Ameris Bank Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ameris Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including technology, operations, strategy, and regional market development.

Driven by a commitment to community banking, Ameris Bank provides comprehensive financial services across Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina, fostering economic growth through tailored retail and commercial solutions.

Leadership Roles at Ameris Bank

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Michael Hewitt
  • President - Phil Silva
  • Bank President - UpState SC - David Charpia
  • Regional President - Harry Pittman
  • Market President - Michael Hodges
  • President, County Market (Lexington) - Oneal Staples
  • City President - Jeremy Jacobs
  • Regional President - Mark Walker
  • Market President - Brad Danowski
  • Chief Information Officer - Gregory Walls
  • Michael Hewitt - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Hewitt, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Ameris Bank, orchestrates the bank's day-to-day operational activities and strategic execution. Hewitt manages the integration of the Banking Division, Retail Mortgage Division, Warehouse Lending Division, and SBA Division, ensuring cohesive performance and adherence to regulatory standards. This executive role involves optimizing internal processes, driving operational efficiency, and enhancing service delivery across all business segments. Michael Hewitt leads initiatives focused on streamlining workflows, improving resource allocation, and fostering a culture of operational excellence. The Chief Operating Officer plays a critical part in translating the bank's strategic vision into actionable operational plans, ensuring that Ameris Bank effectively serves its retail and commercial customers throughout Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina.

    Phil Silva - President

    Phil Silva, the President at Ameris Bank, holds a pivotal position in guiding the bank's overall strategic direction and market presence. Silva's leadership encompasses the broad operational framework, ensuring alignment across various divisions and regional markets. This executive role involves fostering key stakeholder relationships, driving corporate initiatives, and championing the bank's mission to provide exceptional financial services. Phil Silva directs efforts to expand market share and enhance customer engagement, leveraging the bank's established presence in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina. The President's oversight is crucial for maintaining the bank's financial health and its commitment to community development and customer satisfaction.

    David Charpia - Bank President - UpState SC

    David Charpia, the Bank President - UpState SC at Ameris Bank, spearheads the bank's operations and strategic growth within the UpState South Carolina region. Charpia directs all banking activities, focusing on expanding market penetration and deepening customer relationships within this key territory. This leadership role involves overseeing commercial lending, retail banking services, and community engagement initiatives specific to the UpState SC market. David Charpia ensures that regional strategies align with the broader objectives of Ameris Bank, driving revenue growth and operational excellence. The Bank President - UpState SC is instrumental in building a strong local presence and delivering tailored financial solutions to businesses and individuals in the region.

    Harry Pittman - Regional President

    Harry Pittman, the Regional President at Ameris Bank, leads the bank's strategic initiatives and operational oversight across designated regions. Pittman focuses on driving business development, enhancing market share, and ensuring consistent service delivery to retail and commercial clients within his purview. This executive position involves managing relationships with key clients and community leaders, fostering growth opportunities, and upholding the bank's commitment to financial stewardship. Harry Pittman oversees the execution of regional business plans, working closely with local teams to achieve performance targets. The Regional President plays a vital role in expanding Ameris Bank's footprint and reinforcing its reputation as a trusted financial partner.

    Michael Hodges - Market President

    Michael Hodges, the Market President at Ameris Bank, directs the bank's strategic operations and client engagement within a specific market territory. Hodges is responsible for driving business growth, cultivating strong customer relationships, and ensuring the delivery of comprehensive banking services. This leadership role involves overseeing commercial banking activities, identifying new business opportunities, and fostering community involvement. Michael Hodges works to enhance the bank's visibility and impact within the local market, aligning regional efforts with Ameris Bank's overarching mission. The Market President ensures that the bank effectively meets the financial needs of its retail and commercial customers through personalized service and strategic product offerings.

    Oneal Staples - President, County Market (Lexington)

    Oneal Staples, the President, County Market (Lexington) at Ameris Bank, leads the bank's operations and strategic development within the Lexington County market. Staples is dedicated to expanding the bank's reach and deepening its connection with local businesses and residents. This executive role involves overseeing all market-specific banking functions, including commercial lending and retail services, while fostering strong community ties. Oneal Staples drives initiatives aimed at increasing market share and enhancing customer satisfaction through tailored financial solutions. The President, County Market (Lexington) ensures that the bank's services are responsive to the unique economic landscape of Lexington County, reinforcing Ameris Bank's commitment to local economic growth.

    Jeremy Jacobs - City President

    Jeremy Jacobs, the City President at Ameris Bank, manages the bank's strategic presence and operational performance within a key city market. Jacobs is focused on driving business development, cultivating robust client relationships, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional banking services. This leadership position involves overseeing commercial banking operations, identifying growth avenues, and strengthening the bank's local market penetration. Jeremy Jacobs works to align city-level strategies with the broader objectives of Ameris Bank, enhancing its reputation and service capabilities. The City President is crucial in adapting the bank's offerings to meet the specific financial demands of businesses and individuals within the urban landscape.

    Mark Walker - Regional President

    Mark Walker, the Regional President at Ameris Bank, directs the strategic execution and operational oversight across multiple regions. Walker is committed to expanding the bank's market footprint and enhancing its service delivery to both retail and commercial clientele. This executive role involves leading regional teams, fostering business development, and ensuring adherence to the bank's core values and financial objectives. Mark Walker oversees the implementation of growth strategies, focusing on market penetration and customer retention within his designated areas. The Regional President plays a key part in driving performance, managing risk, and reinforcing Ameris Bank's position as a leading financial institution in its operating states.

    Brad Danowski - Market President

    Brad Danowski, the Market President at Ameris Bank, leads the strategic direction and operational execution within a defined market. Danowski is responsible for driving business growth, nurturing client relationships, and ensuring the effective delivery of comprehensive banking solutions. This executive role involves overseeing commercial banking initiatives, identifying strategic opportunities, and enhancing the bank's local market presence. Brad Danowski works to align market-specific strategies with the overarching goals of Ameris Bank, focusing on customer satisfaction and financial performance. The Market President is essential in adapting the bank's services to meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals in the local economy.

    Gregory Walls - Chief Information Officer

    Gregory Walls, the Chief Information Officer at Ameris Bank, directs the bank's technology strategy and infrastructure. Walls oversees the development and implementation of all information systems, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and efficient digital operations across the organization. This leadership role involves managing IT budgets, vendor relationships, and the continuous modernization of the bank's technological capabilities to support business objectives and enhance customer experience. Gregory Walls drives innovation in digital banking solutions, aligning technology investments with the company's growth strategy and operational efficiency goals. The Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration of new technologies, supporting the bank's expansion into new markets and the enhancement of its service offerings to retail and commercial customers.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ameris Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ameris Bank?
    Ameris Bank is led by Michael Hewitt (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Phil Silva (President) and David Charpia (Bank President - UpState SC).
    Who is part of Ameris Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ameris Bank includes leaders such as Michael Hewitt (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer), Phil Silva (President), David Charpia (Bank President - UpState SC) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ameris Bank have?
    Ameris Bank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ameris Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ameris Bank includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, President, Bank President - UpState SC, Regional President, Market President.