The Board of Directors of The Geo. D. Warthen Bank has announced changes to its executive team as part of the bank’s succession planning. Chris F. Irwin III, current Chief Executive Officer, will become the bank’s Chairman. Irwin, who has been with the bank for 57 years, will continue to provide strategic guidance and remain an active member of the senior leadership team.
As part of the transition, Kenneth A. Bibb, current President, has been appointed to succeed Irwin, and will serve as the bank’s Chief Executive Officer. Bibb has served as Bank President for 24 years, fostering a legacy in community banking that the Irwin family started in 1871.
Alex McAfee, current Vice President of Commercial Lending, has been named President, affirming the bank’s dedication to strong leadership and its strategic vision for the future.
“We are excited about the future of The Geo. D. Warthen Bank and the continued strength of our leadership team,” Irwin said. “I am proud of the banking legacy we have in this community, and I am confident that the bank is well-positioned to preserve our bank’s culture and prepare for its long-term success and sustainability.”
A Washington County native, Alex joined The Geo. D. Warthen Bank in 2022 as Vice President of Commercial Lending, where he focused on portfolio growth and balance while improving asset quality. His relationship-focused approach to lending, in combination with enthusiasm for community growth and development, substantially contributed to the bank’s ongoing success.
Alex graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2011 with the degree of Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with an emphasis on Bank Management. He began his career in banking in 2012 and has worked in many areas of bank operations and management. Spending a portion of his career in the local kaolin industry, working in accounting and sales, provided him with experience in local and global economics. He is passionate about the continued economic success of Washington and surrounding counties and ensuring that rural living remains sustainable for future generations. Alex and his wife Molly have three children, Ben Luke (7), Caleb (5), and Lydia (2). The McAfees are active members of Sandersville Methodist Church, where Alex presently serves in a variety of roles. In his free time, Alex enjoys spending time outdoors and is an avid sportsman.
“I am honored to take on the role of President and to work alongside a longstanding team that’s deeply committed to our mission, customers, and community,” said McAfee. “Together, we will continue to deliver personalized, relationship-focused banking just as this bank has done since 1871.”
“This is a remarkable organization, and I feel certain we are well positioned for the future,” said Bibb. “Alex has a strong knowledge of the banking business and has his pulse on our community. He understands our bank’s culture on a deep level and knows that our employees are our most valuable assets.”
Founded in 1871, The Geo. D. Warthen Bank is the oldest continually operating community bank in Georgia. The bank’s ownership has been maintained by members of the Irwin family and managed with impressive leadership, with McAfee being the fifth president in 154 years.