Member Spotlight 10/22/25

October 22, 2025

in CBA Today eNewsletter,

Jonathan Pope has been promoted to Senior Vice President – Commercial Lender at Exchange Bank, Milledgeville. Read more.
Athens & Oconee County Banks Join Forces to Fight Fraud Community banks across Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties are joining together in a partnership to combat the growing threat of fraud. Oconee State Bank, BankSouth, Classic City Bank, and First American Bank & Trust are working together to share information, coordinate public awareness efforts, and strengthen protections for their customers. Through this alliance, participating banks are aligning their customer communications and digital outreach to deliver consistent anti-fraud messaging. Plans are underway for a broader public awareness campaign to empower consumers with tools and knowledge to prevent fraud before it happens. The coalition’s mission is clear—protect customers, reduce fraud losses, and build stronger, safer communities through shared education and partnership. Read more.
CBA offers our sincere condolences to the family, friends and associates of Howard “Cliff” Sheppard, Jr., who passed away last week. Cliff joined the Board of Directors of Citizens Bank of the South, Sandersville, in 1982, serving as Chairman of the Board since 2005. Read obituary.