Colony Bank today announced that John Roberts, formerly Market President over Columbus has been promoted to the position of Regional Market President over the West Georgia region, including Columbus and LaGrange. Mike Welch, formerly Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker, has been promoted to fill Roberts’ position of Market President.

Roberts joined Colony Bank as Market President in 2008. Prior to joining Colony, he served in leadership roles at Columbus-based banks for over 30 years, including City President of Regions Bank, Vice President - Commercial Banker at Wells Fargo and Vice President - Commercial Banker at Synovus. Roberts holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from The University of Georgia. He is also a graduate of The Georgia Banking School at The University of Georgia. Roberts has been active in the community to include serving in the Kiwanis Club of Columbus, United Way and Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of Green Island Country Club and The Big Eddy Club. Roberts and his wife, Rene, have a son, Sean, and are members of St. Luke United Methodist Church. Roberts enjoys spending time with family, playing tennis, golf and bird hunting.

Welch joined Colony Bank as Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker in 2012. Prior to joining Colony, he served in senior positions at Columbus-based banks for over 30 years, including City President of Regions Bank in Columbus, and Vice President-Commercial Banker at Synovus. Welch holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Troy University. He is also a graduate of the Alabama Banking School at The University of South Alabama and Leadership Columbus. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Easter Seals West Georgia, Inc., and serves on the Boards of the Hospital Authority of Columbus and Muscogee Education Excellence Foundation. Welch has been active in the community serving on various Committees/Boards to include United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, Columbus State University, Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts, the Rotary Club of Columbus, and American Little League. Welch and his wife, Beth, attend Cascade Hills Church. Welch enjoys spending time with his three grandchildren, remodeling properties and woodworking.

Commenting on the announcement, Eddie Hoyle, Chief Banking Officer of Colony Bankcorp, said, “John and Mike have both demonstrated remarkable industry experience, knowledge and commitment to Colony’s customers, and I know these attributes will serve them well in their new roles. We congratulate both on their promotions and look forward to their continued contributions to Colony’s growth and prosperity in the entire West Georgia region.”