As of October 1, 2025, State Bank of Cochran, First Laurens Bank, and Community Bank of Johnson County are now a division of BankSouth.

For up to six months after the ownership change, some deposits you held at each bank may continue to be separately insured under FDIC rules.

After this grace period, all of your deposits at BankSouth and its divisions will be combined for FDIC insurance purposes, subject to the standard limits of $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.

If you have questions about your coverage, please visit FDIC.gov or talk with one of our bank team members.

You’ll still see the same familiar faces, with the same commitment to service and community — now supported by the strength, innovation, and resources of BankSouth.

If you’re a current customer of State Bank of Cochran, First Laurens Bank, or Community Bank of Johnson County, you’ll experience more convenience with the same commitment you’ve always known:

• There are no immediate changes to your accounts, digital banking tools, or how you manage your money.
• Your checks, debit cards, and account access remain the same.
• You’ll continue banking with the same local team you know and trust.
• Our teams are working closely behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition.
• You now have broader access to locations, services, and banking expertise.

These are the same people who’ve always been there — the neighbors who know your name, the team that’s built their lives in the same communities. That hasn’t changed. What’s changed is the strength behind them.

Together, we’re building something stronger for the communities we call home.

Will my account number change?

While the majority of account numbers will not change, over time it is possible that a few customers may need to modify their account numbers. Should this occur, we will be in direct communication with those customers.

Do I need to get new checks or debit cards?

No, for the foreseeable future existing checks and debit cards will work, as usual.

Can I expect full service for my accounts interchangeably at both State Bank of Cochran and BankSouth?

Initially, State Bank of Cochran customers should go to their regular branches and BankSouth customers should go to their regular branches.  Over time, we look to offer full services at all branches.

Why do the legal documents (loan closing paperwork / deposit account opening paperwork) now say BankSouth instead of State Bank of Cochran/First Laurens Bank/Community Bank of Johnson County?

As of October 1, 2025, State Bank of Cochran, First Laurens Bank, and Community Bank of Johnson County are now operating as divisions of BankSouth. While we are continuing to do business under our old trade names, regulatory and legal best practices suggest that all formal legal documents should be executed under the legal name of BankSouth. This ensures everything is accurate, compliant, and consistent across all our branches.

Nothing is changing about your relationship with us. Same people, same locations, same personal service—just with the added strength and security of BankSouth behind every account.

 

	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.

 

Copyright 2025 State Bank of Cochran, A Division of BankSouth. Member FDIC. All deposits insured by the FDIC and guaranteed by BankSouth up to applicable limits.