CBA Elects and Installs 2025–2026 Board of Directors at Annual Convention

The Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA) elected and installed its 2025–2026 Board of Directors during the Association’s Annual Convention CONNECT, held September 10–14, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, FL. Mike Sale, President & CEO, The Commercial Bank, Crawford, was elected Chairman of the Board, with his term officially beginning on September 11, 2025.

“The CBA Board of Directors consists of true community bankers. As leaders of their respective communities, they are asked to serve on many different boards and committees. Recognizing the importance of having a community bank-only focused association in Georgia, CBA is honored that they have chosen to devote their time and talents to guide CBA. It is a privilege to serve as their President/CEO,” stated John McNair, President & CEO, Community Bankers Association of Georgia.

CBA is delighted to welcome the following new members to the Board:

• Ms. Clare Easterlin, Queensborough National Bank and Trust
• Mr. Andy Flowers, Oconee State Bank
• Ms. Kasey Blackburn, Family Bank
• Ms. Angie Kahrmann, State Bank of Cochran
• Mr. Jeff McGhee, The Merchants and Citizens Bank

Additionally, CBA would like to thank the following who are stepping off the Board for their exemplary service:

• Ms. Jolene Carroll, Magnolia State Bank
• Mr. Zac Frye, Citizens Bank of Swainsboro
• Mr. Ron Quinn, Peach State Bank & Trust
• Mr. Neil Stevens, Oconee State Bank
• Mr. Doug Williams, SouthState Bank

Board members are selected from two divisions across the state of Georgia, ensuring all Georgia community banks are equally represented. Board members are elected to a one-year term. During the year, Directors will be involved in several items on behalf of the CBA membership, such as responding to proposed rules and regulations from the various regulatory agencies, reviewing services which will benefit the community banking industry, and weighing in on proposed legislation.

CBA was founded in 1969 by a group of Georgia community bankers to protect the political interests of locally owned community banks. Representing approximately 125 community banks and 150 associate member companies, CBA offers services in three distinct areas: Legislative, Professional Development and Member Services. CBA is the state’s only advocate working solely for the interests of community banks and their customers.

COMMUNITY BANKERS ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA

2025-2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

• Chair: Mike Sale, The Commercial Bank
• Chair-Elect: Kelly Stone, Community Bank of Georgia
• Vice Chair: Shannon Henry, Bank of Dade
• Audit-Treasurer: Stephen Lewis, First National Bank of Coffee County
• At Large: Heath Fountain, Colony Bank
• Immediate Past Chair: Frank Griffin, Flint Community Bank

NORTHERN DIVISION

• Derek Williams, Century Bank & Trust
• Clare Easterlin, Queensborough National Bank and Trust
• Jane Lawson, First Peoples Bank
• Jonathan Pope, Exchange Bank
• Charles Crawford, Hyperion Bank
• Mani Swarnam, Georgia Banking Company
• Chris Cochran, Affinity Bank
• Andy Flowers, Oconee State Bank

SOUTHERN DIVISION

• Scott Curry, First State Bank of Randolph County
• Kasey Blackburn, Family Bank
• Angie Kahrmann, State Bank of Cochran
• Bran Thompson, South Georgia Bank
• Ray Muggridge, Bank of Camilla
• Nancy Jernigan, First Port City Bank
• Eli Tinsley, Planters First Bank
• Jeff McGhee, The Merchants and Citizens Bank
• Brian Bazemore, The Citizens Bank of Cochran
• Richy Everly, Bank of Wrightsville

CBA President/CEO: John McNair, CBA of GA
Corporate Secretary: Lori Godfrey, CBA of GA
General Counsel: Dan Brannan, James Bates Brannan Groover LLP