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Local Voices

New Chief Risk Pro for Private Bank of Buckhead

Michael Keller: Banking veteran with nearly 25 years' experience

Private Bank of Buckhead has named Michael T. Keller Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer. He has a deep banking resume, particularly in the Atlanta market, and previously worked with the bank’s Judy Turner at another community bank.

 

“In adding Michael to our team, we continue to take the perspective of total enterprise risk management,” says Charlie Crawford, President, CEO and Chairman of the bank. “In today’s increasingly regulated banking environment it is a more effective and more efficient way to approach this key facet of our work and responsibilities. Having a seasoned Chief Risk Officer is the way most larger institutions have gone in recent years and we know that our clients and shareholders deserve no less.”

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Keller previously led credit and risk functions at other area banks, and has served as a bank consultant. He spent the first eight years of his career working with the FDIC, which adds to his broad and unique perspective on the industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Finance from the University of Central Florida and is a certified Risk Professional (BAI).

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“I am very detail-oriented – as you might imagine for someone in this role – and methodical,” Keller says. “I strive to ensure I have reviewed all sides of a situation and have gathered the appropriate information when making important decisions. In terms of work style, I encourage associates to make smart decisions and work as independently as possible, collaborating as necessary to make the most prudent credit risk decisions as possible for our clients and shareholders.”

 

Away from the bank, Keller is a fitness enthusiast who hopes to get in the best physical shape of his life this year. He also enjoys home improvement projects, is a movie buff and collects Tiffin Glassware (he is a native of Tiffin, Ohio). Keller has a son who is a college-bound recent high school graduate, and a daughter who is 16. He resides in Decatur with his longtime partner Rick and their rescue dog Chloe.

 

Private Bank of Buckhead brings a private banking approach to all clients across all functions of the bank. The bank – now in its eighth year – is designated a Preferred Lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and includes a recently relaunched and expanded mortgage unit,PrivatePlus Mortgage, as well as a Decatur location, known as Private Bank of Decatur. Private Bank of Buckhead, including its mortgage unit, is located in Piedmont Center (Building Three). The mortgage division also is represented in Decatur, and does business nationally.

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