Board Member Spotlight 12/2/25

With 19 years of experience in banking, Jeff McGhee of The Merchants & Citizens Bank continues to play a vital role in advancing both customer service and community security. Under his leadership, the bank has implemented several modern banking tools, including mobile banking and remote deposit, enhancing convenience for customers and allowing them to manage their finances anytime, anywhere. Jeff is also helping guide the early stages of an automated BSA platform with built-in check fraud detection, an important investment that will strengthen fraud prevention efforts and provide customers with quicker alerts and added peace of mind.

Beyond his professional role, Jeff is deeply engaged in the McRae community. He is an active member of First Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon and alternate Sunday School teacher. He is also a committed member of the McRae Rotary Club, having served in various leadership positions, including President. His involvement reflects a genuine dedication to service and to supporting the organizations that help the community thrive.

Jeff’s passion lies in helping people achieve meaningful milestones, whether it’s buying their first home, purchasing a new vehicle, or launching a small business. His deep roots in the community allow him to truly understand the needs, goals, and challenges of local residents. As a community banker who lives, works, and invests in the same place his customers do, Jeff brings insight and care to every relationship.

Family remains at the heart of Jeff’s life. He and his wife, Angelyn, have been married for 31 years and are the proud parents of three children and grandparents to two. In their free time, they enjoy traveling, dining out, and spending quality time with their growing family.

Linda Smith of Embassy National Bank in Lawrenceville, Georgia, brings an impressive 30 years of banking experience to her work and to the community she serves. Throughout her career, she has exemplified the core values of community banking, personal connection, dedicated service, and a deep commitment to helping others thrive.

Linda is actively involved in several community-focused organizations and initiatives. She serves as a panel member in the Clayton County Reunification Program for youth, supporting families as they work toward stability and positive outcomes. Her service extends to Rainbow Village and the Salvation Army, where she assists in feeding senior citizens, as well as Habitat for Humanity’s “Brush With Kindness” program, helping restore and uplift local homes and neighborhoods.

At the heart of Linda’s work is her passion for exceptional service. She believes community banking is built on knowing customers personally, calling them by name, and consistently delivering an elevated level of care. For her, going above and beyond is not the exception, it’s the standard. She takes pride in offering quality service at all times and holds the same expectations when she interacts with businesses in her community.

Beyond her professional life, Linda is a true “one-stop shop” for special occasions. She channels her creativity into baking and decorating wedding cakes, arranging flowers, and setting up event venues, bringing beauty, joy, and celebration to the lives of those around her.