Powell, Ricketson take new leadership roles at Hamilton State Bank

Braselton-based Hamilton State Bank has named Jeff Powell as executive vice president and chief financial officer and Mike Ricketson as executive vice president and chief administrative officer.

As CFO, Powell will be responsible for analyzing and managing financial-related activities of the bank.

Ricketson, the former CFO, will head human resources, compliance, audit, facilities and security in his new role as CAO.

"As we continue to grow and acquire new banks, our organizational structure will continue to evolve. With these changes, we are setting in place a structure to manage a larger institution in a sound and profitable manner," Hamilton State Bank Chairman and CEO Robert Oliver said.

"Mike has held several important positions within Hamilton State Bank for a number of years and will now be supervising several areas that have become more and more critical as we've grown.

"Jeff has extensive experience as a CFO for a bank that acquired failed banks and a strong background in loss share accounting and SEC reporting. Each is important to our continued success."

Powell comes to Hamilton State Bank with more than 30 years of experience. He most recently served as executive vice president and chief accounting officer for Iberia Bank in Lafayette, La.

Ricketson has worked in banking for 36 years and was part of a team that completed repayment of Troubled Asset Relief Program funds back to the U.S. Treasury Department. He added $231 million through the sale of its common stock, and led Hamilton State Bank through its recent acquisitions.

Hamilton State Bank operates 21 branches in Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Cobb, Hall, Henry, Forsyth, Jasper and Jackson counties; website.

Chamber taking nominees for Agribusiness Awards

The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee awards program is accepting nominations for its 2012 Agribusiness Recognition Awards through March 1.

The program partners with the Hall County Extension Service to increase recognition of agribusinesses in Hall County.

Nomination categories include Friend of Agribusiness, to an individual who has consistently promoted agribusiness and agriculture in Hall County (2011 winner Kit Dunlap, Chamber president & CEO); Outstanding Agribusiness, a member of the community who demonstrates significant presence and progress in this area for at least five years (2011 winner, Cain Equipment); Farmer of the Year, a person who has made significant contributions to agribusiness and community services (2011 winners, Allen and Doris Conner); and Ag Hall of Fame, given to individuals each year, living or deceased, in recognition of sustained contributions to Hall County agriculture and agribusiness (2011 winner, Billy Skaggs, COO of the state Department of Agriculture and former Hall County Extension Agent).

The will be presented during the annual breakfast at 7:30 a.m. March 29 at the East Hall Community Center. For reservations, call the Hall County Extension Service, 770-535-8293.

Podiatrist Daniel named among most influential

Gainesville podiatrist Wesley L. Daniel has been selected one of America's Most Influential Podiatrists by Podiatry Management magazine.

Daniel has held several leadership positions in the American Podiatry Medical Association, and currently serves on the State Advisory and Continuing Education committees. He has served as executive director of the Georgia Podiatry Medical Association. In all, 25 podiatry specialists earned the honor.

Daniel practices with the Gainesville Podiatry Clinic, 1975 Beverly Road, Suite B, in Gainesville.