AB&T Board of Directors

 

James L. "Luke" Flatt

Chairman Community Capital Bancshares, Inc. and AB&T

Luke Flatt has built a 40-year career solely devoted to his passion for community banking. An optimist, visionary and achiever, Luke leads with the idea that a financial institution should have no greater concern than the growth, prosperity, diversity and quality of life of the communities it serves. With that strategic vision, he is out to ensure that AB&T is the gold standard in community banking.

Outside the bank's doors, Luke has long been an active member of the community, serving in leadership roles for the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Dougherty County Rotary Club, the Darton College Foundation, Leadership Albany, Leadership Georgia, Consumer Credit Counseling Service, and Imagine Albany. He also currently serves as the Chairman of the Georgia Bankers Association. Additionally, Luke has received numerous honors for his service, including Leadership Albany’s prestigious “Ed Freeman Award” in recognition of his civic contribution to our community and the 2017 Lifetime Service Award from the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Luke holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Auburn University and is also a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University where he was elected class president by the 200-plus bankers and bank regulators in his class.

 

F. Faison Middleton, IV

Vice Chairman

A native of Albany, Faison Middleton attended Westover High School and Emory University before graduating Georgia State University College of Law, cum laude. Currently, Faison serves as managing partner of Watson Spence, LLP, a law firm that provides a broad range of legal services to its clients throughout Georgia and across the country.

Since returning to his hometown, Faison has taken on numerous leadership roles in the community and statewide. Faison has served on numerous Boards, including Leadership Georgia, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, the Albany Museum of Art and First Tee Albany. Fasion was founding President and Board Member of the Lily Pad, a center committed to the needs of victims of sexual violence and child abuse. He has passionately supported the Flint RiverQuarium and currently serves on the Executive Committee. Appointed by the Governor, Faison also serves on the Georgia Student Finance Commission.

Faison's experience and demonstrated leadership skills continue help guide the bank as it seeks to fulfill the vision of becoming the gold standard in community banking.

 

James L. "Jim" Bacon

Partner, Oakland Partners

A native of Albany and graduate of Westover High School, Jim Bacon attended the University of Georgia where he received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He is a certified public accountant (CPA) and has previously worked in corporate accounting and sales/marketing positions throughout the United States and overseas.

He is a member of the Rotary Club of Dougherty County and Warwick United Methodist Church, where he serves as coordinator for “Outdoor Boat Church.”

Jim’s accounting and business experience are tremendous assets to the bank and the community. His wealth of knowledge and his commitment fit perfectly with AB&T’s vision of becoming the gold standard of community banking.

 

Ben Jacobs "Jake" Barrow

Secretary/Treasurer, Artesian Contracting Co., Inc.

A graduate of Sherwood Christian Academy, Jake Barrow earned a degree in civil engineering from Auburn University before returning to his hometown to start his career. He is co-founder and Secretary/ Treasurer of Artesian Contracting Co., Inc, a general contracting firm with expertise in commercial, industrial and retail construction. Jake is responsible for estimating, project management and day-to-day operation of the business, which has a niche in the highly regulated world of federal government construction contracting. 

Jake believes in the value of a local bank committed to serving its community and insists on nothing less than providing the kind of personal treatment that makes every client feel as good as gold.

 

Victoria S. Darrisaw

Superior Court Judge, Dougherty County Judicial Circuit

A native of Chesterfield, S.C., Judge Victoria S. Darrisaw has been working in the Dougherty County Judicial Circuit for more than 20 years, first as an Assistant District Attorney, before becoming Magistrate Court Judge. Following her time as Magistrate, Judge Darrisaw served as State Court Judge in the circuit before being named to the Superior Court in 2018. Judge Darrisaw holds a BA in Political Science from Spelman College, where she graduated cum laude. She received her JD from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University.

With a strong belief in community, Judge Darrisaw is also very active in the Albany area community, serving on several civic and professional boards, including the Albany Rotary Club, Junior League, Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany, Inc. and more. She is also a 2009 graduate of Leadership Albany and a 2013 graduate of Leadership Georgia. Her keen attention to detail and undying dedication to improving lives, makes her an ideal leader to help AB&T achieve its goal of setting the Gold Standard in Community Banking.

 

Donald "Don" Gray

Director of Facilities Management and Grounds, City of Albany.

A native of Houston, TX, who came to Albany during his 26-year career in the United States Marine Corps, Donald "Don" Gray holds a BA in Communications from Prairie View A&M University, a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the U.S Army War College, as well as several other military-related certificates. Following his time in the USMC, Don served as Program Manager for national defense contractor KBRwyle (formerly Honeywell), before retiring and taking his current role with the city;

A firm believer in supporting community, Don is also very active in the local community, serving on numerous civic and professional boards. Currently, Don serves on the Board of the Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy and is Chair Elect of the board of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, where he also serves on the Finance, Education and Economic Mobility committees, and is Co-Chair of the Military Affairs Committee.

With his vast experience, global perspective and dedication to the Albany community, Don is an ideal leader to help guide both the community and AB&T to a bright future.

 

Justin L. Jones

Owner, Jones Bros. Farms / Co-owner, Jones-West Farms, LLC.

Justin Jones graduated Albany High School before attending the University of Georgia where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. As owner of Jones Bros. Farms, Justin is engage in row crop farming including cotton, corn and peanuts. Additionally he is co-owner of Jones-West Farms, LLC., which specializes in tree nuts. Justin is also involved in various other business ventures. 

With his background and education, Justin has a keen understanding of the complexities and nuances of farming and brings insight and perspective to the all-encompassing impact of agri-business on the local economy.

 

Laurence "Kirk" Jones

Owner, Jones Farms of Warwick, Inc.; Co-owner, Doles Peanut Co.

A native of Warwick, Laurence “Kirk” Jones attended Crisp Academy before earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Georgia. After graduation, Kirk returned to South Georgia where he has established himself as a successful farmer and businessman.

As owner of Jones Farms of Warwick, Inc., Kirk focuses primarily on row crops with a concentration on growing cotton. Kirk has also seen success as co-owner of Doles Peanut Company and as a principal partner with Doles Grain, LLC. Additionally Kirk is active in his community and is a member of Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church.

Kirk’s strong ties to Southwest Georgia, his business acumen and his deep understanding of Georgia’s most important industry, make him a valuable member of an AB&T board that is committed to providing exceptional products and services to its clients and community.

 

William J. "Jay" McAfee, M.D.

Radiation Oncologist, Radiation Oncology Associates Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital

A native of Albany and a graduate of Albany High School, Dr. Jay McAfee attended the University of Georgia, the Medical College of Georgia and interned at the University of Florida. Following a residency in radiation oncology at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN, Jay returned to Albany as a board certified radiation oncologist and joined Radiation Oncology Associates at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.

Additionally, Jay serves as Medical Director and the Cancer Liaison Physician to the Commission on Cancer for the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Phoebe Cancer Center and he serves on the Board of Directors of Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. He is also Vice Chairman of Phoebe Health Partners.

Jay's father, the late Billy McAfee, was a founding member of the AB&T board and an ardent supporter of the bank until his death. Not only does Jay bring his Albany heritage with him, he also represents the intersection of the past and the future of community banking in this area. Jay's wealth of knowledge, community experience and local commitment fully support the bank's vision of being the gold standard of community banking.

 

Jack Posey

Operations Manager, ACC Distributors, Inc.

A native of Lee County and a graduate of Lee County High School, Jack Posey attended Florida State University before returning to his home community to join his family's food distribution business and start a young family of his own. In his role with ACC, Jack is responsible for the company's logistics and is involved with all management decisions concerning present and future operations Additionally, he manages a staff over more than 50 employees and handles the purchasing and management of the company's vehicle fleet.

Jack's understanding of business and of the many forces impacting the Lee County community he cherishes, give him important perspective and make his an invaluable voice on the bank's board of directors as it strives to further AB&T's commitment to the community.

 

John Lamar "Jake" Reese, IV

Vice President and Project Manager, LRA Constructors, Inc.

A native of Albany, Jake Reese graduated Deerfield Windsor School. Following the path of his father and grandfather, Jake attended Georgia Tech where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction. Upon returning to Albany, Jake joined LRA Constructors, Inc., a well-known and highly regarded general contracting firm, as Project Manager. He was later promoted to Vice President, with responsibility for marketing, design build and construction management. 

A third generation Albanian, Jake is proud to be a part of a bank that embraces local decision-making designed to strengthen its community. He shares AB&T's commitment of community involvement and providing gold standard service to its clients.

 

Jenny Y. Savelle

Chief Executive Officer, Bishop Clean Care, Inc.

Jenny Savelle is CEO of Bishop Clean Care, Inc. which provides residential and commercial cleaning and restoration services. Jenny attended Georgia Tech where she earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Industrial and Systems Engineering. Since moving to Albany, Jenny has become very active in the community. She has served in various capactities with the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, including serving as the 2017 chairwoman. She is also Treasurer of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission.

Originally from Beijing, China, Jenny brings a global perspective into the board room. Her broad cultural experience, and her passion for excellence and her entrepreneurial spirit, reinforces AB&T's commitment to providing the gold standard experience to a diverse community.

 

J. Scott Steiner

President and CEO, Phoebe Putney Health System.

A native of St. Louis, MO, Scott Steiner attended Missouri State University where he earned a BS in Management, before earning a Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis in Health Services. Scott took the reins at Phoebe in 2019, following successful tenures as CEO of MacNeal Hospital in Chicago and as CEO of Detroit Medical Center.

In addition to his vast experience in medicine and health care, Scott is an active public servant with a long track record of community and civic involvement. Scott has continued that facet of his life since coming to Albany and is currently active with several civic and professional organizations including Rotary Club of Albany, and the Georgia Hospital Association, where he sits on the Finance Committee and the Board of Directors. Scott has also served on the board of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals, the Georgia Board of Governors, the Chehaw Park Authority and is very active with the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, where he serves on the Foundation Board and Government Affairs Committee.

Scott's grasp of the myriad issues impacting the medical community, and by extension the greater Albany community, give him unique perspective and make him an invaluable addition to the AB&T board and its mission of providing the Gold Standard in community banking.

 

J. Bridges Sinyard

Vice President, Adams Exterminators, Inc.

A native Albanian, Bridges Sinyard graduated Deerfield Windsor School and attended the University of Georgia where he earned dual degrees: Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management and Insurance.

After graduating college, Bridges served for two years on the staff of Senator Saxby Chambless in Washington, D.C. While on Senator Chambless' staff, Bridges was responsible for agriculture and transportation policy, two critically important issues for Albany and South Georgia. His expertise and contacts in those areas continue to serve the bank and the community well.  

Since returning home to join the family business, Bridges has been active with the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, where he is a member of the Executive Committee and is the Vice Chairman of Leadership Development. Bridges believes that local businesses, like local banks, should be active in the communities they serve.

 

Jeffery D. "Jeff" Wiggins

President, DJ's II Car Wash, Inc.

Jeff Wiggins is a native Albanian and graduate of Albany High School. He studied small business management at Georgia Southern University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. As president of DJ’s II Car Wash, Inc., Jeff is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the highly successful second-generation, local family business. Along with his brother Colby, Jeff is also part owner and operator of 10 Oasis Express Washes in Georgia and North Florida. Additionally, Jeff is a partner in property investment group, Artesian Holdings, LLC, and an active member of First United Methodist Church.

The wealth of customer experience and common sense that comes from his hands-on approach to business makes Jeff a valued member of the AB&T board that is committed to providing the gold standard of customer service to its clients and community.

 

Alex Willson

Owner/COO Sunnyland Farms, Inc.; C2 Communications and Willson Property Holdings

A native of Albany, with deep generational roots in the community, Alex is a graduated from Albany's Deerfield-Windsor School, before attending the University of Georgia where he studied Political Science. After working as a Stock Plan Administrator with UBS Financial, Alex returned to school earning an MBA from Belmont University. Alex returned to his home town in 2015 to start a family and become the third generation to help guide the fortunes of family-owned Sunnyland Farms, a confectionary business located in Dougherty County.

In addition to helping modernize Sunnyland's processes for greater efficiency, Alex is heavily involved with various professional, community and civic organizations, including past service on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany and currently serving as Treasurer of the National Pecan Shellers Assoc. Alex is also the current PTO President of Lake Park Elementary School and serves on the Board of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks to his solid business acumen, solid grasp of agribusiness and his extensive roots in the Albany community, Alex is an ideal leader to help guide AB&T and the Albany area community into the future and ensure the bank consistently delivers on its mission of being Albany premier bank.

 

Perry Revell

Chief Executive Officer

Perry began his banking career in 2006 as a Credit Portfolio Manager and since that time, has established a reputation for developing commercial relationships and providing exceptional client service. He has a passion for taking care of his clients. His background and experience fit perfectly with AB&T’s vision of becoming the gold standard of commerical banking throughout South Georgia.

An Albany native, Perry attended Deerfield-Windsor School and later went on to the University of Georgia, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. He is also a graduate of the Georgia Academy of Economic Development and is a 2019 graduate of the School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

Perry is very active in his home community, serving on the boards of several civic organizations and non-profits, including holding the role of Chairman of the United Way South Georgia in 2013. Perry currently serves on the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Board, where he served as Chair in 2020, the Executive Committee and the Finance Committee and serves as a member of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission Board. He is also a graduate of Leadership Albany and has been recognized by The Albany Herald as one of its “40 Under 40.”

 

Matt Rushton

President

Since beginning his banking career in 2002 Matt has distinguished himself as one of the area's premier commercial relationship managers, handling a book of business in excess of $100 million. Through his proven talent, professionalism and his ability to understand the financing and cash management needs of a broad range of business operations, Matt has become a trusted advisor for countless clients.

By giving his clients customized solutions, quick decisions and incomparable service, he is committed to providing gold standard service to businesses of all types throughout Southwest Georgia.

An Albany native, Matt attended Albany High School before studying at the University of Georgia, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics. He is also a recent graduate of the Georgia Academy of Economic Development.

Matt remains very active in the community, serving on the Board of Trustees for Deerfield Windsor School, the Phoebe Foundation board, and on the Finance Committee for First United Methodist Church. Additionally, he is a volunteer for the Flint RiverQuarium and Chehaw park. An avid outdoorsman, Matt is very active in both the planning and the presentation of the annual Georgia Quail Hunt hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Allies. Matt has also been recognized by the Albany Herald as one of their "40 Under 40."