10 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2018 COVER STORY George Ferriell Upholding the spirit of banking In a recent video, “The Story of Banking,” George W. Ferriell, president and CEO of Bath State Bank and president of Bath State Bancorp, defines the essence of community banking. “It’s about getting out into communities,” he says, explaining that his staff give “everything that they have” in their outreach to community. “That’s what community banking is all about,” Ferriell summarizes. The story of banking has been George Ferriell’s story for nearly four decades. He began his banking career with First National Bank of Richmond in 1980 as a branch manager and loan officer after two years of prior experience with Household Finance Corp. In 1986, Ferriell made the move to his final banking home when he joined Bath State Bank as operations officer. He since served in positions including head of lending before being named president and CEO in 2007. In everything that he does, Ferriell embodies the community banker spirit by engaging 100 percent, whether in teaching financial literacy, serving on a community board, or supporting 4-H auctions. He has been a volunteer for Junior Achievement for 31 years, and he also serves on the board of JA of Eastern Indiana. Additionally, Ferriell is active with the Franklin County Community Foundation, the Indiana Council for Economic Education Committee and the Indiana Financial Literacy Task Force, and is a member of the Indiana Bankers Association board of directors. He is a graduate of Hanover College, the Midwest Agricultural Banking School, the School of Deposit Counselors, the National School of Real Estate Finance and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado. Ferriell’s wife Tina is likewise active in the community. She serves as office manager of the Franklin County Community Foundation, and soon will be retiring. George and Tina enjoy spending time with their four grown children and six grandchildren. As year 2018 winds to a close, Ferriell is preparing to retire as bank president and CEO, effective Dec. 31. He will retain title as president of Bath State Bancorp. Ferriell’s successor is Branden Logue, executive vice president and chief operating officer, who is to become president and CEO of Bath State Bank in 2019. Hoosier Banker had the opportunity to interview George Ferriell about his community banking career. What are your responsibilities as president and CEO of Bath State Bank? “I jointly oversee the bank with Branden Logue, my successor. We have a unique relationship. Branden has his areas of responsibilities, I have mine, and we respect
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