Ameris Bank Chief Banking Officer for Georgia and Alabama, Lawton Bassett announced that Austen Carroll has returned to South Georgia and been named Ameris Bank market president for Thomasville and Cairo markets. As market president, Carroll will be responsible for all core banking activities throughout the Thomasville and Cairo markets, and will work closely with Marty Cannington, who recently joined Ameris Bank as Cairo city president in late November.

In making the announcement, Bassett shared, “Austen is an outstanding leader and an exceptional, experienced banker. Austen is originally from South Georgia, so his knowledge of the market, widespread banking and lending background, and valuable experience will help us expand our reach and banking relationships throughout the area. We are also pleased to welcome Marty to our banking team. His leadership and vast banking experience in our Cairo market gives us the opportunity to provide our one-on-one, exceptional banking service to both consumer and commercial customers.”

Carroll joined Ameris Bank in 2009 as the market president for the Valdosta market, then in 2011 relocated to Savannah to serve as Ameris Bank market president for Greater Savannah. Prior to joining Ameris Bank, Carroll served in various leadership, commercial lending and asset management roles for Darby Bank & Trust and BB&T. Carroll received his bachelor’s degree in finance from Valdosta State University and is a 2010 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

Cannington has more than 25 years of financial and banking experience, most recently serving as senior vice president and senior credit officer at Citizens Bank in Cairo. He has also held leadership and commercial banking positions at Georgia Bank of Dawson and First State Bank of Randolph County.  Cannington received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgia Southwestern College, and was a 2000 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. He currently serves as the Chairman of the City of Cairo Housing Authority and as the Chairman of the Cairo High Charter School Governing Board, and is a member of the Cairo Rotary Club, serving as president from 2006-2007.