Charles Buckner, president and CEO of First Citizens Bank of Georgia, in Dawsonville, was elected to the board of directors for the Community Bankers Association of Georgia as member at large.

Nominations were announced and approved at the 42nd annual meeting and trade show, held in September.

The Community Bankers Association of Georgia is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving community banks throughout Georgia for over 40 years to enhance profitability and growth. Founded in 1969 by a group of Georgia community bankers, the association is the state’s only advocate working solely for the interests of community banks and their customers.

The association was formed to protect the political interests of locally owned community banks and today represents more than 250 community banks and about 250 associate member companies. The association offers services in four distinct areas, which include political affairs, education, products and services and networking.

Board members are selected from 10 divisions across the state of Georgia, so all Georgia community banks are equally represented.

Board members are elected to a 1-year term, which began Oct. 1.

During the course of the year, directors will be involved in a number of items on behalf of the association membership, such as responding to proposed rules and regulations from the various regulatory agencies, reviewing numerous products and services, which will benefit the community banking industry, as well as the consumer, and continuing enhancing relationships with elected officials.

“We are pleased to welcome new and returning members of the CBA Board of Directors,” said Carolyn Brown, president and chief executive officer, Community Bankers Association of Georgia.