Board Member Spotlight 11/11/25

Chris Cochran has been in banking for 21 years, building a career rooted in community-focused banking and client success. Recently, he had the opportunity to support a dental client in purchasing a building that will soon house their new practice. This loan not only allowed the client to gain ownership within their community but also enabled them to expand their capacity to serve patients and grow their team. Projects like these are particularly rewarding for Chris, as they help strengthen local small businesses and create lasting, positive impacts in the neighborhoods Affinity Bank serves.

Chris is deeply involved in the Georgia dental community through his participation in several professional organizations, including the Georgia Dental Association, Hinman Dental Society, Northern District Dental Society, and Georgia Association of Pediatric Dentistry. He also engages with local study clubs that bring dental professionals together to share knowledge and foster stronger connections across Georgia.

What Chris enjoys most about community banking is the opportunity to help people achieve their dreams and goals. Over his two decades in the industry, he has found great fulfillment in watching his clients grow and thrive. His focus remains on supporting small businesses that value personal relationships with their patients, just as Affinity Bank does with its customers, one meaningful experience at a time.

This year, Chris and his wife, Serina, are celebrating 15 years of marriage. The two love traveling together and creating memorable experiences around the world. They also enjoy spending time at Lake Oconee and hope to retire there one day. When he’s not with family, Chris can often be found on the golf course, by his own admission, not as a great golfer, but always one who enjoys the game.

Taylor Jenkins has been dedicated to banking for the past ten years He is currently with Flint Community Bank,  contributing to its mission of being the bank of choice in the Albany, Georgia, community. Over the years, Taylor and the team have consistently sought out opportunities that set Flint apart while strengthening its role as a true community partner. One of the most meaningful milestones in this effort came when Flint Community Bank became one of only four banks in Georgia to be listed as a participating partner in the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP). This national program, developed through the collaboration of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA), provides Veterans and beneficiaries with secure, affordable options for receiving and managing their VA benefits. Through the VBBP, Veterans gain access to financial institutions that understand their unique needs and offer valuable education on financial literacy, independence, and fraud prevention. Given Albany’s strong military presence, including the Marine Corps Logistics Base, Flint’s participation in this initiative holds special meaning. As Taylor explains, being a community bank means being there for the people who make up the community, and supporting Veterans is one way the Flint Family proudly fulfills that purpose.

Beyond the bank’s day-to-day impact, Taylor plays an active role in shaping the local business and leadership landscape. He currently serves as an Executive Board Member and Chair of the Investor Engagement Committee for the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, where he helps enhance membership value, create engagement opportunities, and organize key events such as the Albany Business Awards and the “Biz Expo.” Additionally, Taylor serves as Vice Chair and Programming Co-Chair for Leadership Albany, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying and developing leaders who will drive positive change in the Albany area. Through this program, participants gain a deeper understanding of community challenges and institutions, empowering them to take on leadership roles with purpose and perspective. Taylor also helps lead Flint Community Bank’s Junior Board of Directors program, which provides high school juniors and seniors with valuable lessons in college preparation, financial literacy, personal budgeting, and leadership development, an investment in the community’s future that aligns closely with the bank’s core values.

At the heart of Taylor’s work lies his passion for community banking and the relationships it fosters. He finds the greatest fulfillment in walking alongside clients through life’s most meaningful milestones, whether purchasing a first home, expanding a business, or simply finding someone they can trust with their finances. For Taylor, banking is more than transactions; it’s about service, partnership, and helping others achieve their goals. That sense of purpose is what fuels his dedication each day.

Family is Taylor’s foundation and greatest source of inspiration. His wife and son are his “why”—the reason he strives to give his best in every area of life. Together, they remind him of what truly matters: love, laughter, and gratitude. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys reading, watching films and documentaries, and spending time at the lake with family and friends. The tranquility of the water offers a welcome pause from life’s busyness. He also loves to travel and explore new places, finding joy in experiencing different cultures and taking in the beauty of God’s creation, a reminder of the world’s richness and the importance of living life with curiosity and appreciation.