Georgia Bankers Association Appoints New Leader

The Georgia Bankers Association (GBA), based in Atlanta and representing the state’s financial institutions, is currently involved with the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).

Robert Duval, the Chair of Leadership GBA, has appointed Chris McLaughlin as the market president of Evans’ Colony Bank. McLaughlin has been a notable member of the Leadership GBA board of directors and will serve a three-year term.

The GBA is organized into several key groups, including GBAServices, Inc., which offers various services to member banks. Additionally, the Community Bankers Committee focuses on assessing training programs for Georgia’s community banks and reviewing related legislation. Leadership GBA aims to foster leadership development, networking, and advocacy.

“Chris has a well-rounded background in banking and demonstrates strong leadership skills, along with a genuine commitment to community service,” Duval stated, noting that McLaughlin is well-suited for this vital position representing bankers throughout Georgia.

McLaughlin’s career in banking spans over 25 years. He began as a financial institution specialist at Steve H. Powell & Company in Statesboro. Prior to joining Colony Bank, he worked at South State, focusing on credit analysis, commercial lending, and residential development, eventually serving as Senior Vice President and Commercial Banking Relations Manager.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and business management, with an emphasis on banking management, from Georgia Southern University. Furthermore, he recently graduated from Louisiana State University’s Graduate School of Banking.

After finishing his undergraduate studies in 2000, McLaughlin also completed the 2010 Leadership Columbia County program offered by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, where he took on a leadership role. He actively supports the Ronald McDonald House in Augusta as a chair of its charity.