Heritage Financial Group, Inc., the holding company for HeritageBank of the South, today announced that the Bank has hired Hughes Pinson to lead its expansion in the Macon, Georgia market. After entering the Macon market in August 2011 with a mortgage loan office, HeritageBank has now opened a new commercial banking office. Pinson will serve as the new Regional President for HeritageBank of the South in Macon.

Commenting on the announcement, Leonard Dorminey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Financial Group, said, "We have long considered Macon to be an attractive and vibrant market, one that could be strategically important to our company. So we are excited to capitalize on the opportunity to both expand there and strengthen our team at the same time by adding talented leadership for the market. We are pleased to welcome Hughes to HeritageBank of the South and we will commit our full resources and capabilities to help him create the best banking experience possible for the Macon community."

Pinson has a 20-year career in the financial industry in Macon. His experience in the market is expected to provide HeritageBank of the South with an advantage as it seeks to grow its customer base in Middle Georgia. Pinson is a graduate of Auburn University.

The new HeritageBank of the South office is located next to the Bank's mortgage office at 3200 Riverside Drive, Suite B #275 in Macon.