Chatsworth, Ga., June 18, 2026 – First National Community Bank (FNCB), the wholly owned subsidiary of First Chatsworth Bankshares, Inc., is pleased to announce that President and CEO Ryan P. Earnest has been elected by his peers of the Georgia Bankers Association (GBA) to serve as Vice Chairman of the organization.
The Georgia Bankers Association announced Earnest’s election following a vote by its member banks, recognizing his three decades of leadership in the banking industry, commitment to community banking and continued service to financial institutions throughout Georgia.
“Ryan is a respected leader whose extensive experience and commitment to community banking make him an excellent choice for this role,” said Susan V. Moss, GBA chairman and president and CEO, Planters & Citizens Bank, Camilla. “His leadership, industry insight and dedication to service will help advance the association’s work and support the success of our member banks across Georgia.”
“I am honored to serve as Vice Chairman of the Georgia Bankers Association and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside banking leaders across our state. Community banks play a vital role in supporting individuals, families and businesses, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the important role they play in strengthening the communities we serve. The GBA has earned and maintained a distinction of excellence through consistent leadership locally, regionally and nationally. It is a privilege for me to contribute to the association at this level,” said Earnest.
Earnest began his banking career in 1996 and joined the organizing team of Heritage First Bank in 2002. He was named president of the bank in 2008 and CEO in 2017. Following the merger of Heritage First Bancshares, Inc. and First Chatsworth Bankshares, Inc. in 2021, Earnest assumed his current role as president and CEO of First National Community Bank and First Chatsworth Bankshares, Inc., where he continues to lead the organization with a focus on strategic growth, relationship banking and community-focused service.
Earnest earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of West Georgia and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. He remains active in the banking industry and currently serves on the boards of directors for GBA Insurance Trust, Inc. and Paragon Benefits, Inc., in addition to the Georgia Bankers Association Board of Directors. In October 2025, he was named president-elect of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University, where he also serves on the executive committee of the board of trustees.
Beyond his professional leadership, Earnest is deeply committed to serving locally. He serves as chairman of the Development Authority of Floyd County and is a board member and past chairman of the Rome/Floyd County YMCA board of trustees. He also serves on the boards of the University of West Georgia Athletic Foundation, the Chieftains Museum, and is the Treasurer of the Gordon/Floyd County Joint Development Authority. His previous community leadership includes service as chairman of the Floyd Healthcare Foundation and the South Rome Redevelopment Corporation, along with board service for the Rome-Floyd Chamber of Commerce, Seven Hills Rotary Club and the Rome/Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth.
For more information about First National Community Bank and its commitment to serving Northwest Georgia communities, visit www.fncbank.com.
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About First Chatsworth Bankshares Inc.: Founded in 1975, First National Community Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of First Chatsworth Bankshares, Inc., has approximately $721 million in total assets and $619 million in total deposits. We are a locally owned community bank with our branches located within a contiguous footprint throughout northwest Georgia with local decision making, exemplary customer service and extraordinary involvement in the communities we serve. The Bank operates 11 banking offices in Adairsville, Calhoun, Cartersville, Chatsworth, Dallas, Dalton (2 banking office locations), Eton and Rome (3 banking office locations), a mortgage office in Dalton and loan production in Chattanooga, Tennessee. For more information, visit www.fncbank.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. .
About the Georgia Bankers Association: Founded in 1892, the Georgia Bankers Association promotes the general welfare and usefulness of banking and the preservation of a sound banking system. For 134 years, GBA has been the resource that empowers Georgia’s banks, providing effective government relations and public advocacy, a community of professional peers, top-quality education and professional development, and revenue-enhancing products and services.