News

Cybercriminals are evolving. The latest evolution is Godfather malware – a sophisticated banking trojan that’s targeting legitimate banking apps. Over 400 financial institutions of all sizes have been affected globally, including many in the United States. Although Great Oaks Bank has not experienced exposure to this malware, we want you, our valued customer, to be aware of its capabilities so that you can join us in vigilantly protection your accounts from fraudsters. Godfather...

Saving money is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Whether you’re planning for an emergency, a big purchase, or your future retirement, having a savings account provides security and peace of mind. At Great Oaks Bank, we offer a range of savings account options tailored to your individual goals. But how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s break it down. Why Is Saving Money Important? Building a habit of saving isn’t just about setting aside cash—it’s...

As home values continue to climb across Georgia, homeowners are finding new opportunities to tap into their home’s built-up equity. Whether you’re planning a major renovation, consolidating debt, paying for education, or preparing for life’s next chapter, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) from Great Oaks Bank can offer flexible, affordable financing right when you need it. And now, for a limited time, we’re making that opportunity even more attractive with a special 5.99%...

(Savannah, GEORGIA)— Great Oaks Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Joyce Studier as Senior Vice President, Retail Banking Director. In this key leadership role, Studier will be responsible for overseeing the bank’s retail operations across all markets, focusing on performance, customer experience, and strategic growth. With more than two decades of banking experience, Studier brings deep expertise in branch operations, team development, and customer relationship...

(Savannah, GEORGIA)— Great Oaks Bank is proud to announce the appointment of Phillip Anderson as Executive Vice President and Savannah Market Executive. In this leadership role, Phillip will spearhead the bank’s growth initiatives, community engagement, and relationship-building efforts throughout the Savannah market. With over 25 years of senior-level experience in commercial banking, private banking, and wealth management, Phillip brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track...

In today’s financial world, flexibility and smart borrowing are key. Whether you’re planning a home renovation, consolidating debt, or preparing for a major expense, having access to affordable credit can make all the difference. That’s where a HELOC, or Home Equity Line of Credit, comes in. At Great Oaks Bank, we’re committed to providing personalized, community-focused financial solutions, and our HELOC product is no exception. In this article, we’ll break down what a HELOC...

(Richmond Hill, GEORGIA)— Great Oaks Bank is pleased to announce that Carl R. Varnedoe and Kelly Johnson have been elected to its Board of Directors. Their combined expertise in law, real estate, leadership, and community engagement will further strengthen the bank’s strategic direction and commitment to service across the region. A Hinesville, GA native, Carl R. Varnedoe is the founder of Carl R. Varnedoe, LLC, a Savannah-based personal injury law firm that represents clients...

Saving money is one of the most important habits you can develop for financial well-being. Whether you’re building a safety net, preparing for a big purchase, or planning for retirement, having a savings plan in place puts you in control of your future. At Great Oaks Bank, we believe in empowering our customers with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve their goals, and smart saving is a cornerstone of that success. Why Saving Is So Important Saving is more than just setting...

(Richmond Hill, GEORGIA)— The Board of Directors of Great Oaks Bank announced today that its corporate headquarters and main office has been relocated to 42 Town Centre, Richmond Hill, Georgia. The previous main office location, 5101 Fifth Avenue, Eastman, Georgia, will continue as its Middle Georgia regional headquarters and primary operations center. There are no changes in the services provided or staffing at either office. Board Chairman Mike Odom shared the following statement...

(Richmond Hill, GEORGIA)— Great Oaks Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Jack Standard as Vice President, Senior Credit Underwriter. With two decades of experience in community banking and a strong background in retail and lending, Jack brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the bank’s growing credit team. Throughout his career, Jack has demonstrated a deep understanding of credit analysis and risk management, consistently supporting sound lending decisions that help...

In today’s digital world, convenience, security, and sustainability are at the heart of good financial management. Whether you’re tracking your spending, budgeting for the future, or simply staying on top of your finances, how you receive your bank statements can make a surprising difference. At Great Oaks Bank, we’re committed to helping our customers make smart money moves—and one of the easiest and most impactful steps you can take is switching from paper statements to...

(Eastman, GEORGIA)— Great Oaks Bank is proud to announce the addition of Kathy C. Purvis as Loan Officer, further strengthening the bank’s commitment to providing personalized, community-centered financial services in Eastman and surrounding areas. Kathy brings more than 30 years of banking experience to her new role, with a proven track record in consumer and commercial lending, branch operations, and delivering outstanding customer service. “We are excited to welcome Kathy to...