C. Rhodes McLanahan, CEO of First American Bank & Trust Company, Athens, has been elected by his peers to serve as Chairman of the Georgia Bankers Association (GBA).

“As a third-generation banker, Rhodes has been immersed in the banking industry his entire life. He is passionate about bankers being volunteers and engaged in their communities not for personal gain but to create better places to live, work and play,” said Joe Brannen, GBA president and CEO. “Our association will greatly benefit from his vast experience as a bank leader.”

McLanahan has a history of service to GBA, having served on the Board of Directors since 2017. He has chaired GBA’s Community Bankers Committee and the board of directors of GBA Services, Inc., an association subsidiary that helps bankers find top quality products and services for their institutions. 

He has been with First American Bank & Trust Company for 24 years, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer. He has also been a director of the bank since 2013. 

McLanahan earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia. He is also a graduate of the Georgia Banking School and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

Active in the community, McLanahan serves as chair of both the Athens-Clarke County Chamber of Commerce and the Athens Area Community Foundation.