SPOTLIGHT
GET TO KNOW CBA CHAIR FRANK GRIFFIN
Frank Griffin, President, Flint Community Bank, Albany, elected 2024-2025 CBA Chair at CBA’s Annual Convention in June. Frank was gracious about answering a few questions so our members can get to know him a little better. Take a moment to learn about Frank, his bank, personal life, commitment to his community, and what community banking issues are important to him.
1. How did you get started in banking? What was your first job?
My first job in banking was as a part-time teller at First State Bank & Trust in Albany, as a filler job between college and law school, in April 1996. Law school was a short-lived, ill-conceived adventure on my part. I promptly returned to banking and started in the management training program at First State Bank in September 1996. So, I’ve in banking 28 years and was named President of Flint Community Bank in June 2016.
2. What issues are important to you with regards to community banking?
Community Banks are the heartbeat of our communities. Community Bankers live, work and raise families in the communities they serve - providing needed guidance and support to the unique needs of their customers. They have the ability and competence to positively change the course of their hometowns, unlike many other financial institutions, because of their understanding of and commitment to their respective community. With that being said, community banks and community bankers have a story to tell, and we need to tell that story to the masses. My charge this year is to help us take that message to the streets. 20 | w w w.cb ao fga.co m | Su m m e r 2 02 4
3. Tell us a little about Flint Community Bank.
Founded in February 2006, Flint Community Bank is a $310 Million bank located in Albany, GA. We currently have 41 Flint Family members. For the past 18 years, we have striven to be the employer of choice and bank of choice for Albany and the surrounding counties. We believe that culture matters and we spend an inordinate amount of time each day working to improve it. Our culture is our primary focus because we believe the better the culture, the better the results are for all stakeholders – employees and shareholders. We are exceptionally proud of the culture we have built at Flint. This past year, the testimonies about our culture provided by Flint Family members caused the ICBA to name Flint Community Bank the Best Bank to Work For in the country, in the category of banks $250 Million - $500 million in total assets.
4. How did you become involved with CBA? How have you/your bank been involved?
We have been members of the CBA of Georgia since the early days of the bank when Steve Bridges came to visit during our organizing phase. The support and advice provided to us by the CBA as a de novo bank was pivotal in our growth and survival, especially during the financial crisis years, 2007-2009. Since then, many members of the Flint Family have served and continue to serve in various capacities on the Board, the LEAD board and on committees of the CBA. Countless Flint Family members have received training and professional development from CBA staff and associate members which have proven invaluable as the bank has grown in size, complexity, technology and employees.