News

We’re excited to announce the addition of Christian Ruppe as Chief Innovation Officer, Senior Vice President. In this newly created position, Christian will utilize his deep industry knowledge to develop and execute a meaningful innovation strategy that aligns with the Company’s strategic initiatives and culture. Commenting on the announcement, Heath Fountain, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “As community banking evolves with the rising role of technology, our focus has...

We’re excited to announce the addition of Kelly Godfrey as Mortgage Loan Originator for our Savannah market. Commenting on the announcement, Preston Laird, Mortgage Market Manager, said, “We are very pleased to welcome Kelly to Colony Bank and look forward to her contributions to our mortgage team. Her extensive banking industry experience will be an excellent complement to our existing capabilities and will allow us to deepen our commitment and service to the Savannah...

We are proud to announce that Jamie Knight, formerly Commercial Banker, Vice President has been promoted to Leesburg Market President. Jamie joined Colony Bank in 2019 and has over 16 years of banking experience, working in both commercial lending and retail bank management. Jamie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Georgia Southern University. As a Lee County native, Jamie remains active in the community through various organizations. He currently serves...

We are excited to announce the addition of Warren Giardina as Central Alabama Market Executive. In this role, Warren will lead our expansion efforts in and around Birmingham while also recruiting new talent for our Corporate Banking Group. “We are excited to continue our strategic expansion in the state with someone who is very well respected in the area and has such a strong network,” commented Mike Washburn, President of Corporate Banking. “I have known Warren for many years...

We are proud to announce that Jeffrey Hester, formerly Commercial Banker, Vice President has been promoted to Cordele Market President, and Amber Herrington, formerly Business Banker, has been promoted to the position of Commercial Banker, Vice President. Commenting on the announcement Bob Evans, Regional President, said, “Over the past five years, Terry Ann Brake and I have been proactive in integrating our succession plan to help prepare Jeffrey and Amber for long-term success in...

Justin Truelove has joined Colony Bank as Director of Healthcare Lending. In this newly created position, Justin will focus on providing unique financing solutions for medical and dental practices during acquisitions, buy-ins, buy-outs, expansions, real estate purchases, renovations, and construction scenarios. Commenting on the announcement, Mike Washburn, President of Corporate Banking, said, “Colony Bank operates in several of the strongest medical markets in Alabama and Georgia....

We are pleased to announce the addition of Steven Bernaski as President of Marine and RV Lending, Senior Vice President. In this new role, Steven will utilize his extensive experience and network to provide specialized marine and recreational vehicle financing solutions for consumers through the indirect lending channel. Commenting on the announcement, Eddie Hoyle, Chief Banking Officer, said, “We are pleased to announce this extension of specialized services, which furthers our...

We are pleased to announce the expansion of our Marketing Department with the addition of Leslie Ehlers as Vice President, Director of Marketing. As an accomplished integrated marketing specialist and graphic designer, Leslie brings almost 22 years of experience in advertising and corporate branding, leading large regional and national efforts as well as founding and running her own boutique creative services firm. She previously served as Director of Marketing for 18 years spearheading...

We’re excited to announce that we have entered the Huntsville market with the addition of Barry Bryan as North Alabama Market Executive and Elizabeth Yanhko as Corporate Banking Administrative Assistant. Commenting on the announcement, Mike Washburn, President of Corporate Banking, said, “We are excited to continue our growth strategy with the opening of our Huntsville office with two well-respected banking professionals of Barry’s and Elizabeth’s caliber. As the North Alabama...

We’re proud to announce that Derek Shelnutt has been promoted to the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer. In this new role, Derek will oversee the accounting function and all financial and regulatory reporting, while providing additional support with strategic decisions for the Company. Derek joined Colony in 2020 as Assistant Vice President, Treasury Manager, and has since served as Vice President, Controller, and most recently as Senior Vice...

We are proud to announce that Cole Posey has been promoted to Moultrie Market President. Cole joined the Company in September 2020 as Vice President and Commercial Banker. With over 10 years of experience in management, marketing, and business development, Cole served as Director of Economic Development for Southern Regional Technical College prior to joining Colony Bank. He also served in other roles at the college, including Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Communications....

We are excited to announce the promotion of Richard Welch to Valdosta Market President. Richard joined the Company in October 2020 as Vice President, Commercial Banker. Prior to Colony Bank, he served as Vice President and Commercial Lender for Synovus Bank. Richard, who has fifteen years of banking experience, has also held positions to include Business Service Officer for BB&T’s mid-south region, which included Valdosta, and Commercial Lender for the Southern Georgia Regional...