LEAD Division

CBA Engagement as a Leadership Division Representative

CBA's Leadership Division (LD) aims to promote the advancement of tomorrow's financial industry leaders while encouraging meaningful relationships between the CBA and its member banks.

Engagement in the Leadership Division allows representatives to expand personally and professionally through networking, educational opportunities, political activism, and community service. Each CBA member bank's CEO is asked to designate at least one Leadership Division Representative (LDR) - larger banks may want to name an LDR at each branch. A recommendation as an LDR is an impressive commendation reserved for the most valued employees. Membership in the LD is complimentary to all CBA member banks.

The LD strives to ensure a prosperous future for Georgia's community banking industry. Through its ongoing initiatives, the LDRs encourage lifelong learning, professional education development, communicating the industry brand to the next generation, raising funds to support industry advocacy, and participating in community service. Whether you are a seasoned banker or just starting your career, the CBA welcomes your participation.
LDRs that exhibit a passion for community banking by participating in the CBA and its initiatives may be nominated or invited to join the LEAD Board.


CBA’s LEAD Board (Leadership, Education, Advocacy, Development Board)

​The LEAD is administered by its own board, board structure, and committees. Each year designated LEAD Board Members are assigned to specific committees designed to promote and assist CBA Board initiatives. LEAD committees are as follows:

How to Join the Leadership Division

For more information regarding any information above, please contact Kristi Greer.

​We appreciate your interest and continued efforts to advance awareness of community banking in Georgia.

LEAD Board

  • Jessica Hudson
    Jessica Hudson
    AVP/Loan Operations Officer First National Bank of Coffee County (912)384-4979
    Chair
  • Jonathan Pope
    Jonathan Pope
    AVP & Branch Manager Exchange Bank (478)414-1307
    Chair-Elect
  • Mark Thompson
    Mark Thompson
    Senior VP - Credit Administration Glennville Bank (912)654-3471
    2nd Vice Chair
  • Kasey Blackburn
    Kasey Blackburn
    Senior Vice President Family Bank (229)294-2821
    Executive At Large
  • Chris Cochran
    Chris Cochran
    MBA SVP Commercial Lender Affinity Bank (678)460-2802
    Past Chair
  • Jay Funderburke
    Compliance Officer Bank of Alapaha (229)686-7491
    Division Chair
  • Jonathon Guthrie
    Vice President, Loan Manager Willacoochee & Assist Cashier The Peoples Bank (912)534-5101
    Division Chair
  • Michael McGahee
    Michael McGahee
    VP/Commercial and Ag Lender Bank of Camilla (229)351-3048
    Division Chair
  • Subramanian Swarnam
    Subramanian Swarnam
    Sr. Vice President / Team Lending Leader Georgia Primary Bank (404)504-8334
    Division Chair
  • Michael Underwood
    Michael Underwood
    Senior Vice President Peach State Bank & Trust (770)531-2730
    Division Chair
  • Thomas Bennett
    Chief Credit Officer Pineland Bank (912)632-8631
    Member At Large
  • Trudy Eller
    1st SVP, Human Resources & Corporate Secretary American Commerce Bank, N.A. (678)821-1514
    Member At Large
  • Kyle Ray
    Kyle Ray
    SVP Director of Branch Services Builtwell Bank (TN) (706)226-5377
    Member At Large
  • Heather Stephens
    Heather Stephens
    Compliance Officer/ BSA Officer Bank of Dade (706)657-6842
    Member At Large
  • Jason Rooks
    Chief Lending Officer Flint Community Bank (229)903-3346
    Member At Large
  • B. Lee Vaughn
    Senior Lending Officer Northeast Georgia Bank (706)213-9999
    Member At Large
  • Becky Soto
    Becky Soto
    Assistant Vice President Community Bankers Association of Georgia (770)541-4490
    Staff Liason
  • Kristi Greer
    Kristi Greer
    Senior Vice President Community Bankers Association of Georgia (770)541-4490
    Staff Liason