Three join Planters First Bank as it expands into Albany

ALBANY — Planters First Bank, which has several locations in south and central Georgia, announced Wednesday that Cindy Griffin, Tommy Clark and Linda Durden have joined PFB’s team for its initial expansion into Albany.

Starting out, the expansion is coming into the fold with strong Albany ties in its leadership.

The trio is coming from the Albany office of Renasant Bank, a regional bank headquartered in Tupelo, Miss. Griffin will serve as regional president, Clark as market president and Durden as administrative assistant.

PFB President and CEO Heath Fountain, an Albany native and resident, has been serving in his current position since July 2015. Commenting on the announcement, he expressed excitement for the development of a branch in his hometown.

“I am thrilled for PFB to be in my hometown and I am excited that Cindy, Tommy and Linda are going to be leading our efforts here,” Fountain said. “This is hands down the premier banking team in Albany.”

“Our solutions based approach is a unique proposition in banking today. We are larger than most community banks, but much smaller than the regional and national banks. This advantage allows us to provide custom solutions to help our customers achieve their dreams.”

Before joining PFB, Fountain served as executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer of Albany-based HeritageBank of the South.

Griffin is a veteran banker with 33 years of experience. She specializes in providing financial solutions to businesses, their owners and professionals. She is married with three daughters and two grandchildren.

Clark has 15 years of banking experience. He has been involved in leadership roles in numerous community organizations including the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, South Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America and Girls, Inc.

He is a past chairman of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, and he currently serves on the board of the Albany Civil Rights Institute. He is married with a son.

Durden has 35 years of banking experience. She has served in numerous operational, training and support roles during her career. She is married, and she and her husband have two sons.

The Albany branch, at 110 N. Westover Blvd., is currently operational as a loan production office. It is not currently offering any other services to the public, but is expected to be able to in the next few weeks following regulatory approval for additional services, Fountain said Monday evening.

PFB also has offices in Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, Hawkinsville, Cordele, Pineview, Fitzgerald and Ocilla, as well as a mortgage office in Athens.