Mr. Thompson is a Florida native. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, and also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Pepperdine University. He attended the National Commercial Lending Graduate School and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army prior to beginning his banking career, which now spans 40 years. He understands banking at every level, from loan origination to underwriting, market expansion, product development, wealth and treasury management, and client service. His banking experience includes service with Barnett Bank, SunTrust Bank, American Momentum Bank, and an independent Community Bank in Georgia. He has served in such diverse roles as President & CEO, Chief Lending Officer, Chief Credit Officer and Line of Business Manager. John believes in community service and has served as a board member of the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, American Heart Association, Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), Downtown Development Authority, Habitat for Humanity and Georgia Council on Economic Education. He presently serves on the Florida Bankers Association (FBA) Board of Directors and is also member of the BankPac Committee, a statewide, bi-partisan, non-profit political action committee organized by members of the Florida Bankers Association.