On October 1, 2025, BankSouth announced the successful completion of its acquisition of State Bank of Cochran, including its divisions First Laurens Bank and Community Bank of Johnson County. The acquisition brings together long-standing Georgia community banks, expanding BankSouth’s presence across middle Georgia while preserving the trusted relationships that customers have built over generations.

“This is an exciting day for our combined organizations and for the communities we serve,” said Harold Reynolds, CEO of BankSouth. “With State Bank of Cochran, First Laurens Bank, and Community Bank of Johnson County now part of BankSouth, customers can expect the same local service they’ve always counted on with enhanced broader resources, modern digital tools, and expanded lending capacity.”

Jackie Bowen, Divisional CEO of State Bank of Cochran, added: “Today marks a new chapter for our customers and employees. By joining with BankSouth, we remain true to our community banking roots while offering more opportunities for growth and technology. Customers of State Bank of Cochran, First Laurens Bank, and Community Bank of Johnson County will continue to see the same friendly bankers and hometown service they know and trust.” 

Leadership Continuity 

BankSouth emphasized its commitment to stability and local decision-making by announcing that the current leadership teams of State Bank of Cochran and its divisions will continue in key roles within the combined organization:

• Jackie Bowen, Divisional CEO – A 42-year banking veteran with deep ties to the Cochran community and extensive service on local boards and organizations.

• Angie Kahrmann, Divisional Controller – A CPA and former CFO with more than a decade of experience at State Bank of Cochran, leading both financial and credit operations.

• Jed Evans, Market President of Cochran/Bleckley County – An experienced banker and community leader with a background in public policy and farm credit.

• Bill Brown, Market President of Dublin/Laurens County – A seasoned banker and civic leader with more than a decade of service as a Dublin City Councilman.

• Ben Bradshaw, current President of First Laurens Bank in Dublin – A 48-year banking veteran who will continue to serve until his planned retirement in May of 2026.

• Lori Miller – A 21-year veteran of Community Bank of Johnson County in Wrightsville, Lori will continue to lead the bank’s local team where she has done so the past 5 years.

• Scott Jackson – Leader of the Dexter location of First Laurens Bank, Scott brings extensive lending experience and a strong record of serving local customers in the Dexter community. 

“These leaders and their teams have deep roots in their communities and long-standing relationships with customers,” said Harold Reynolds, BankSouth CEO. “Their continued leadership ensures local decisions remain in local hands, guided by people who understand the unique needs of the communities they serve.” 

With the addition of State Bank of Cochran, First Laurens Bank, and Community Bank of Johnson County, BankSouth expands its footprint into Bleckley, Laurens, and Johnson Counties—strengthening its position as one of Georgia’s most respected community banks. The combined organization will deliver greater lending capacity for businesses, expanded resources to serve mortgage customers through BankSouth Mortgage, and deeper community investments while maintaining its hallmark of personalized, local service. 

“This acquisition underscores our long-term strategy to remain a strong, independent community bank dedicated to Georgia,” added Reynolds. “By uniting with another institution that shares our values, we are well-positioned to fuel growth for families, small businesses, and local economies across our markets for generations to come.”