here (requires subscription access).
Johnson and Revell serve on the GBA Board of Directors, and both shared their expertise during sessions at the GBA Annual Meeting in June.
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GBA Backs Stronger FCC Rules to Stop Bank Impersonation Scam Calls
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GBA this week filed reply comments with the Federal Communications Commission supporting stronger rules to keep scammers who impersonate banks off phone networks. Criminals place spoofed calls every day that show a Georgia bank's name or number to deceive the bank's own customers, and member banks are often left absorbing the losses and reputational harm caused by fraud committed in their name.
The letter backed the FCC's proposal to tighten "know your customer" requirements on originating providers, the phone companies best positioned to keep bad actors off the network and urged that the rules carry enforcement strong enough to deter abuse. The filing was part of an ongoing effort by state and national banking associations to stop these scams at their source. Read GBA's letter here.
GBA members can share with customers a recent FCC consumer alert noting bank impersonation now accounts for the highest losses of any impersonation scam category. The alert also reminds customers that a bank will never call or text asking them to move money to protect it. With questions, contact Tripp Cofield, 617.909.9530.
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GBA Executive Committee Joins National Push for Targeted Clarity Act Changes
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The GBA Executive Committee was among 134 bank leaders from across the nation that signed a letter to U.S. Senate leadership urging targeted changes to the Clarity Act. Georgia banks turn local deposits into loans for families, small businesses, and farmers, and permitting stablecoin issuers to attract and hold balances through interest, yield or interest-like rewards could pull those deposits away banks, negatively impact local lending. The July 28 letter, addressed to Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Charles Schumer, reinforces this point, which Georgia bankers and GBA have consistently shared with our congressional delegation throughout the stablecoin debate. The letter’s request is narrow, aimed at refining one section of the bill rather than reopening it entirely, so that payment stablecoins stay a tool for moving money rather than becoming a deposit substitute. You can read the letter here. With questions, contact Tripp Cofield, 617.909.9530.
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Related Video: Stablecoin Loophole Explained
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There's a short video explainigng why action is needed to ensure payment stablecoins are tools for moving money rather than becoming deposit substitutes. Take a look, then we ask you to contact Sens. Ossoff and Warnock urging them to support legislation to close the stablecoin loophole.
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Get Ready for the 50th-Annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week – Order Your Bank’s Supplies by Aug. 31
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The 50th-annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week is set for Oct. 19–23, and this year’s theme, “Peanuts…Georgia’s Golden Investment,” 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. 31 to receive your supplies in time.
Questions? Contact Maddie Frost at maddie@gapeanuts.com or 229.386.3470.
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Regulators Update Community Bank Leverage Ratio Guidance
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The FDIC, Federal Reserve and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency have released an updated compliance guide for the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR) framework, reflecting changes adopted in the final rule issued earlier this year. Key updates include:
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- Lower CBLR requirement: The qualifying leverage ratio has been reduced from 9% to 8%, allowing more community banks to use the simplified capital framework.
- Longer grace period: Banks that fall out of compliance now have four quarters instead of two to regain eligibility or transition to the risk-based capital framework.
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Grace period limits: Banks may use the grace period for no more than eight of the previous 20 quarters.
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The updated guidance applies to qualifying FDIC-supervised community banks with less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets that elect to use the CBLR framework. More details here.
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Update on Georgia BankPAC Campaign
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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 our website 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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- Bank of Monticello, Walker Jordan, president & CEO
- Glennville Bank, Will Sheffield, president & CEO
- River City Bank, Rome, Matt Robbins, president & CEO
- Southeastern Bank, Darien, Jay Torbert, president & CEO
- The Bank of LaFayette, Bob Gilbert, chairman & CEO
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Contributions to the GBA FedPAC have come from eligible employees, officers and directors of:
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- AB&T, Albany, Perry Revell, CEO
- Bank of Monticello, Walker Jordan, president & CEO
- F&M Bank, Washington, Ed Pope, president & CEO
- Georgia Bankers Association, Atlanta, Tripp Cofield, president & CEO
- Planters and Citizens Bank, Camilla, Susan Moss, president & CEO
- Planters First Bank, Cordele, Eli Tinsley, president & CEO
- The Bank of LaFayette, Bob Gilbert, chairman & CEO
- The Citizens Bank of Americus, Rick Whaley, president & CEO
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CONFERENCE & EVENT SPOTLIGHTS
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Conversations That Matter Panel to Highlight Women in Banking Conference
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One of this year's featured sessions at the Women in Banking Conference will explore how support, advocacy and intentional leadership can help shape careers and strengthen organizations.
Moderated by Briana Williams of Queensborough National Bank & Trust, the panel, "Conversations that Matter: The Power of Support: Growing Yourself and Growing Others," will feature Mikelle Brady of Profit Resources Inc., Karlene Gordon of Ameris Bank and Tiffany Wood of Spark Impact Coaching and Consulting.
Panelists will discuss investing in personal growth, how their definition of success has evolved over time, the mentors and advocates who helped shape their careers and how they're using their own influence to create opportunities for others. The session is designed to inspire attendees at every stage of their careers to learn, lead and make a lasting impact.
Also on the agenda:
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- Economic Update with Paula Tkac, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
- Mastering Efficiency with Sarah McKinney, Athens Area Community Foundation
- Attendee-favorite Roundtable Discussions
- A Fireside Chat with Mary Usategui, CEO and founder of BankMiami, and Jessi Englert, First American Bank & Trust Company
- Seeing Differences Differently with Dr. Karah Sprouse, co-founder of ReGenerate
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BankPAC Pickleball Paddle Battle
Aug. 27, Macon
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Hit the Courts at this Fun Indoor Event
Join us at the world's largest indoor pickleball facility for a fun afternoon of social, friendly competition, lunch and giveaways. Prizes will be awarded to top winners! All proceeds go to the GBA StatePAC.
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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Ops/Tech Peer Group Meeting Sept. 22, Athens
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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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GBA Fall Advocacy Play Day – Oct. 14!
Two Great Events, One Important Cause
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BankPAC Golf and Inaugural Mahjong Mingle
River Forest Golf Club, Forsyth
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Credit Conference Registration Now Open - Dec. 3-4 in Savanah
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This event, planned by the GBA Credit Committee, covers the full spectrum of market intelligence, credit trends, underwriting, risk management and business development topics essential for growing, thriving banks. The event provides participants the opportunity to network, share best practices and learn from nationally known experts in an away-from-the-bank environment to foster creativity and connections.
We'll have a finalized agenda soon, but here’s a topical glimpse:
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- Ag Update
- AI
- Legal Update
- Roundtable Discussions
- Regulatory Update
- CRE in Georgia
- Economic Update
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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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GBA STRATEGIC PARTNER ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
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Enhanced Savings Now Available for All GBA Members
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GBA is pleased to announce significant enhancements to our endorsed ODP Business Solutions purchasing program. With an improved pricing structure, participating banks can now achieve average savings of approximately 14% compared to standard ODP web pricing for Core List products, with many items discounted by 20% or 30% or more. If your bank is not currently participating, we encourage you to request a complimentary savings analysis to compare your current pricing against the program's enhanced rates. For additional information or to schedule a review, please contact Katherine Booth at katherine.booth@odpbusiness.com.
Ready to start saving? You can enroll in the ODP Business Solutions program today and take advantage of preferred pricing, enhanced savings and exclusive benefits available through the GBA.
Enroll in the ODP Business Solutions Purchasing Program here.
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ASSOCIATE MEMBER CheckAlt
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What the 18-Month Receivables Window Means for Banks
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Banks are facing growing expectations from business customers for faster, more integrated payment and receivables solutions. According to a recent Datos Insights study commissioned by GBA Associate Member CheckAlt, nearly 75% of banks under $30 billion in assets are actively evaluating, or plan to evaluate, receivables and payment processing technology in the next 18 months. While every bank's strategy will differ, the study suggests this is an appropriate time to assess current capabilities, identify future needs and develop a long-term modernization roadmap that aligns with customer expectations and institutional goals. Read more from CheckAlt here, or contact Will Grattan, will.grattan@checkalt.com, with questions.
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HR Professionals Peer Group Meeting
Sept. 3 in Macon
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Join fellow bank HR professionals from across Georgia for an interactive roundtable discussion focused on today's most pressing HR topics. Share ideas, discuss challenges, exchange solutions and gain valuable insights from peers who understand the unique needs of the banking industry. Discussion topics will be driven by participant input, ensuring relevant and meaningful conversations for attendees.
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South Georgia Community Bank Symposium Sept. 17, Valdosta
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Compliance Conference – Oct. 21 – 23,
Sea Palms Resort, St. Simons Island
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Join Georgia's premier conference for bank compliance professionals. Get practical insights on today's top compliance issues, exchange ideas with peers from across the state and return with solutions you can put to work right away — all while enjoying outstanding networking in a relaxed coastal setting.
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Come to Georgia's top 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
- AI Session
- FHLBank Pledging Class
- ALM Panel
- Analysis of the 2026 Election, John Ashford, The Hawthorn Group
- More!
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ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
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Head Teller Training, AI 101, Treasury Management and More
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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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Carl Insel has been named Atlanta regional president for the bank. He brings more than 35 years of financial services experience to the role, joining the bank from First Citizens Bank, where he most recently served as regional executive vice president.
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Atlanta – Cash Transactions; BEVYTEC
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Cash Transactions and BEVYTEC announced the successful completion of their merger and the launch of BEVY+, a unified company delivering branch automation hardware, integrated lending software and related services to financial institutions, effective immediately.
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Darien – Southeastern Bank
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Gov. Brian Kemp has appointed bank President and CEO Jay Torbert to the Coastal Regional Commission Council.
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Gray – Magnolia State Bank
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Mell Merritt has been promoted to Regional President for the Jones and Baldwin County markets.
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Destiny McLendon has joined the bank as a Marketing Specialist.
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| Madisonville, Tenn. – Peoples Bank of East Tennessee
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GBA member Peoples Bank of East Tennessee has agreed to acquire First Peoples Bancorp Inc., the holding company for First Peoples Bank of Tennessee. The transaction is expected to close in late 2026 or early 2027, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.
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Perry – SunMark Community Bank
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Heather Tanner has joined the bank as Executive Assistant.
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Pine Mountain – First Peoples Bank
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First Peoples Bank has launched an SBA and Government Guaranteed Lending Department. DeeDee McIntyre has joined the bank as director of government guaranteed lending to lead the new department. Also joining the team are Ron Reese, senior government guaranteed analyst, and Kaye Thompson, SBA closing manager.
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Statesboro – Citizens Bank of the South
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Lora Akins has been promoted to account relationship manager.
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Condolences to Haynes Standard, his family and friends on the passing of his wife, Elaine (Foster) Standard, on July 15. Read more here.
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Alpharetta – First City Bank
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The bank recently hosted a financial education session for local teenagers in Alpharetta.
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Bainbridge – First National Bank
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The bank recently provided a generous donation to support ABAC Bainbridge's new four-year Agriculture degree program.
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| Camilla – Planters and Citizens Bank
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Branch Manager Lorena Vazquez partnered with a local church to host a senior financial literacy workshop focused on protecting older adults from financial fraud. The program raised awareness about elder financial abuse, scams and phishing attacks while providing attendees with practical tips to recognize and avoid common fraud schemes.
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Statesboro – Bulloch First
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The bank partnered with United Way of Southeast Georgia and Positive Childhood Alliance for Bulloch for the Back to School Supply Drive.
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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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