Board Member Spotlight 12/9/25

2025-2026 |
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Derek Williams, CBA Board:
Derek Williams has spent 38 years in the banking industry and currently serves with Century Bank & Trust, where his work is rooted in strengthening the Milledgeville and Baldwin County communities. One recent example of this commitment was the bank’s celebration of Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day. To show appreciation for the Chamber’s ongoing work to help local businesses thrive, Century Bank delivered baskets filled with gifts and goodies to some of their favorite downtown restaurants. This gesture reflects the bank’s dedication to supporting small businesses, a cornerstone of its mission. Community involvement is a defining part of Century Bank’s identity, and Derek leads by example. Team members serve in leadership roles across organizations such as the Rotary Club, Exchange Club, Chamber of Commerce, Milledgeville Housing Authority, Lockerly Arboretum, Communities in Schools, First Readers, and Blessing Bags, among others. Derek has personally contributed to many of these groups over the years, and his service to the industry includes time as Past Chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America. His commitment to advocacy and engagement underscores his belief in the power of community-focused leadership. Derek’s passion for community banking comes from the strong relationships at its core. He believes deeply that the relationship-driven model is what fuels small business success and supports the growth that strengthens communities. Serving his community alongside a dedicated team who shares these values is one of the greatest joys of his career. For Derek, every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of customers and neighbors. Family is equally important to Derek. He and his wife, Karen, have three daughters, three sons-in-law, and four delightful granddaughters who bring tremendous joy to their lives. Much of their cherished family time is spent at their home on Lake Sinclair in Milledgeville, where they make memories together and enjoy the beauty and peace of the lake. |
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Troy Poulin, LEAD Board:
Troy Poulin has spent more than 12 years in the banking industry and currently serves with The Claxton Bank, where his work reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the community he calls home. The bank’s recent multimillion-dollar investment in a new Operations Center, along with the upcoming $2 million renovation of its historic Main Street branch, underscores this dedication. These initiatives are not only modernizing essential banking infrastructure but also creating local jobs and reinvesting directly into Claxton’s economic future. By choosing to build, hire, and bank locally, The Claxton Bank is helping ensure that Claxton continues to thrive for generations to come. Community involvement is at the heart of Troy’s work. The Claxton Bank’s team members regularly participate in service projects across their market areas, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to giving back. Troy also remains actively engaged in Georgia’s community banking network, connecting with peers, technology leaders, and industry partners through conferences and collaborative groups that support the state’s vibrant community banking sector. His volunteer efforts extend to youth and financial education programs such as TRAC Camp and Luke’s Project 11, where he helps support the next generation through mentorship and community engagement. Troy’s passion for community banking comes from the impact it allows him to make every single day. Whether assisting someone in starting a business, purchasing their first home, or recovering from fraud or financial hardship, he finds meaning in being able to help people navigate life’s financial milestones. For Troy, community banking is far more than handling transactions, it’s about building trust, forming lasting relationships, and helping people achieve their goals. It's a level of personal connection and purpose he believes he couldn’t find in any other industry. A proud University of Georgia graduate, Troy is a devoted UGA Bulldog football fan, and fall Saturdays are reserved for cheering on his team. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying connected to the Bulldog Nation, and celebrating the community spirit that comes with being part of such a passionate and supportive network. |
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Scott Henderson, LEAD Board:
Scott Henderson has spent 16 years in the banking industry and currently serves with Planters First Bank, where he is dedicated to building strong relationships and supporting the financial well-being of his community. His professional life is closely tied to his community involvement, Scott serves on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer for the Perry Area Chamber, contributing his expertise to help foster local growth and business development. For Scott, community banking is deeply personal. He believes the heart of the industry lies in relationships, not transactions. What he values most is the opportunity to truly know customers, their names, their stories, and their goals. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, Scott takes the time to listen, ask questions, and craft plans tailored to each individual’s needs. To him, community banking is a partnership rooted in trust and service. Just as people rely on a doctor for their health or a mechanic for their car, Scott believes customers should feel confident turning to their banker as a financial expert who is invested in their success. This personalized, people-first approach is what makes his work meaningful and reinforces his commitment to helping build a stronger, more connected community. Outside of the bank, Scott is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Laurel, have been married for 13 years and are proud parents to four beautiful daughters. Much of their time is spent supporting their active children, often jokingly acting as part-time Uber drivers, but they also cherish opportunities to travel and go camping together. Scott and his family are active members of Second Baptist Church, where they serve on the First Impressions Team, warmly welcoming others and helping create a positive, engaging environment. |




