Derek B. Williams, president and CEO of Century Bank & Trust in Milledgeville, Ga., is the new chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) for 2023-24. Williams is the former chairman of the Community Bankers Association (CBA) of Georgia. He served as chairman of the Communities in Schools of Milledgeville, Baldwin County; vice chairman of the Milledgeville Baldwin County Development Authority; and is a past chair of the Milledgeville & Baldwin County Chamber.

“Derek is a dedicated advocate of his community and will be an ideal champion for community banking nationally,” said John McNair, president and CEO, Community Bankers Association of Georgia. “I look forward to working closely with him to showcase the CBA’s partnership with the ICBA ThinkTech Accelerator program as well as the broader Georgia fintech and local community banking ecosystem.” 

Williams serves many leadership roles at ICBA including chairman of the ICBA Executive Committee and board of directors as well as ICBA’s Federal Delegate Board and its Policy Development and Nominating committees. He serves on the ICBA ThinkTech Selection Committee and is Executive Committee liaison to the Bank Innovation and Solutions Committee and the Large Community Bank Council. 

“Community banks are a vital component of the American economy,” said Williams. “Their presence across communities is essential for the country’s economic well-being. It’s crucial that we work together to ensure the preservation and growth of community banks across America.” 

ICBA is the only national advocacy organization dedicated exclusively to promoting the interests of locally operated community banks and savings institutions. With the high-tech, high-touch banking services that consumers expect, community banks offer the best financial-services options for millions of consumers, small businesses and agricultural enterprises. For more information, including a biography for Williams, visit ICBA’s website.