Hamilton State Bank Names Keith Caudell as Regional President over Bartow, Cobb counties

Media release: Hamilton State Bank has named Keith Caudell as its Regional President for the west region of Georgia.

In his new role, Caudell oversees Hamilton State Bank's four branches in Bartow and Cobb counties. The branches were part of the former Bartow County Bank that Hamilton State Bank acquired on April 15 from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In addition, Caudell serves on Hamilton State Bank's executive team, helping make decisions and shaping the future of the bank.

"Keith's community banking background will be a great asset for our customers in west Georgia," Hamilton State Bank Chairman and CEO Robert Oliver said. "His three-decade career has been dedicated to leading banks that serve communities like Bartow County and being heavily involved in those communities. His success and knowledge will also be a benefit to our executive team as we continue to build our presence in Georgia."

Caudell has 32 years of community banking experience and has been the CEO and president of three community banks in Georgia, as well as a regional bank president for another.

"I've been a community banker all my life," Caudell said.　 "Community banking is about building relationships.　 You start by offering a suite of products that best serves your customers. Then you support and empower your team members with what they need to efficiently deliver these products and superior service to your customers."

He most recently served as North Georgia Regional President for Community & Southern Bank in Ellijay. Prior to that, he was president and CEO of the Bank of Hiawassee, the Coastal Bank of Georgia in Brunswick and the National Bank of Walton County in Monroe.

"During my career, my energy and passion comes from building a knowledgeable team that develops long term relationships with customers," Caudell said. "As you develop relationships with small to medium-sized businesses, there is the joy of watching them grow and succeed.　 That's what you take home with you.　 They don't just look at you as their　banker, but as a trusted advisor."

Caudell believes in being invested in the community through volunteer work, having served on chambers of commerce and development authorities, as well as non-profit boards in all the communities he has worked. He also wants Hamilton State Bank employees to do the same.

"A good community bank gives back to the community what the community gives to them," Caudell said. "It goes hand-in-hand. From me on down, we want to be fully engaged in the community as we build out Hamilton State Bank in this area of Georgia."

Caudell is a native of Cleveland, Ga., and a graduate of White County High School and the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Lynn, have two children, Steven and Liz.

Based in Braselton, Ga., Hamilton State Bank currently has offices in Barrow, Hall, Forsyth, Jackson, Bartow, Cobb, Butts, Jasper and Henry counties. To learn more about Hamilton State Bank visit www.hamiltonstatebank.com.