Honoring Commissioner Kevin Hagler’s Legacy of Leadership

After 30 years of dedicated service to the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, Commissioner Kevin Hagler will retire at the end of August. Beginning his career with the Department in 1997, Kevin quickly rose through the ranks, becoming District Director in 2003, Deputy Commissioner in 2008, and Commissioner in 2013. Throughout his tenure, he guided the Department with steady leadership through economic shifts and a global pandemic. Kevin also represented Georgia on the national stage, serving in several leadership roles with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), including Chairman in 2020, and played a key role in modernizing the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).

 Upon his retirement, Kevin will be recognized as the second longest-serving commissioner in the Department’s history. Effective September 1, 2025, pursuant to statute, Senior Deputy Commissioner Bo Fears will be the Acting Commissioner for the Department until a successor to Kevin is appointed by the Governor.

“On behalf of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia, it is my honor to wish Commissioner Kevin Hagler all the best for the future as he transitions from his role,” said CBA President & CEO John McNair. “Kevin has led with distinction, and it has been a pleasure to work with him. The Georgia Department of Banking is one of the best in the country and we are looking forward to continuing our relationship with Acting Commissioner Fears and the entire department.”