Ameris Bancorp, the parent company of Ameris Bank, announced that Stephen A. Melton, executive vice president and general counsel of the Company and Ameris Bank, will be retiring on September 30, 2018. Mr. Melton joined the Company in 2011, serving as executive vice president and chief risk officer through September 2017, when he was named general counsel.

Dennis J. Zember Jr., the Company’s president and chief executive officer, commenting on Mr. Melton’s retirement stated, “On behalf of the board of directors and our executive team, I congratulate Steve on a very meaningful tenure with our Company. Steve’s impact on our culture and our staff will last for quite some time and we wish Steve and his family much happiness in his retirement.”

Mr. Melton is a 1975 graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law. He has spent much of his professional career in banking. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Melton served as president and chief executive officer of Columbus Bank and Trust and regional chief executive officer of Synovus, positions he held from November 1998 to February 2011.

Mr. Melton shared, “It has been my privilege to be on the Ameris Bank team. I am going to miss all the wonderful people who worked with me. I am grateful to the executive team and the board of directors for the opportunity I’ve had, and I know they will enjoy a successful future.”