R. Daniel Blanton, CEO of Georgia Bank & Trust, has been elected chairman of the American Bankers Association for the 2015-2016 association year.  As Blanton assumes this role, he will be one of only five bankers from Georgia elected to this honor since ABA's inception in 1875 the last of which was in 1961.   

Blanton has been an active member of ABA for many years, previously serving on the board of directors, Government Relations Council and as chairman of ABA’s Community Bankers Council.

In these roles, Blanton advocated extensively for the growth and development of small financial institutions, speaking before various congressional committees on the need for regulatory relief and highlighting the important role banks play in their local communities.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be elected ABA chairman and to represent the interests of America’s hometown banks,” Blanton said. “We are a diverse industry, but there’s one thing we all have in common –we’re in the business of helping our customers and communities grow.”

Blanton previously served as chairman of the Georgia Bankers Association and on the FDIC Advisory Committee on Community Banking, where he provided guidance on policy issues affecting small community banks across the country.

Blanton began his banking career in 1976 as a bank teller.   In 1988, after over a decade in banking, Blanton joined the newly formed Georgia Bank & Trust as its first employee where he now serves as CEO.  With more than 39 years of financial experience, Blanton’s background and commitment to the interests of hometown banks extends beyond the boards and committees he serves.

In addition to his broad experience in the industry, Blanton has served on the boards and committees of numerous civic organizations and dedicated his time to philanthropic causes throughout the community, including The Family Y, Augusta Tomorrow, United Way, Sacred Heart Cultural Center, and University Hospital Foundation.  He also serves on the advisory board of Augusta University, Hull College of Business.

Blanton is a graduate of Clemson University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree and Louisiana State University, where he received his graduate degree in banking.

Blanton replaces outgoing ABA chairman and president and CEO of FirstBank Holding Co. John A. Ikard.