A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION FEATURING MIDDLE GEORGIA BUSINESS LEADERS AND WHAT INSPIRES THEM. PHOTOGRAPY BY JESSICA WHITLEY.

CenterState Bank
SVP/Community President
577 Mulberry St., Suite 700
478-803-9385
mstevens@centerstatebank.com
centerstatebank.com

What is the mission of your business?
To provide world class service to our clients by operating with five core values: Local-market driven, long-term horizon, world-class service, relationship banking and faith and family.

How did CenterState take the lead during COVID-19?
We closed branch lobbies and asked all non-retail personnel to work remotely. We also donated a total of $12,000 to six different nonprofits in our local market to assist with COVID-19 relief.

How does your business serve our community with inclusivity in mind?
Banking services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis and CenterState Bank’s culture promotes diversity.

What can Macon do to better support businesses now?
Continue to streamline processes that help create a friendly business culture.

What are the most gratifying, and most difficult, parts of your job?
The most gratifying is developing relationships with people from all walks of life. The most difficult part of my job is advising clients who need help that the bank is not in a position to presently extend financing.

What was the best business advice you ever received?
When you walk in a room and meet people, provide a firm handshake – although not so much during a pandemic – and always look people in the eye.

What is the most common question you receive?
What impact is COVID-19 having on the banking industry?

Any advice for those seeking to get started in your field of business?
Have an educational background in finance and develop good communication skills.

What makes you a strong leader?
Delegating authority to team members and making a true effort to influence others in a positive way.

How do you define success?
By never giving up and accepting failure as an opportunity to get up and try again.

What are you most excited about right now in our community?
The growth and development of our Central Business District.

You might be surprised that:
I have a true interest in public servants, especially firefighters. My father was a fireman for 35 years.