Ameris Bank President Lawton E. Bassett, III recently announced Regional President Michael Lee has been promoted to oversee additional markets for the bank. Lee will now be responsible for the oversight of all core banking activities for the market areas of Savannah, Brunswick and St. Marys in addition to his current markets of Tifton, Douglas, Waycross, Ocilla, Fitzgerald, Valdosta and Vidalia.

“Michael is an exceptional banker with valuable experience and expertise,” said Bassett. “I’m confident that both customers and colleagues in his new regions will find value in his leadership.”

Lee joined Ameris Bank in 2011 and has over 27 years of experience in the financial industry. Prior to joining Ameris Bank, he was president of Citizens Bank of Effingham. He is actively involved in multiple community and civic groups. He currently serves as co-chair of South Georgia Military Affairs Council, immediate past chair and board member for Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and on the board of directors for the Georgia Bankers Association.

Lee is a graduate of Troy University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration. He also graduated from the Georgia Banking School at the University of Georgia and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. Lee and his wife, Jody, live in Valdosta and are active members of Covenant Baptist Church. They share their bulldog pride with three children, two of which are currently enrolled at the University of Georgia, and one who graduated in December.