Planters First Bank (“PFB”) is pleased to announce the recent promotion of Mike Phillips to Bank CEO and Eli Tinsley to Bank President, Chief Banking Officer.
Mike Phillips, Chief Executive Officer
Mike Phillips has 36 years of banking experience and most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer for Planters First Bank. Throughout his successful career, Mike has held various positions including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, and Director of Corporate Services. Additionally, the value that he has added at financial institutions such as Calumet Bank, State Bank, and Flag Bank has significantly contributed to their success. Mike earned his bachelor’s degree from Troy University and MBA from Fairfield University. Mike is also a graduate of the LSU and University of Wisconsin-Madison Banking schools. He has numerous certifications such as certified risk professional, certified management accountant, and certified treasury professional to name a few. Mike and his wife Teresa are a small business owner in Perry, and they are proud to call Perry, GA their home.
Mike Phillips had the following to say about his new position, “I appreciate the confidence and the opportunity provided by the Board of Directors to continue to build on the incredible legacy of Planters First Bank. Steve Bridges and the Planters First Bank team have created a foundation of success from which we will continue to build for the benefit of our customers, shareholders, and teammates. I look forward to being of service and to partnering with Eli Tinsley as our President and our other teammates to fulfill our vision to be The Best Community Bank for Middle Georgia.”
Bob Way, Planters First Bancorp, Chairman, had the following to say about Mike, “Mike’s breadth of career experience makes him ideally suited for the leadership helm of PFB. Mike invests a tremendous amount of time and energy into making those around him successful. He will be a true servant leader and coach to all those he works with across the bank and holding company.”
John Way, Planters First Bank, Chairman, had the following to say about Mike, “PFB was very lucky to join forces with such a professional as Mike. Mike has had success at every stop in his banking career. His reputation as a respected Banker is not only local, but National. We look forward to his leadership.”
“This is an exciting moment for Planters First Bank. Mike Phillips has been a confidant and business partner for almost 30 years. Said Dan Speight, Planters First Bancorp, CEO. “Mike’s willingness to commit to this new role last year, was one of the major reasons I wanted to get back into banking. He is the most detailed professional I have ever worked with. His command of the financial, technology and operational sides of the bank are as good as it gets. Mike is also the best when it comes to making those around him successful. We are fortunate to have Mike as CEO of Planters First Bank”
Eli Tinsley, President & Chief Banking Officer
Eli Tinsley has 23 years of banking experience and most recently served as Market President for Planters First Bank in Cordele, GA. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia where he earned his degree in Agricultural Economics and the LSU Banking school. He is a member of First Baptist Church, member and Past President of the Cordele Lions Club, Executive Board Member and Past Chairman of Crisp County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Cordele-Crisp Tourism Division, IDC member, Cordele Housing Authority Board Member, Board Member of the Georgia Veterans Friends of the Park and active in various other local charities. Eli and his wife, Julie, have two children, William and Julia.
Among his many strengths, Eli is dedicated to building and maintaining personal banking relationships and tailoring products and services to both individual and business clients. Many of our customers trust Eli for clear and effective advice when making their most important decisions.
Eli Tinsley had the following to say about his new position, “Little did I realize 16 years ago just how much joy Cordele, Ga. would bring to my life. From meeting my wife, formerly Julie Rogers, having two amazing children William and Julia, to having the opportunity to work with an amazing team at Planters First Bank. Planters First Bank has a strong heritage in South Georgia and continues to strive to be the best community bank. I am honored to be designated as the President of PFB and remain committed to meeting the needs of our clients while empowering our team members to create solutions that exceed expectations.”
Bob Way, Planters First Bancorp, Chairman, had the following to say about Eli, “since assuming the presidency of our Cordele market, we have experienced phenomenal market growth under Eli’s leadership. As the bank’s new President, we will have the benefit of that same focus now across the organization.”
John Way, Planters First Bank, Chairman, had the following to say about Eli, “In his near decade tenure with PFB, Eli has shown that he is more than capable of handling any and all challenges that can arise in a bank. He has a loyal and dedicated customer base and is respected by his fellow teammates. The Cordele Market has prospered under his leadership. We look forward to seeing these traits transcend throughout all our Markets.
“Planters First is fortunate to have someone, like Eli, with the talent and institutional knowledge to step up and lead our production team,” Dan Speight. Planters First Bancorp, CEO, said, “As President of the organization, Eli will bring leadership and the ability to bring his credit and business development skills to the table.”
About Planters First Bank:
Founded in 1896, Planters First Bank, the 8th oldest financial institution in Georgia, is headquartered in Cordele, Georgia, and operates seven full-service locations throughout Middle Georgia.
For additional information, contact:
Dan Duchnowski
Chief Marketing Officer
478.971.8031
dduchnowski@bankpfb.com