Georgia Bankers Association (GBA) members have elected and installed officers for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and added five members to its board of directors.

At the 132^nd GBA Annual Meeting on June 11, Brad E. Barber, president and CEO of First National Bank, Bainbridge, was installed as the 136^th GBA Chairman.

"Brad is a distinguished leader in Georgia’s banking community, known for his extensive experience and commitment to excellence,” said Joe Brannen, GBA president and CEO. “His broad understanding of our industry and longtime involvement with the GBA make him the ideal person to lead our association. The Georgia banking community will greatly benefit from Brad's guidance and vision.”

GBA members also elected two other officers for 2024-2025. Philip G. Williams, president and CEO, of The Claxton Bank, Claxton, is our new Chairman-Elect, and Susan V. Moss, president and CEO, Planters and Citizens Bank, Camilla, is the new Vice Chairman.

In addition, five new board members were installed for their terms beginning July 1.

• North Group: Colin Stokes, president and CEO, Classic City Bank, Athens

• Central Group: Hamilton Wade Johnson, president and CEO, Durden Banking Company, Twin City

• South Group: R. Perry Revell, CEO, AB&T, Albany

• At Large: Ryan P. Earnest, president and CEO, First National Community Bank, Rome

• Leadership GBA Chair: Joseph Bradley Sheffield, Sr. VP, Retail Banking, Synovus Bank, Statesboro

In addition, Donald J. Torbert, Jr., president and CEO, Southeastern Bank, Darien, will serve in the dual role on the Board as the Community Bankers Committee chair concurrent with his term as a South Group representative.