LGE Community Credit Union (“LGE”), a $2.04 billion-asset institution based in Atlanta, announced today that it finalized its acquisition of Greater Community Bank, a community bank with branches in Bartow, Floyd, and Gordon counties, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023.
At closing, the two financial institutions became one entity operating under the LGE Community Credit Union charter. Greater Community Bank is now GCB, A Division of LGE Community Credit Union (“GCB”), and customers of Greater Community Bank are now members of LGE Community Credit Union. Chris Leggett is the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of LGE, with GCB being led by Rodney Grizzle, GCB president and LGE’s chief lending officer (CLO).
A lifelong champion of the credit union movement, Leggett is a key leader in the credit union industry, maintaining active involvement through board participation, legislative advocacy, and community engagement efforts. Since joining LGE in 2007 and becoming president and CEO in 2009, Leggett has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation, while also fostering a culture of excellence and service. His leadership philosophy is centered on empowering his team, embracing change, and putting members first.
Grizzle is an accomplished executive in the banking industry with over 40 years of experience. Grizzle is a proud seventh generation Cartersville, Georgia resident and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Shorter College. He began his career in the banking industry as a teller and worked his way up through various roles, going on to serve as a chief officer and key member of leadership for community banks before joining LGE in 2013.
The acquisition expands LGE Community Credit Union’s commercial portfolio and geographical footprint in the northwest Georgia region, while also offering a greater variety of products, services, and locations to Greater Community Bank customers.
Until a systems integration is completed at a later date, GCB account holders will continue to be served through existing GCB branches, ATMs, websites and mobile applications.
Greater Community Bank was advised by the investment banking firm The Burke Group and represented by the law firm James Bates Brannan Groover LLP. LGE Community Credit Union was advised and represented by Michael M. Bell of the law firm Honigman LLP.
About LGE Community Credit Union
Ranked the #1 credit union in Georgia by Forbes, LGE Community Credit Union connects metro Atlanta and northwest Georgia to best-in-class financial products, expert advice, and personalized service. Since 2010, LGE has given back over $2 million to local nonprofit organizations and individuals in need through the LGE Community Outreach Foundation. For more information about LGE, visit LGEccu.org. Federally insured by NCUA.