Beyond the Bank

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends time with Albany Young Marines Unit Commander Eric Crump and his wife, unit Community Services Officer--and Southwest Region Volunteer of the Year--Adriana; to learn more about the history of the Albany unit, the couple's heart-led journey to revitalizing the youth-focused nonprofit, and the recent success that has seen the unit not only grow to include over 30 Young Marines, but also be recognized as the National Young Marine Unit of the Year for 2025.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad chats with Theatre Albany General Manager, and infectiously positive arts lover and family man, Randy Harrell, to learn more about his passion for performing arts, his deep love of community, and the exciting things Theatre Albany is doing to expand the reach of the organization and welcome a whole new generation of theater lovers to one of Albany's oldest institutions. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad chats with local attorney, incoming Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Chair and his infectiously positive and inspiring neighbor, Smith Wilson, about her journey to Albany, the joy of family, and the deliberate ways she's worked to get involved and build a true sense of community in her adopted home of Southwest Georgia.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with his colleague and friend, AB&T BSA Officer, Daniela Norman, to learn more about her passion for taking care of clients, colleagues and those in need; her journey into banking; and the intense heart for community that fuels her fierce efforts to support, champion and protect her fellow citizens from those looking to take advantage of others.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Albany Police Department Uniform Bureau Shift Commander, and devoted community servant and family man, Lt. Gregory Gadt, to learn more about being called into law enforcement, his journey to Southwest Georgia, and the life-long calling he's always felt to build and nurture a sense of community wherever he goes.

 In this episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad hangs with International Studies Elementary Charter School Principal and long-time community champion Dr. John I. Davis, to learn more about growing up in one of Albany's most well-known educational households, his own journey into teaching and the excitement he finds in carrying the torch and doing what he can to positively impact the community he loves. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with long-time community champion, fellow journalist and Phoebe Putney Health Systems Director of Public Relations and Communications, Ben Roberts, to learn more about his journey into communications, his transition from television to health care and his passion for community and telling stories.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad wraps up his recent series on area hoops, this time talking with former area standout athlete and current Westover Girls Head Coach Derek Pace, about the pivotal role sports has played in his life, his journey into coaching girl's basketball, and the universal principles he believes are critical to any student athletic program. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad continues his recent exploration of area hoops, this time talking with Westover High Boys Head Coach, and long-time standout and champion of area sports and education, Dallis Smith, to learn more about the role sports has played in his life, his journey from player to coach, and the principles that guide his program and his mission to positively impact the lives of student athletes. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad kicks off Season 5 by continuing his exploration of local basketball--this time visiting with Monroe High School Girls Head Coach, and long-time area hoops standout, Jennifer Acree, to learn more about the pivotal role basketball has played in her life, the joy she finds in coaching the next generation of local talents, and the philosophies that guide her program and her mentorship of student athletes. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad continues his exploration of local hoops, this time chatting with Monroe High School Boys Head Coach Michael Hoffpauir to learn more about his background, his love of sports and the lessons they instill, and the key tenets that guide his program and his approach to coaching and mentoring student athletes.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad continues his focus on area hoops, sitting down with Dougherty High Athletic Director, School Administration Manager and Girls Head Coach Khadijah Ali, or KD as she's more commonly known, to learn more about her life-long love of sports, her journey into coaching and the philosophies that guide how she leads and inspires her student athletes.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad kicks off another exciting series focusing on local sports, this time exploring the area's basketball legacy. In this episode Brad spends some time chatting with Dougherty High Boys Head Coach, Bakari Bryant to learn more about his journey into coaching, finding a home at Dougherty and the philosophies and principles that guide the program and inspire greatness from his student athletes.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad catches up with his old friend and fellow community champion, Albany Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barbara Rivera Holmes to get an update on the state of the area business community and hear more about some important ongoing and upcoming Chamber initiatives and activities.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Deerfield Windsor School history teacher, Cross Country Coach and self-avowed metalhead, Jake Clawson, to learn more about growing up in rural North Carolina, and how his decision to take up competitive running ultimately led him down a path to finding his true passion for coaching, teaching and making a real difference in the lives of young people trying to figure out their own life's journey. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Deerfield Windsor Head Football Coach, and genuine character, Jake McCrae, to learn more about growing his up in a large. loving family, the interesting places football has taken him, and the true sense of love and community he's found in Albany.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Westover Head Football Coach and local sports legend Corey Joyner, to learn more about his passion for sports, and his journey from prep standout and college champion, to the Patriot sideline where he is proud to not only lead the next generation of student athletes to on-field success, but also to have a positive and lasting impact on all aspects of their lives. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad continues his special fall football journey, this time chatting with Dougherty High School Head Coach Uyl Joyner, to learn more about the impact sports have had on his life and the excitement and honor he's found returning to his alma mater and having a positive impact on the next generation of students and his home community.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad embarks on the first step of an exciting journey in honor of football season, sitting down with Monroe High School Head Coach Lacey Herring to learn more about his journey to the Tornadoes' sideline, and the important football and life philosophies that guide his approach to coaching and preparing his athletes for the next stage of their lives.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad sits down for an engaging conversation with AB&T CEO Perry Revell to discuss some of the foundational and fundamental principles that have guided the bank to its recent successes and positioned AB&T to continue serving as a leader in the Albany-area community it calls home, well into the future.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends time with Albany Technical College stalwart and President, Dr. Emmett Griswold, to learn more about his journey into education, his vision of a connected future, and his desire to see Albany Tech continue being a model for educational and business partnerships driving positive change in the community.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with fellow Leadership Albany alum, Draffin & Tucker Managing Partner, and all-around good guy, Jeff Wright, to learn more about his journey into the world of public accounting, his passion for leadership and development, and his keen desire to build and contribute to a vital and connected community. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Phoebe Putney Health System Chief, Diversity, Inclusion and Community Benefit Officer, Dr. Jennifer "Jen" Williams, to learn more about her life's journey of social and community involvement, finding an extended home in South Georgia, and her ongoing passion for creating a positive, welcoming and connected community for all. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with multi-instrumentalist, Deerfield-Windsor School music instructor, and all-around great dude, Josh Chapel to learn more about his journey into the arts, his deep love of all things musical--regardless of style or genre--and the true joy he finds in using music to help students grow and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends time with Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital CEO, Deb Angerami, to learn more about how her passion for helping others has fueled her journey into healthcare management, how the hospital is uniquely poised to reach new heights, and how much she truly cherishes relocating to Albany and becoming a part of the greater Southwest Georgia community that has so warmly embraced her. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends time with Liberty House Executive Director, and staunch victim advocate, Diane Rogers, to learn more about domestic abuse in Southwest Georgia, the vital services--including temporary shelter, food, clothing, childcare and more--the non-profit provides to individuals impacted by that abuse, and her lifelong passion for helping others and making a difference in the world around her. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with his friend and fellow community champion, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Vice President of Education, Tracy Suber, about her passion for helping others, her journey into healthcare and healthcare education, and her fierce desire to see everyone work as a community to help the Southwest Georgia she loves have a healthy and thriving future.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Flint Riverkeeper Director of Outreach and Development, Henry Jackson, and the Riverkeeper himself, Gordon Rogers, to learn more about how the non-profit works with government, businesses, citizens and other stakeholders to help preserve and protect the vital Flint River watershed, which impacts all aspects of life in Southwest Georgia.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with his colleague and friend, AB&T Banker and Mortgage Originator, Maggie Lewis about growing up in Southwest Georgia, her journey into banking and mortgage lending, and how she's gained a newfound passion for engaging in service and truly being a resource for her community. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with well-known physician and the head of emergency medicine for Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Dr. James "Eddie" Black, to learn more about growing up in Albany, his journey into medicine and the overwhelming feeling of peace he has gotten taking care of the incredible community that nurtured him as a young man. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with his friend and long-time Albany champion Latoya Cutts to talk about the importance of community, her fierce passion for the Albany area and its residents, and to learn more about the exciting new Harlem Rennaissance Project to revitalize an important and historical sector of downtown Albany.

In this episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with retired educator and fierce community champion, Cathy Revell, to learn more about the genesis of the Helping Hands food program, and what compelled her to devote so much of her time to eliminating food waste, feeding area school children and spreading love to those in need.

In the latest Beyond the Bank Brad visits with Aspire Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Services CEO Dana Glass, to learn more about some of the novel ways the community service organization serves and cares for individuals throughout Southwest Georgia and beyond, her journey into clinical social work and the deeply ingrained passion she has for championing those often ignored, misunderstood, or marginalized in modern society. 

In today's episode of Beyond the Bank Brad finally gets to hang with his friend, Tribal Fitness owner, Unbreakable Bloodline member, and one heck of a great guy, Vernon Cruz, to talk about his journey to Southwest Georgia, spreading love through music and fitness, and his unquenchable desire to see unity and growth in the community he's come to cherish as home.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad chats with AB&T Relationship Manager and genuinely great guy, Marvin C. Oliver Jr., to learn more about growing up in Albany, his journey from healthcare into banking, and his belief in the transformative change that can come from absorbing and sharing knowledge and expertise in all corners of the community. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad visits with Adams Exterminators Vice President, AB&T Board Member, community champion, and all-around great guy, Bridges Sinyard, to learn more about his experiences growing up in Albany, his decision to return home and work in the family business, and how his passion for service has fueled his life's journey and his dedication to serving the Albany area community wherever and whenever he can.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some quality time with Albany native, all-around great guy, and recently retired United States Army LTC. Jon C. Anderson, to learn more about life growing up in Southwest Georgia, the inspirations that fueled his decision to give back and join the armed forces, and how the concepts of service, relationship building, and community have guided his life.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad hangs with his friend and fellow journalist at heart, Albany Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Barbara Rivera Holmes, to learn more about some truly impactful Chamber and Chamber Foundation initiatives, as well as discuss the importance of the upcoming TSPLOST referendum Dougherty County voters will decision at the ballot box next month, and how renewal of that tax can continue to benefit the entire community, local business included. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad has the pleasure of spending some quality time with recently installed Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany Commander, Col. Matthew J. McKinney, to learn more about the exciting things going on at the base, Col. McKinney's thoughts on service and leadership, and the excitement he's feeling about his new role and the connections he's forging within the local community that has long supported the installation. Disclaimer: This interview does not constitute any endorsement of a non-federal entity. The views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the United States Department of Defense or the U.S. Marine Corps.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends a little time talking with Albany Fire Chief and Dougherty County Emergency Management Director Cedric Scott, to learn more about his drive for excellence in all aspects of firefighting, 911 emergency and EMS; his earnest belief in the dedication and passion of the Albany/Dougherty first responders; and the love he's developed for the community he strives to protect.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy CEO Chris Hatcher, to learn more about some of the exciting things happening at the 4C, as well as why Chris has such passion for helping future generations prepare for tomorrow.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with dynamic entrepreneur and current Strategic Initiatives Coordinator for the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Laura Russ, to learn more about her passion for education and entrepreneurship,; her honest belief in a bright future for the community; and the joy she finds in the partnership the Foundation has with other area stakeholders such as the Albany-Dougherty EDC, the 4C Academy and others working to administer the ABY Flex program and other strategic educational initiatives to help prepare students for the future.  

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad hangs out with his good friend and colleague, AB&T Senior Vice President and Chief of Operations Dana White, and learns more about her diverse career in banking, her love of the Albany/Lee County community she now calls home, and how keeping the focus on the heart and helping others has always led to success, no matter how complicated things may seem.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Albany native, and newly appointed Albany Police Department Deputy Chief Wendy Luster, to learn more about growing up with a fierce sense of community, her lifelong desire to work for the greater good through the law, and her vision of a connected and prosperous future for her hometown and the rest of Southwest Georgia.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad visits with his colleague and friend, AB&T Chief Credit Officer Joe Pierce, to learn more about growing up in Southwest Georgia, making his way into banking and credit, and the immense joy he finds in working behind the scenes to help bring deals to fruition, while taking care of those around him and supporting the local community he cherishes. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with his friend, and this year's Lee County STAR Teacher, Lee County Middle School West's, Vonnie McClung, to learn more about growing up in Albany, his journey into education, and why being a good teacher ultimately comes down to building relationships. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad hangs with Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission President and CEO Jana Dyke to learn more about working to attract business and industry to the area; her long-held love for both business and community development, and also get a few updates about some recent successes.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Albany Area Primary Healthcare CEO Shelley Spires, to learn more about her passion for service, her journey into healthcare and the incredible strides the healthcare provider has recently made bringing much-needed services to the underserved in Southwest Georgia.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad hangs with the newest member of AB&T's leadership team, CFO Blair Blackburn, to learn about growing up in middle Georgia, her journey into finance and banking and the joy she has found building a new home with her family in the Albany area community.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad visits with Albany native and Director the Albany Recreation and Parks Department, Steven Belk, to talk about growing up in Albany, the profound impact others have had on his life and his decision to return to the community in hopes of giving back to ensure the next generation has the same opportunities he was blessed to have. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some quality time with his old friend and long-time colleague, AB&T SVP and Private Banking guru, Gayle Woolard, to discuss her journey into banking, her passion for serving others and the immense joy and fulfillment she finds in helping people achieve their hopes and dreams.