Ameris Bank Announces Promotion of Richard Sturm and Mze Wilkins

COLUMBIA, S.C., – Ameris Bank President Lawton E. Bassett, III is pleased to announce the promotion of senior leaders, H. Richard Sturm and Mze Wilkins. Sturm was recently appointed as director of commercial banking and will oversee multiple divisions of the company including Treasury Services, Government Guaranteed Lending, Commercial Real Estate and Construction. Wilkins has been promoted to regional president and will be responsible for oversight of all core banking activities within the bank’s South Carolina footprint.

“Both Mze and Richard are exceptional leaders who bring expertise, experience and a high-performing attitude to our company,” said Bassett. “I am confident they will excel in their new roles.”

Prior to his promotion, Sturm served as regional president for Ameris Bank. He joined Ameris Bank in 2006 and has over 30 years of experience in the financial industry. Prior to joining Ameris Bank, Sturm was regional executive for SCBT in Hilton Head, director of commercial lending for Carolina First in Greenville and a commercial lender for C&S/Bank of America in Columbia. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, he is actively involved in both the Business Development Corporation (BDC) and Crossover Communications International. Sturm and his wife, Becky, reside in Columbia and have a son and daughter who both attend the University of South Carolina.

Wilkins, a native of Darlington South Carolina, joined Ameris Bank in 2006 and previously served as market president. She has over 30 years of banking experience, including expertise in commercial and retail banking. Prior to joining Ameris Bank Wilkins served as a market president at Bank of America. Wilkins serves on many civic and non-profit boards including Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina, Certified Development Corporation, Carolina Children’s Home and Lake Murray Presbyterian Church. She is also actively involved in CREW Midlands and the Columbia Rotary Club. Wilkins and her husband, Dick, live in Chapin and have two daughters.

About Ameris Bank
Ameris Bank, headquartered in Moultrie, GA, has over $7 billion in assets. Ameris Bancorp, the parent company of Ameris Bank, is traded on the NASDAQ under ABCB. Ameris Bank is focused on creating a distinctly different way of helping customers manage and make the most of their money, offering a full range of services, including traditional banking and lending products and solutions, treasury and cash management services, and mortgage and refinancing solutions