George Lazenby, CEO of Newton Federal Bank, has been elected to the board of directors of the Community Bankers Association as Division Four Chair.

Nominations for the 2013-2014 CBA board were announced and approved at CBA’s 45th annual meeting and trade show Sept. 11-15 at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. Lazenby’s term began Oct. 1.

The CBA is a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to serving community banks throughout Georgia for more than 40 years.

Founded in 1969 by a group of Georgia community bankers, the CBA is the state’s only advocate working solely for the interests of community banks and their customers.

The CBA was formed to protect the political interests of locally-owned community banks and today represents nearly 200 community banks and more than 200 associate member companies.

The association offers services in four areas: political affairs, education, products and services, and networking.

Board members are selected from 10 divisions across the state, ensuring that all Georgia community banks are equally represented. They are elected to a one-year terms.

During the year, directors are involved in a number of initiatives, such as responding to proposed rules and regulations from various regulatory agencies, reviewing numerous products and services that will benefit the community banking industry and consumers, and weighing in on proposed legislation.

"Our membership has elected some of Georgia’s most qualified banking executives to serve on the CBA board," said Rob Braswell, president & CEO of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia.

"Their experience, insight and leadership will be invaluable to our association in the coming year. We appreciate their commitment to the community banking industry and this great state."