C. Rhodes McLanahan II has been promoted to president and chief executive officer for First American.

McLanahan was employed at First American for 17 years, most recently serving as the bank’s chief operating officer. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

McLanahan takes the position of Robert (Bobby) D. Heath, who will continue to lend his 42 years of banking experience and vision as a member of the bank’s Board of Directors in his continued role as vice chairman and as a member of the bank’s executive committee.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to succeed Bobby as President and CEO of First American,” said McLanahan. “Bobby has led the bank by balancing the needs of our customers, employees, and the community. He has built the foundation for First American to be successful in the years to come, and we look forward to continuing to deliver high quality products and services with the support of an experienced team of talented employees.”

“Rhodes’ knowledge and leadership will afford the bank the opportunity for continued success into the foreseeable future,” Heath said. “When I approached the board three years ago about beginning my transition from the role of CEO, Rhodes and I worked together, and continue to work together, to ensure a seamless management succession.”

McLanahan also announced the promotion of Samuel Drennen to group vice president and chief operations officer. Originally from Charleston, W.Va., Drennen moved to Athens in 2003 to work as a strategic consultant for the bank. He has more than 20 years of financial services experience, most recently managing the Retail Banking Division of First American Bank & Trust.

Drennen graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University in 2011. He is also a graduate of Thunderbird School of Global Management, where he earned his Master of International Management, the University of Houston, and the University of Colorado.