TIFTON —  South Georgia Banking Company recently appointed Mike Phillips as chief strategy officer.

In this senior executive role, Phillips will assist in developing and implementing both short-term and long-term financial objectives while executing operational plans and strategic business goals to drive long term success for the bank, SGBC said in a press release.

Phillips brings over 35 years of industry knowledge that will enhance SGBC’s commitment to excellence and innovation in community banking, the bank said. He has held a variety of executive level positions including serving as the chief executive officer of a $400 million Georgia-based financial institution as well as a variety of other C-level positions within multi-billion-dollar organizations. Most recently prior to becoming part of South Georgia Banking Company, Phillips served as the director of operations executive leader for a $1.3 billion Georgia based financial institution.

SGBC said Phillips has a passion for community banking, community development, talent development, and supporting the success of small businesses.

“I have had wonderful experiences within a variety of communities and organizations, and I look forward to bringing that experience to South Georgia Banking Company,” Phillips said. “My professional goal in this new position is to be of service and support to our employee teams, customers, and shareholders.”

Sam McCard, president of South Georgia Banking Company, expressed his enthusiasm for Phillips’s arrival, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Mike Phillips to our team. His diverse experience in accounting, financial operations, organizational strategy, and administrative leadership makes him a tremendous asset to SGBC. We are confident that his strategic vision will help drive the continued success of our organization.”

Phillips holds a Master of Business Administration in Banking and Financial Management from Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business. He has completed extensive banking and finance education and holds multiple professional certifications within accounting, finance, treasury management, risk management, and internal controls audit. Additionally, he serves as an accredited instructor in various business disciplines.

He is an active member of the newly formed Corporate Governance Framework Advisory Council within the U.S. Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and has served various professional organizations, including the Small Business Advisory Committee of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Global Board of Directors for the Institute of Management Accountants, the U.S. Faster Payments Council, the Bank Administration Institute, and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, among others. He has also written several feature articles for financial and industry publications.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Phillips enjoys spending time with his wife, Teresa, and their family. He has a love for traveling, experiencing local cultures, and continuously learning through new experiences.

South Georgia Banking Company  has been recognized by S&P Global, ranking 26th in asset size of chartered banks nationwide, totaling close to $600 million. SGBC has eight full-service locations in Colquitt, Tift, Turner, Crisp, Worth, and Dooley counties. With a commitment to excellence and community impact, SGBC provides a wide range of banking services and supports local initiatives that promote growth and prosperity. Its operations center is located in Tifton and the company’s employees number more than 130 individuals throughout the region.

To learn more about how SGBC is supporting growth and opportunity in South Georgia, visit sgbconline.com or stop by one of its branches.