Our Mission

North Georgia National Bank strives to exceed the expectations of its customers by providing superior service, maximizing returns for shareholders, offering challenging career opportunities for employees, and demonstrating positive leadership for the well-being of our community.


Our History

North Georgia National Bank opened its doors on February 10, 1999. Inspired by the leadership of an entirely local Board of Directors, the bank neglected the idea of a blind formula that places the fate of a decision in the hands of an office hundreds of miles away, but instead, focused on building relationships with each client to ensure the best product and service possible.

Today, North Georgia National Bank is grounded in those same values. The bank operates two full-service branches and a compliance center in Gordon County, as well as a full-service branch in Whitfield County. 

North Georgia National Bank was the recipient of two 2024 Calhoun Magazine Reader's Choice Awards: Best Bank and Best Mortgage Company. North Georgia was a finalist in the 2022 Chattanooga Times Free Press' Best of the Best Awards and currently holds a 4-Star "Excellent" rating with Bauer Financial. 


Meet the President

Lesa C. Downey
President and CEO

NMLS# 757668 
(706) 624-5315

Welcome to North Georgia National Bank!

With more than 40 years in the banking industry, I've experienced first-hand how local community banks can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and businesses. When I joined NGNB in June of 2018, I knew I had found something special—a bank that doesn't just serve the community but is part of it.

As a locally owned and operated institution, our focus is on people. We believe that relationships matter. That local decisions lead to better outcomes. And your money should work right here at home, helping build a stronger future for us all.

Our commitment to the community goes beyond banking. Whether through volunteerism, financial support, or local partnerships, we actively invest our time and resources to give back to the communities that have helped us grow.

We are proud to be a part of the fabric of North Georgia—not just as bankers but as partners, neighbors, and friends. Thank you for trusting us with your financial journey. At NGNB, you genuinely are #WhereYouBelong.

Warm Regards,

 

Meet the Team

Kimberly Abernathy

Kimberly Abernathy
SVP / Retail Branch Operations
Manager
(706) 624-5334
Email Kimberly

Luane Bohannon

Luane Bohannon
CPA, Credit Review Officer

(706) 879-5703
Email Luane 

Tammy Carter

Tammy Carter
VP / Compliance Officer

NMLS# 677619   (706) 624-5335
  Email Tammy 

 
Julia Cornwell

Julia Cornwell
Retail Services Coordinator & Banking Officer
(706) 624-3510
Email Julia 

Lesa C. Downey

Lesa Downey
President & CEO
NMLS# 77668   (706) 624-5315
Email Lesa

Jayla Ensley

Jayla Ensley
Assistant VP /Lending Officer

NMLS# 1182690  (706) 624-3503
Email Jayla

 
Rita Lacey

Rita Lacey
VP / Lending Officer

NMLS# 678152  (706) 624-5303
Email Rita 

Zab Mendez

Zab Mendez
SVP / Dalton Market President / Co-Senior Lender

NMLS # 757684  (706) 879-5710
Email Zab 

Kim Mitchell

Kim Mitchell
VP / IT Administrator

(706) 624-5317
Email Kim 

 
Amanda Ruddell

Amanda Ruddell
VP / Lending Officer

NMLS# 679788  (706) 624-5304
Email Amanda 

Mike Smith

Mike Smith
SVP / Co-Senior Lending Officer
NMLS# 828859  (706) 624-5309
Email Mike 

Stacey Smith

Stacey Smith
VP / Business Development Officer

NMLS# 955752 (706) 624-3501
Email Stacey

 
Melissa Whisler

Melissa Whisler
SVP / Human Resources

(706) 879-5708
Email Melissa 

Adam Shull

Adam Shull
SVP / Chief Credit Officer
(706) 624-5308
Email Adam  

Amy Collier

Amy Collier
EVP / Chief Financial Officer
(706) 624-5305
Email Amy