Sonny Deriso
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce Wednesday announced that Atlantic Capital Bank Director and Chairman Sonny Deriso has been named chairman of the Chamber for 2019. He succeeds Synovus Bank President and CEO Kessel Stelling, who filled the role in 2018.
An Albany native and graduate of both Emory College and Emory University Law School, Deriso has long been a respected member of the Georgia business community. A former president and CEO of Security Bank and later Vice Chairman of Synovus Financial Corp., he helped found Atlantic Capital in 2007. He has served as chairman of the board of the Georgia Bankers Association and is on the Board of Curators of the Georgia Historical Society.
Deriso still keeps a home in Albany with his wife, Judy, and has made a point to keep rural prosperity – also a platform item of Gov. Brian Kemp – at the forefront of the Chamber’s agenda.
Said Deriso on his new role, “It is an honor and privilege to serve as the 2019 Chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Being a member of the Board of Directors for over 20 years, this opportunity hits right at home. I plan to continue supporting the Chamber as we focus on the businesses from corner to corner around the state. Working closer with Chris as he focuses on bettering Georgians is most fulfilling.”
Deriso also spoke with our friends at Metro Atlanta CEO about his plans for 2019, including the Chamber’s legislative agenda during the session, the “New Georgia Economy,” and rural prosperity. You can see that video in full HERE
