After a successful term as President and CEO of SunMark Community Bank, Gary McLure will be vacating the position to assume a new role as Chief Executive Officer of SunMark Bancshares Inc. McLure has served as SunMark Bank’s CEO since 2016. During this time, he has led the bank to record highs in earnings, deposits, and loans. According to Gary, he looks forward to taking on this new role while continuing to provide guidance and support to his successor.

After a comprehensive selection process, SunMark Community Bank’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the unanimous appointment of Brad Collins as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment will become effective September 1, 2020. 

Brad Collins has been a part of the SunMark team since 2007 when he began as Loan Officer in the Bonaire/Warner Robins Market. For the past 2 years Mr. Collins has taken on a greater role with the bank as Executive Vice President. Collins successfully navigated both positions and has become a prominent lender and leader in the Middle Georgia area.

Gary McLure, SunMark Bancshares CEO, was thrilled with the selection saying, “Brad brings to the table the three most important elements of any CEO in any business: trust, integrity, and character. Over the last twelve years while working with Brad, he has exemplified this every day not only with our customers but with our teammates. His success, as well as SunMark’s, is directly related to the respect that he has earned and reciprocates to both groups. With Brad’s leadership and a team that reflects his attitude and hard work, SunMark is well positioned for continued success for many years.”   

“Brad Collins demonstrated the strength of his financial acumen early in his career with us and became a high performing loan officer,” said Manse Jennings, Chairman of the Board, SunMark Community Bank. “Far more than that, his natural affinity to our customer relationship model of community banking makes him a strong advocate for the development of the economies in all the markets we serve.  Brad has been meeting his expanding responsibilities well as Executive Vice President and has been a strong contributor to our success.”                                                                                                         

Brad Collins is native to Perry and graduated from Perry High School before earning his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Georgia Southern University. He is also an alumnus of the LSU Graduate School of Banking. Collins prioritizes community involvement and holds positions with multiple boards and committees in the area including the Central Georgia Technical College Foundation and the Perry Chamber Military Affairs Committee.

“I am extremely honored by the confidence the board has in me to lead SunMark Community Bank,” said Brad. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with the exceptional team we have here. I truly believe SunMark has the most talented and customer service oriented people in the industry. Together, we will continue to serve the communities of Middle Georgia with a customer centric approach and create significant value for our shareholders.”

Brad resides in Perry, Georgia with his wife, Sara, and their two children, Amelia (8), and Crawford (5). In his spare time, he enjoys relaxing with family, visiting the beach, and golfing.