Derek Shelnutt, Colony Bank, Named to Independent Banker's 40 under 40

This month’s Independent Banker magazine recognizes the seventh annual "40 Under 40" list of emerging community bankers who are making a difference in their communities.

Derek Shelnutt, CFO and EVP of $3 billion-asset Colony Bank, Fitzgerald, serves his community in several ways. He spearheads the bank’s involvement in the Georgia HEART program, which provides critical funding to 10 different rural hospitals in the area. Colony Bank, with Shelnutt’s help, has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to this program.

“[Georgia HEART] directs much-needed financial resources to healthcare providers in underserved areas,” Shelnutt says, “ensuring that citizens in rural communities have access to quality medical care.”

He also leads Colony Bank’s commitment to Fostering Success, a program that helps find accessible education, housing and career opportunities for young adults who are aging out of the foster care system. He also champions the bank’s support of the Georgia GOAL Scholarship program, which funds scholarships for students to attend accredited private schools and career academies.

Shelnutt’s charitable works also extends to the community banking industry. To help educate and inspire the next generation of leaders, Shelnutt serves on the board of advisors for the Richards College of Business at his alma mater, the University of West Georgia. In this role, he mentors students and provides insight into the evolving financial landscape. “This is a great way to educate business and finance students about community banking and potential career paths,” he says.

Read the entire 40 under 40 article in Independent Banker magazine.