Kelly Stone Named Chair-Elect of Community Bankers Association of Georgia Board of Directors
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Kelly Stone, President & CEO, Community Bank of Georgia, Baxley, was elected to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA) as Chair-Elect. Nominations for the 2025-26 CBA Board of Directors were announced and approved at CBA’s Annual Convention held September 10 – 14, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, FL. His term began 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.
For more information, contact CBA at (770) 541-4490 or visit www.cbaofga.com.
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
