Get to Know CBA’s 2022-2023 Chair Richy Everly

Richy Everly

President and CEO Bank of Wrightsville

Richy Everly, President & CEO, Bank of Wrightsville, was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of Community Bankers Association of Georgia and his term began October 1, 2022.

Richy was kind enough to answer a bit about himself, his bank, what community banking issues are important to him, and more banking. Enjoy reading about CBA’s Chair and thank you Rich for being so generous with your time and support.

How long have you been in banking and how did you get started in banking?

I began my banking career in December of 1994 as a direct result of a recommendation made by mother who suggested that I go talk to one of her favorite local bank presidents located in my hometown of Dublin, GA. That bank was Knight State Bank which was owned at that time by Bank of Wrightsville, my current employer. I rejoined Bank of Wrightsville in June of 2014 as EVP and was promoted to President & CEO effective January 1, 2016.

Tell us a little about Bank of Wrightsville.

Bank of Wrightsville was chartered in 1897 and has been in continuous operations since inception. The bank was founded by members of the Lovett family that sought to provide banking services to the Johnson County, GA community, particularly to those involved in livestock and farm production. Today, we remain as a single branch banking entity with a total of 14 employees and enjoy banking relationships of all description with customers that extend throughout the great state of Georgia.

How did you become involved with CBA?

CBA has been an integral part of my banking career from the very beginning. After some “fast track” exposure to a variety of banking seminars and classes, I was fortunate when the CEO of CBA at that time, Julian Hester, made some exceptions and allowed me to attend CBA Graduate School of Banking at Kennesaw State University. After graduation from this awesome program back in 1998, I continued taking advantage of the myriad of educational offerings through CBA to enhance my banking career path. I’m proud to say that I’ve been involved through the years in numerous CBA-related events and committees and strongly encourage all of my colleagues – especially the next generation of banking professionals – to do the same.

What community banking issues are important to you?

In my humble opinion, there is not a bright future for banking without community banks. Why? Because community banks help build and support communities. Community banks play a vital role in the functioning of the U.S. financial system and the broader economy by providing the reinvestments that are vital to the growth of small businesses while also helping families finance major purchases and build financial security. And, unlike most large financial institutions, the funds that community banks lend to borrowers are typically provided by deposits made by the local community itself. Our industry and our regulators need to do everything possible to ensure that the consolidation that is currently taking place does not lead to the extinction of community banks.

Getting to know Everly (cont.)

Tell us a little about your family.

I have been blessed to be married to my wife, Faye, for 30 years now. She will be retiring at year end after 20 years in the financial services industry. Although we don’t have any children of our own, we have numerous nieces and nephews that we love dearly. Family means everything, and we are so fortunate to have a large family that remains close and enjoys our time together.

Education or banking programs you have enjoyed

As mentioned previously, CBA has provided me decades of high-quality educational and networking opportunities that have significantly enhanced my career and expanded my professional and personal relationships throughout Georgia. Looking back over all the educational programming that CBA has been able to furnish me during my career, I must say that I most enjoyed my time at CBA/KSU Graduate School of Banking. I have a strong passion for the continued emphasis in education and advocacy efforts. I’m also excited about the emergence of innovation and the possibilities of key strategic partnerships that CBA is currently facilitating that will benefit our community banks statewide.

Any Hobbies?

During my down time, I really enjoy my time in the great outdoors, especially if it involves water. Faye and I have had the pleasure of owning a home at Lake Sinclair and have enjoyed all of the benefits of lake life. I also enjoy a wide variety of sports and music. It is usually quite the surprise when people learn that I play drums in a rock and roll band with a group of childhood friends called The Flashbacks. To me, it is a great cathartic outlet, but to some it seems to be a true dichotomy. All I can say about that is…Keep on Rocking!!

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