Four Queensborough employees have graduated from the Georgia Banking School. The graduation ceremony took place May 5 at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel in Athens, Ga. Queensborough President and CEO Bill Easterlin and Chief Human Resource Officer Sheryl Reed were in attendance.

Clare Easterlin, SPHR, SHRM-CP, who serves as the bank’s Assistant Vice President, Human Resources Operations Director, graduated as the Graduate of Distinction, the highest honor reserved for the class’s top graduate.

Beth James, MBA, who leads the bank’s marketing efforts as Vice President, Marketing Director, graduated as an Honor Graduate, ranking in the top 10% of the class.

Leigh Jordan, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager in the Sandersville market. Jordan also received recognition for her award-winning work on the bank simulation exercise.

Henry Leverett, Vice President and At Work Banking & Financial Literacy Program Manager also graduated in the class.

Established in 1961, the Georgia Banking School is a three-year specialized school run by the Georgia Bankers Association. The purpose of the school is to prepare bank managers to effectively and profitably serve their hometowns by developing a thorough understanding of banking practices, regulations and management principles.

During the course of the three-year program, graduates complete an annual one-week residence session at the University of Georgia in Athens as well as home study problems between sessions. The school provides a well-balanced curriculum featuring UGA faculty members, veteran bankers and other industry experts and specialists.

“The Georgia Banking School is a great resource for developing the future of our state’s industry leaders,” says Bill Easterlin, Queensborough President and CEO. “I am very proud of our 2023 graduates and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow in their professional careers.”

Thirty-nine Georgia bankers graduated from the Georgia Banking School this year.