Ameris Bancorp executive vice president and general counsel Stephen A. Melton will be retiring on September 30, 2018.

Melton joined the company in 2011, serving as executive vice president and chief risk officer through September 2017, when he was named general counsel.

“On behalf of the board of directors and our executive team, I congratulate Steve on a very meaningful tenure with our company,” said Dennis J. Zember Jr., Ameris president and CEO. “Steve’s impact on our culture and our staff will last for quite some time and we wish Steve and his family much happiness in his retirement.”

Melton spent much of his professional career in banking. Prior to joining Ameris, he served as president and CEO of Columbus Bank and Trust and as regional CEO of Synovus, positions he held from November 1998 to February 2011.

“It has been my privilege to be on the Ameris Bank team,” said Melton. “I am going to miss all the wonderful people who worked with me. I am grateful to the executive team and the board of directors for the opportunity I’ve had, and I know they will enjoy a successful future.”

Based in Georgia, Ameris Bancorp and its subsidiary, Ameris Bank, offer a full range of services, including traditional banking and lending products and solutions, treasury and cash management services and mortgage and refinancing solutions.