Meet the Staff

Executive Team

David R Coxon

David R. Coxon has more than 45 years of banking experience. Starting as a paying and receiving teller he has held numerous positions in retail, commercial and administrative roles throughout his career. Over the last twenty five years his responsibilities have included Senior Lender, Chief Banking Officer, Chief Credit Officer and Chief Operating Officer. David joined Georgia Primary Bank in February 2012 as President and Chief Executive Officer. David holds a BBA degree in accounting from Columbus State University and a master’s in Organizational Leadership and Management from Mercer University.
David strongly supports community banking in the financial system because it remains the closest to serving the character of people and businesses. He believes banking is a people business never to be replaced by credit models and technology. The advances in services through technology has made the delivery of financial products and information easier for consumption and that is a positive in the fast pace of everyday life.
Georgia Primary Bank is located in the heart of Atlanta’s most desired work and live community-Buckhead. David encourages the opportunity to meet on a personal basis. He can be reached at (404) 504-8302 or [email protected].

James E LeBow

James E. LeBow joined the bank as Chief Credit Officer in June, 2014 bringing with him more than 40 years of experience in the banking industry. Prior to joining Georgia Primary, James held executive management positions at two other metro Atlanta community banks. He served seven years as Chief Credit Officer at Touchmark National Bank. From 1980 to 2004, James held various positions within SunTrust Bank, including Director of Risk Management for the Financial Institutions Division from 2002 to 2004. Throughout his career James has been actively involved in development efforts at the Westminster Schools and with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He currently serves on the board of the Carl Sanders Buckhead YMCA, is a past board member of the Lando Land Company and is active in Northside United Methodist Church. James received his BS in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his MBA from Georgia State University. Outside of work, James enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, exercising and golf.

Jane Skelton

Jane Skelton joined the bank as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in November 2015. Jane has more than 40 years of experience with financial institutions in the Atlanta market. In 2007, she joined Brookhaven Bank as Chief Financial Officer and remained in that capacity as the de novo bank grew and eventually sold to Georgia Commerce Bank in 2013. She served as Controller at Georgia Commerce Bank following the acquisition of Brookhaven and through the most recent merger of Georgia Commerce Bank into IBERIABANK in 2015. During her career in banking, Jane has served in a variety of finance and accounting positions. She has participated in start-up operations, as well as mergers and acquisitions, for community banks, national banks, and special purpose banks. Jane received a BS in Industrial Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Masters of Professional Accountancy from Georgia State University. She graduated with honors from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jane holds a CPA license from the state of Georgia as well as membership in the Georgia Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs.

Lending

Jennifer Clifton

Jennifer is Senior Vice President and Market Executive of our North Metro Financial Center in Cumming. She joined Georgia Primary Bank in March 2019 and has more than 40 years of banking experience. Jennifer is responsible for commercial lending in our Cumming market, developing both deposit and loan relationships for the bank. Asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “Meeting with existing and new clients, developing relationships and friendships.” Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her daughter and grandchildren.

Scott J. Garland

Scott is a Executive Vice President and Senior Credit Officer for the bank. He joined Georgia Primary Bank in January 2019 and has more than 35 years of banking experience. Scott is responsible for the credit underwriting and Portfolio and Risk management for the bank. When asked what he enjoys about his job at Georgia Primary Bank he answered, “Building relationships and helping people succeed.” Outside of the office Scott enjoys spending time with his wife and children.

Jackie S. Hart

Jackie Hart is Senior Vice President of SBA Administration for Georgia Primary Bank. She joined us in February of 2017 and has more than 25 years of banking experience. Jackie manages the SBA loan portfolio to ensure the loans are in compliance with SBA regulations. She also oversees the processing and closing of all SBA loans. When asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “I enjoy helping to make dreams come true for small businesses.” Outside of the office she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Brady Holbrook

Brady is a Commercial Lending Trainee for the bank and joined us in 2022. While training to become a commercial lender, he is also gaining experience in credit analysis, relationship management and loan operations. When asked what he enjoys about his job at Georgia Primary Bank he answered, “I enjoy the mix of people and numbers. I love that I not only get to meet new and exciting people but also get to use my financial analysis skills to help those amazing people.” Outside of the office, Brady enjoys getting outdoors when it is warm, and reading when the weather is less than idyllic. He graduated from the University of Georgia, is a huge Dawgs fan and enjoys all things UGA.

Susan Kite

Susan is Senior Vice President and Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Development Officer for the bank. She joined Georgia Primary Bank in August 2019 and has more than 30 years of banking experience. Susan is responsible for working with clients and their advisors to help them find the best loan product to accomplish their business goals. Asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “Helping the client to fulfill their dreams by expanding their business, moving into a new venture, buying that building they’ve always wanted and creating jobs. I have many clients who come back to me time and time again to expand into their 2nd, 3rd or even 5th venture!” Susan has been active in Georgia Lenders Quality Circle (Board Member and Chairman), Georgia Association of Business Brokers, Capital Partners Certified Development Company, the University of Georgia Alumni Association and Hillside United Methodist Church. Outside of the office she enjoys watching her beloved UGA Bulldogs play football, spending time with her mom and traveling.

William “Chip” Lanier

Chip is Senior Vice President of Construction Lending for Georgia Primary Bank. He joined us in June 2019 and has more than 15 years of banking experience. Chip is responsible for business development and construction lending to Builders and Developers. When asked what he enjoys about his job at Georgia Primary Bank he answered, “The opportunity to be involved in producing a solution for a very basic need…. housing.” Outside of the office he enjoys spending time with his family, swimming and traveling. He is also very involved in church activities.

Traci Newman

Traci is Senior Vice President and Commercial Lender for the bank. She joined Georgia Primary Bank in June 2022 and has more than 34 years of banking experience. Traci calls on commercial clients in order to develop business, including services such as loans, deposits and treasury services. When asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “Getting to meet new people and doing my part to keep the economy going.” Traci is involved in Sparkle Wellness (a health and wellness company), church activities and chamber functions. Outside of the office she enjoys hiking, walking in nature, gardening and going to live performances.

Matthew T. Owens

Matt is Vice President and Commercial Lender for the bank. He joined Georgia Primary Bank in 2020 and has more than 20 years of banking experience. Matt is responsible for Commercial Loans, focusing on owner occupied commercial real estate, equipment finance, operating companies and income producing real estate. Asked what he enjoys about his job at Georgia Primary Bank he answered, “To be a part of our customers’ and community’s success. Forming relationships with customers that last years and sometimes generations, allows me to make a positive and tangible impact on their lives, their companies and our community’s future.” Matt currently serves on the Board of Directors for Hands of Hope Clinic. He is a former Board member for the Flint Circuit Council on Family Violence and is a member of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Henry Graduate. Outside of the office, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and two beautiful daughters, University of Georgia football and spending time outdoors.

Mark Pope

Mark is Vice President of Treasury Services for the bank. He joined Georgia Primary Bank in July of 2023 and has more than 30 years of banking experience in the Atlanta market. Mark works with clients to determine how our Treasury Services products can help their businesses run efficiently and be successful. When asked what he enjoys about his job at Georgia Primary he answered, “I enjoy knowing that at the end of the day, I have helped my client achieve their goals and be successful with their business.” Outside of the office Mark enjoys exercising, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Jan K. Smith

Jan is Senior Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager. He joined the bank in November 2017 and has more than 45 years of banking experience. Jan is responsible for creating and maintaining both consumer and business customer relationships as well as ensuring all of their banking needs have been met. His previous experience includes commercial lending as well as leadership roles in both the television post-production and computer software industries. Jan is a graduate of Berry College in Rome, Georgia. When asked what he enjoys about his job at Georgia Primary Bank he answered, “I enjoy helping people become successful.” He is involved with the East Cobb Business Association and the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce. Outside of the office Jan enjoys golf, tennis, working out, yard work, volunteering with his church and spending time with family.

Mani Swarnam

Mani is Senior Vice President and Commercial Team Lending Leader for Georgia Primary Bank. He joined us in October 2017 and has more than 20 years of banking experience. He is responsible for strengthening our presence in the traditional Commercial and Industrial (C&I) business markets and providing services to privately held enterprises. His previous experience includes a number of years across C&I, small business, commercial real estate and construction lending disciplines. Mani is a graduate of the University of Madras, India with a degree in Commerce. He holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. When asked what he enjoys about his job at Georgia Primary Bank he answered, “Helping clients sustain and grow their businesses by providing creative funding solutions in a responsive manner.” Mani holds the position of VP for the Risk Management Association’s Atlanta Chapter and serves on the Member Services Committee of the Community Banker’s Association. Outside of the office he enjoys spending time with family, playing golf and traveling.

Retail Banking

John Bussey

John is the Branch Manager for the Buckhead Financial Center located in Atlanta. He joined Georgia Primary Bank in July 2022 and has 12 years of banking experience. John is responsible for managing the Financial Center Office, serving bank clients and growing new accounts. Asked what he enjoys about his job at Georgia Primary Bank he answered, “I truly enjoy meeting every customer’s needs and seeing them leave with a smile on their face.” Outside of the office he enjoys University of Georgia football and watching anything sports-related, but most of all spending time with his wife, two young boys and friends.

Ellen Foster

Ellen is a Universal Banker for the Buckhead Financial Center located in Atlanta. She joined Georgia Primary Bank in May 2022 and has several years of banking experience. Ellen is responsible for customer service, account management and maintenance and teller services. Asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “Helping people and forming lasting relationships with our customers.” Outside of the office she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, watching football, working out and spending time with her family.

Pam Fulwood

Pam is Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of our North Metro Financial Center located in Cumming. She joined Georgia Primary Bank in May 2021 and has more than 30 years of banking experience. Pam is responsible for managing the Financial Center Office, serving bank clients and growing new accounts. Asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “Helping customers and getting to know them.” Outside of the office she enjoys the beach and spending time with her grandchildren.

Vasudha Mistry

Vasudha is the Head Teller for the Buckhead Financial Center located in Atlanta. She joined Georgia Primary Bank when the bank was founded in 2007 and has more than 20 years of banking experience. Asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “Everyone is so nice, I feel like this is my second home.” Outside of the office she enjoys traveling and playing games.

LeeHester Rhodes

LeeHester is Senior Vice President and Director of Retail Services for Georgia Primary Bank. She joined us in February 2019 and has more than 38 years of banking experience, primarily in the Buckhead market. She has experience in serving retail and commercial deposit customers. When asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “The people, their history/stories and making lasting relationships. I also love obtaining a referral from a long time customer!” Outside of the office LeeHester enjoys Braves baseball, reading, watching Netflix series but most of all spending time with family and friends. She is also very involved with her church and serves on numerous committee and board positions.

Operations

June Arnold

June is a Senior Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Underwriter for Georgia Primary Bank. Joining us in 2021, she has more than 12 years of banking experience. As an Underwriter, June reviews documentation for all SBA loans. When asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “The bank family at GPB is next to none and underwriting for banks is pretty cool. I get to explore industries, meet new people and help borrowers to have their small business dreams come true.” Outside of the office she enjoys paddle boarding, gardening, swimming and brewery hopping. June is also involved with the Villalobos Rescue Center and Fur Kids.

April Chancey

April is a Deposit Operations Specialist for the bank. She joined Georgia Primary Bank in 2022 and has more than 25 years of banking experience. April assists customers, as well as internal departments, with deposit account and online banking needs. Asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “Everyone at GPB is wonderful to work with. Every day is different in banking, and I enjoy solving problems.” Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with family, reading and adding more animals to her farm.

David Cole

David is Vice President and SBA Portfolio Manager for Georgia Primary Bank. He joined us in 2022 and has more than 28 years of banking experience. David manages existing accounts in the bank’s government guaranteed loan division. Asked what he enjoys about his job at Georgia Primary Bank he answered, “I enjoy the people I get to meet and help.” Outside of the office, David enjoys University of Georgia football and the Atlanta Braves.

Vickie Costopoulos

Vickie is a Loan Documentation Specialist. She joined Georgia Primary Bank in June of 2016 and has more than 25 years of banking experience. Vickie produces loan documents for our closings and renewals. Asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “I enjoy meeting different individuals and learning about their businesses as well as helping them achieve success.” Outside of the office she enjoys church educational and philanthropic activities, traveling and sports. Vickie is also involved with the Phi Mu Fraternity for Women and the Virginia Tech Alumni Club.

Dale R. Earnhart

Dale is Senior Vice President and Manager of Loan Administration for Commercial and Consumer Loans. She joined Georgia Primary Bank in January of 2016 and has more than 36 years of banking experience. Dale assists the lenders with preparation of loan documentation for loan closings. Asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “The Customers.” Outside of the office she enjoys being with her family (children and grandchildren) and playing golf. Dale also volunteers at her church on the Guest Services team.

Jared C. Johnson

Jared is Assistant Vice President and Compliance Officer for Georgia Primary Bank. Joining us in May 2016, with more than 15 years of banking experience, Jared ensures the bank adheres to regulatory compliance, implements policy and procedure as well as monitoring the bank’s network functions and applications. When asked what he enjoys about Georgia Primary, he answered, “The people with whom I now work are just all-around genuine people. They’re always willing to lend a hand if need be.” Outside the bank, he enjoys writing, mixology and spending time in the mountains.

Cindy Jurnack

Cindy is a Senior Vice President and Loan Operations Manager. She joined Georgia Primary Bank in February 2021 and has more than 35 years of banking experience. Cindy manages the lending operations for the bank including loan on-boarding, platform administration, and all aspects of traditional loan servicing. Asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “Helping customers and meeting new people.” Outside of the office she enjoys travelling and spending time with her family. Cindy is also involved with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and North Fulton Community Charities.

Patti McClendon

Patti is a Deposit Operations Specialist for the bank. She joined Georgia Primary Bank in 2023 and has more than 25 years of banking experience. Patti assists customers, as well as internal departments, with online banking and deposit account needs. Asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “I enjoy helping people, providing a pleasant banking experience and working with such a wonderful group of colleagues.” Outside of the office Patti enjoys attending church, traveling, water sports, sitting on the porch in the country, bird watching and spending time with family and friends.

Andy Odom

Andy is Senior Vice President and Information Technology Officer for the bank. He joined Georgia Primary Bank in 2016 having more than 25 years of banking and IT experience. Andy is responsible for maintaining the bank’s network and application systems. When asked what he enjoys about his job at Georgia Primary Bank he answered, “I really enjoy what I do at the bank. I also feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such a great staff!” Outside of the office he enjoys spending time with friends and family, UGA football and Atlanta Braves baseball.

Calvin Park

Calvin is an Assistant Vice President and Credit Analyst for the bank. He joined Georgia Primary Bank in January 2019 and has 5 years of banking experience. Calvin is responsible for underwriting credit memos for commercial loans. When asked what he enjoys about his job at Georgia Primary Bank he answered, “Providing opportunity to small business owners and helping them to procure a loan that will help further improve their standard of living.” Outside of the office he enjoys basketball, football and traveling.

Tony Patillo

Tony is a Deposit Operations Specialist for the bank. He joined Georgia Primary Bank in 2023 and has over 19 years of banking experience. Tony manages our MSB (Money Services Business) daily customer orders and also performs periodic reviews on each MSB. He also assists with wire transfer processing and electronic funds transfers for customers. Asked what he enjoys about his job at Georgia Primary Bank he answered, “I enjoy the challenging nature of the industry, learning and fulfilling customers’ needs.” Outside of the office, Tony enjoys traveling and hiking.

Kimberly Russo-Alesi

Kimberly is an Executive Vice President and the Controller for the bank. She joined Georgia Primary Bank in March of 2008 and has more than 25 years of banking experience. Kimberly’s responsibilities include Accounting and Human Resources. Asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “I enjoy working with numbers.” Outside of the office she enjoys volunteering with her son through (YMSL) Young Men’s Service League, sitting on the board of YMSL and the Athletic Association at her local high school, reading, travelling and watching her son play Ice Hockey and Lacrosse.

Kecia Smith

Kecia is Vice President and Deposit Operations Manager for the bank. She joined Georgia Primary Bank in July of 2019 and has more than 15 years of banking experience. Possessing a certification from NACHA, Kecia is responsible for the daily operational aspects of the bank, with a focus on ACH and wire processing. As well, she provides the Controller with support for internal bank functions. When asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “I love the feeling of satisfaction I get at the end of the day knowing my contributions are truly valued as a member of the team. Plus, my co-workers are fun!” Outside of the office she enjoys singing, watching monster movies and going to the arcade.

Pamela Wilson

Pamela is a Senior Vice President and Credit Analyst Team Leader for the bank. She joined Georgia Primary Bank in September of 2016 and has over 10 years of banking experience. Pamela analyzes financial information, prepares spreadsheets and writes analyses for existing loans and new requests. When asked what she enjoys about her job at Georgia Primary Bank she answered, “I find the analysis of companies extremely interesting and feel that the bank’s role in helping a company reach its goal is important.” Outside of the office she enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends.