# Palmer Proctor

> Palmer Proctor is the Atlanta-based CEO of Ameris Bank and Ameris Bancorp. He joined Fidelity Bank in 1990, became its president in 2004 and CEO in 2017, and assumed leadership of Ameris when the Fidelity acquisition closed in July 2019. His public record spans regional bank expansion, corporate directorships and Atlanta civic institutions.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer at Ameris Bank and Ameris Bancorp
- **Organizations:** Ameris Bank, Ameris Bancorp, Fidelity Bank (former), Fidelity Southern Corporation (former), Brown & Brown, Inc., Choate Construction Company, Inspire Brands, Georgia Bankers Association (past chairman), Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Fernbank Museum of Natural History (former trustee), Rotary Club of Atlanta, Buckhead Coalition
- **Education:** Auburn University, Stonier Graduate School of Banking, Georgetown University
- **Known for:** Named among the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2021 Most Admired CEOs., Oversaw the Fidelity integration, Ameris rebrand and headquarters move to Atlanta., Built a Fidelity career across branch administration, operations, mortgage, investments and commercial lending before becoming its CEO.

## Career timeline

- **1990** — Joined Fidelity Bank.
- **2004-10** — Became Fidelity Bank president and director; joined the Fidelity Southern board.
- **2006-04** — Became president of Fidelity Southern Corporation.
- **2012-10** — Joined the Brown & Brown board of directors.
- **2017-04** — Became CEO of Fidelity Bank.
- **2017-2018** — Served as chairman of the Georgia Bankers Association.
- **2019-07** — Became CEO and director of Ameris Bank and Ameris Bancorp when the Fidelity acquisition closed.
- **2022-07** — Became vice chairman of the Ameris board.
- **2024-07** — Led Ameris as its stock listing transferred to the NYSE.

## Achievements

- Named among the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2021 Most Admired CEOs.
- Oversaw the Fidelity integration, Ameris rebrand and headquarters move to Atlanta.
- Built a Fidelity career across branch administration, operations, mortgage, investments and commercial lending before becoming its CEO.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Ameris scheduled third-quarter results for after the October 22 market close and an October 23 investor call with Proctor, CFO Nicole Stokes and chief credit officer Douglas Strange.
- **2026-07** — Ameris reported June 30 assets of $28.49 billion and second-quarter net income of $51.4 million, including an $82.5 million employment-litigation accrual; adjusted net income was $107.3 million.
- **2026-06** — Ameris announced Nashville expansion led by Justin McClain, with an office planned by year-end.
- **2026-02** — Ameris announced senior executive retirement plans and David Boggs’s selection as the next chief risk officer after a transition.
- **2025-04** — Appeared on Danny Vander Maten’s Executive Perspective podcast to discuss leadership and Ameris.

## Links

- Website: https://ir.amerisbank.com/governance/board-of-directors/person-details/default.aspx?ItemId=a91d633c-e73e-4e8c-bcb5-b313b4ba57de
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/palmer-proctor-66072513

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/palmer-proctor
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22