Ameris Bank Announces Executive Leadership Changes

February 24, 2026 at 17:00 PM EST

Chief Strategy Officer Jim LaHaise and Chief Risk Officer Bill McKendry to Retire; David Boggs Promoted to Chief Risk Officer

Ameris Bank today announced that Chief Strategy Officer Jim LaHaise and Chief Risk Officer Bill McKendry each has announced his intention to retire this year.

“Jim and Bill have been exemplary leaders, guiding our organization with integrity and a steadfast commitment to excellence in serving our customers,” said Palmer Proctor, CEO of Ameris Bank. “On behalf of the entire Ameris team, I share our sincere gratitude for their outstanding leadership and dedicated service to Ameris Bank.”

David Boggs, currently General Auditor at Ameris, will be promoted to Chief Risk Officer, following a period of transition. Boggs joined Ameris in 2018 and currently leads the Internal Audit and Credit Risk Review functions, overseeing the development and execution of audit and loan review plans, ensuring regulatory compliance and reporting results to executive leadership.

Prior to Ameris, Boggs held several leadership positions at First Citizens Bank. He holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and is recognized for his leadership, technical expertise and commitment to quality assurance.

“David brings more than twenty years of experience at prominent financial institutions, and I am confident that he will build upon the strong foundation of our Risk organization,” Proctor said.

Chief Governance Officer, Michael Pierson, with nearly thirty years of experience with the company, will take on executive oversight of Ameris Bank Mortgage, Ameris Bank Equipment Finance and US Premium Finance from LaHaise.

“We wish both Jim and Bill all the best as they embark on their well-earned retirements,” Proctor said.

About Ameris Bank

Ameris Bank, a subsidiary of Ameris Bancorp (NYSE: ABCB), is a state-chartered bank headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Ameris operates financial centers in five southeastern states and serves consumer and business customers nationwide through select lending channels. Ameris manages $27.5 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, 2025, and provides a full range of traditional banking and lending products, treasury and cash management, insurance premium financing, and mortgage and refinancing services. Learn more about Ameris at amerisbank.com.