Engagement is the Key to Our Success!

Debra Weil

Executive Vice President Community Banking Co. of Fitzgerald 2021-2022 CBA Chairwoman

It is my honor to serve as this year’s Chair of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia and am grateful for the trust you have in me to lead the association in the coming year.

When I graduated from Georgia Southern College with a Finance Degree and began my career at The National Bank of Fitzgerald, there were not many females as officers in our industry. As I began to learn the business of banking, I set my sights on becoming a loan officer. Serving the needs of those in my community was, and still is a top priority for me and I became more active in various organizations. I found my niche in Junior Achievement by helping students learn more about the free enterprise system and understand the basics of savings and finance. My community involvement later gave me the opportunity to become the first female Chair of the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Chamber of Commerce.

It’s hard to believe that I first became involved with CBA over 20 years ago. During that time, I have served in nearly every capacity on the LEAD Committee as well as various other committees. I can say without hesitation that I have received far more than I have given. I have been exposed to so many wonderful education programs, partner companies, learned about the nuances of government relations, and of course have had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing community bankers in our state- all of which I now call friends!

CBA has made a tremendous number of changes the past few years and is on a great trajectory. During this coming year, I will work closely with the CBA Board, LEAD Committee, CBA committees and staff to continue to evolve the association in accordance with the needs of our members and changing times.

Fintech is a top priority for our members and CBA’s Innovation Committee is now fully integrated into the major fintech organizations in Georgia. We will continue to expand these relationships and provide educational programs for CBA’s members.

CBA’s strategic plan revealed that Advocacy is the top reason why banks are members of the association. CBA has one of Georgia’s top lobbyists on staff and recently onboarded a new position to further our efforts. In conjunction with our partnership with the ICBA, we will continue to focus on developing CBA’s advocacy efforts in Georgia. This is where you can help.

• I urge you to become active in the advocacy process. • Support CBA’s PAC- which is the only PAC fund in Georgia to exclusively represent Georgia’s community banks. It is imperative that we fund CBA’s PAC in a manner that will enable the association to support those legislators that support the community bank agenda. • Attend grass roots events such as the CBA Town Hall Talks which will be held this fall at four locations around the state. This will be a great opportunity to get on a first name basis with your legislators express to them your views and concerns.

We can make a difference in our state; but engagement is the key, and your participation is needed. This priority aligns perfectly with CBA’s Mission Statement: Communities are our Passion; Banking is our Purpose; and Advocacy is our Power.

I truly believe community bankers make the world a better place and provide overall financial health to the communities they serve. We should be incredibly proud and continue to celebrate and support this great industry and association! Thank you for your support, friendship, and commitment to the CBA. Looking forward to seeing you at an upcoming CBA event!