Synovus, the Columbus, Georgia-based financial services company, recently announced the presentation of its annual Chairman’s Awards. The Chairman’s Awards – the James H. Blanchard Leadership Award, the James D. Yancey Customer Covenant Award, and the William B. Turner Humanitarian Award – represent the company’s culture and illustrate the emphasis it places on leadership, customer satisfaction, and serving others. Synovus also introduced a new Chairman’s Award called the Synovus Game Changer Award to recognize team members who encompass the spirit of innovation. Chairman’s Award recipients are chosen from nominations submitted by team members across Synovus’ Southeastern footprint.

“This year’s award winners represent the best in our company when it comes to leadership, delivering unparalleled customer service, community involvement, and innovation,” said Kessel Stelling, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Synovus. “We are fortunate to have such strong leadership in our organization, and I am grateful to each of these individuals for their dedication to our company, customers, and communities. 

Awards this year include: 

The James H. Blanchard Leadership Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate the best use of leadership and interpersonal skills such as teamwork, communication, and coaching in various corporate, departmental, and community roles.  This award is named after retired Chairman and CEO James H. Blanchard, who set a high standard for leadership throughout his 36-year tenure at Synovus.

Recognized were:

Rick Gordy, Senior Director, Commercial Banking for Columbus Bank and Trust, a division of Synovus Bank

Steve Shoemaker, Area Sales Leader for Synovus Mortgage Corp., a Birmingham, Alabama – based subsidiary of Synovus

Eddie Norris, CEO of CB&T Bank of Middle Georgia, the Warner Robins-based division of Synovus Bank

The James D. Yancey Customer Covenant Award is named in honor of the former Synovus Chairman who always put the needs of the customer first. Yancey was instrumental in the creation of the Customer Covenant, the company’s pledge to deliver excellent customer service. Synovus presented awards for internal and external customer service.

Recognized were:

Doug Ivey, Business Systems Analyst, Synovus

Ernie Kelly, Internal Communications Manager, Synovus

Rob Phillips, Regional Market President for NBSC, Synovus’ bank division in Columbia, South Carolina

The William B. Turner Humanitarian Award is named in honor of the former Chairman of Synovus’ Executive Committee for his deep commitment to serving individuals and the community. Turner has inspired others through his deep moral and spiritual convictions to make a difference in the lives of team members and their families.

Recognized was:

Linda Yarrell, Branch Manager of NBSC’s Main Office in Columbia, South Carolina

The inaugural Synovus Game Changer Award recognizes high-performing team members for forward thinking, innovative ideas.

Recognized was:

Curtis Perry, Chief Corporate Banking Officer for Synovus