Beyond the Bank

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad chats with Horizons Community Solutions Chief Executive Officer and his good friend, Jennifer Johnston to learn more about her background of service, her journey into the world of healthcare and the many important things the cancer coaltion is doing across Southwest Georgia to help keep its citizens healthy. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad chats with Phoebe Putney Health Systems VP of Hospital Operations and System Pharmacy Services, and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce's Albany Under 40 Young Professional of the Year, Dr. Darren Evans, to learn more about growing up in rural Florida, his passion for healthcare, and the incredible sense of community he's felt since relocating to the Albany area to care for its citizens.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with new Deerfield Windsor School Head of Schools John Garrett "JG" Abernathy to learn more about his calling to education, why his is a 'get to,' rather than a 'got to,' career, and his decision to move his family to Southwest Georgia to become part of what he believes is a rich tradition of educational excellence at DWS.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with standout educator, all-around great person and new head of Albany’s Deerfield Windsor School Lower Campus, Kristin Pierce, to learn more about growing up in southwest Georgia, her journey into education and her new leadership role at the school that's so near and dear to her heart.

In the latest of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with 2025-2026 Lee County STAR Student Devin Phillips and his STAR Teacher, LCHS Science Instructor Lindsay Young, to learn more about the pair's connection, the honor of being recognized by the STAR program, and what the future holds for the recent graduate and the teacher who has been such an inspiration in his life. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad chats with Thrush CEO Mark McDonald and company CFO Clint Hubbard, to learn more about the aircraft manufacturer's recent merger and expansion, the versatility of the Albany-made Thrush plane and how much they cherish the relationship they've built with AB&T, chiefly with President Matt Rushton, the best banker in the business.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Lee County Middle West Band Director, Lee County High Assistant Director and Lee County 2025-26 Teacher of the Year Will Smith, to learn more about his lifelong passion for music, finding his community through band, and his fierce desire to ensure future generations can experience art, community and love through his music program. 

In this episode of Beyond the Bank Brad spends some time with retired Air Force Lt. Colonel and Monroe High School JROTC instructor, Ted Wright Jr. to learn more about his call to service, his nearly life-long devotion to young folks, and why years after his retirement he's still a champion of youth through the Georgia Boys and Girls State programs spearheaded by Albany's American Legion Post 30.

In this episode of Beyond the Bank Brad spends some time with dynamic local leader, community enthusiast, and Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany, Jacqueline Robinson about her formative years, falling in love with the Boys and Girls Clubs and her decision to devote her energies to caring for the Albany community through youth and family.

In this special episode of Beyond the Bank, the script is flipped as AB&T CEO Perry Revell assumes hosting duties and turns his attention toward colleague and regular host, Brad McEwen, to learn more about his journey into journalism and banking, his love of storytelling, and the passion he has for connecting with people, no matter the situation or circumstances.So, sit back and enjoy this Beyond the Bank first.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends time with dynamic local actor, speaker, community champion and Sherwood Church Connections and Local Missions Pastor, Ken Bevel to learn more about his journey of service and faith, and the deep dedication he has to serving others and striving for the greater good.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends time with recent Albany Under 40 award winner and local entrepreneur, Colton Glover, to learn more about the creation of G3 Athletics, its mission to strengthen community beyond physical fitness, and what compelled him to leave a lucrative career and dedicate himself to the health and wellbeing of others.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad chats with community champion, all-around great lady and Albany Technical College Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs in Business and Healthcare Technology, Lisa Stephens about her role at ATC, her journey into education and the deep passion she has for helping others improve themselves and, by extension, the communities they call home.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with area native, community champion and friend, Dr. William “Jay” McAfee of Radiology Oncology Associates PC, to learn more about his journey into medicine, his decision to return home to care for the folks of Southwest Georgia, and his practice's recent APEx accreditation, which illustrates the great quality of cancer care in the Albany community. 

To kick-off Season 6 of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time chatting with local CPA, friend and incoming Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, Adam Hutchins, to learn more about putting down roots in Albany, his decision to take on the Chamber role, and his deep belief in the importance of serving your community.

In the final Beyond the Bank of Season 5, Brad spends some time with his friend, and all around awesome lady, Lee County Family Connections Executive Director Patsy James, to get an update on some of the exciting programs the nonprofit is administering in the community, and learn more about what Family Connections and it's many partners do to enrich the lives of the citizens of Lee County and beyond.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time chatting with Lee County School System Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Truitt, to learn more about her background, her journey into education, and the passion she has for impacting the lives of young folks and helping to ensure a healthy and productive future for them. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with his good friends, and all-around great ladies, Anna Hendley and Dr. Lois Hunkele, to learn more from the co-chairs about the history and purpose of St. Paul's Episcopal Church's upcoming Barney's Run for Warriors fundraiser, which seeks to place specially trained service dogs with veterans in need. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad enjoys some quality time with his friend and former Albany Herald colleague, Albany Museum of Art Marketing and Communications Director Jim Hendricks, learning more about his deep connection to local journalism, his memories of growing up in Southwest Georgia, and the immense joy he's found since joining the team at the museum, where he gets to return to his life-long passion for art, while also highlighting the awesome things happening regularly at the AMA.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Phoebe Foundation Director Parker Douglas to learn more about some of the things the Foundation does to support health care in our area, her journey into service and the real passion she has for building a stronger community.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad chats with his friend and colleague, AB&T Branch Manager Alexis Williams about growing up in Lee County, her journey into banking, and the true passion she has for taking care of others and helping them in their life's journey.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad chats with Area Director Nema Ethridge and Business Consultant Tonita McKnight from the Albany office of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) about the center's mission, the many resources it makes available to entrepreneurs across Southwest Georgia and their own passion for helping business owners thrive and achieve their dreams. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad visits with Flint River Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Scooter Courtney to learn more about the organization's mission to better area lives, the unbelievable success of the local Habitat Restore and his deep-seated passion for serving others and strengthening community.

In a special Beyond the Bank, Brad strolls down memory lane and waxes philosophical about the allure and power of journalism; the sheer joy and humble honor in telling a good story; and the connecting power of some truly killer tunes, with his high school journalism teacher, one-time colleague, and old friend, Albany Herald Editor Carlton Fletcher.So, kick back and enjoy a long-overdue reunion as the pair reminisce, talk shop and continue their nearly 40-year deba... ahem "discussion," about the love of music that has played such a large role in their lives.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad meets with Andra Reventlow, the wife of Maj. Gen. Keith Reventlow, the Commanding General of Marine Corps Logisitics Command, to learn more about her passion for supporting Marine Corps families, and her role as an Advisor to the Military Community Club of Albany, which operates out of Marine Corps Logisitics Base Albany and has been working diligently to help strengthen the bonds between military families and the Albany community, in hopes of better supporting the families of the men and women who have dedicated themselves to the service of the country. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with AB&T's latest arrival, not to mention his friend and long-ago mentor, James E. "Jimmy" Wilson, to learn more about what drew the venerable banking leader to the financial industry, growing up in Southwest Georgia, and his recent decision to join the AB&T team and venture back into the wonderful world of true community banking.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends time with Albany Young Marines Unit Commander Eric Crump and his wife, unit Community Services Officer--and Southwest Region Volunteer of the Year--Adriana; to learn more about the history of the Albany unit, the couple's heart-led journey to revitalizing the youth-focused nonprofit, and the recent success that has seen the unit not only grow to include over 30 Young Marines, but also be recognized as the National Young Marine Unit of the Year for 2025.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad chats with Theatre Albany General Manager, and infectiously positive arts lover and family man, Randy Harrell, to learn more about his passion for performing arts, his deep love of community, and the exciting things Theatre Albany is doing to expand the reach of the organization and welcome a whole new generation of theater lovers to one of Albany's oldest institutions. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad chats with local attorney, incoming Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Chair and his infectiously positive and inspiring neighbor, Smith Wilson, about her journey to Albany, the joy of family, and the deliberate ways she's worked to get involved and build a true sense of community in her adopted home of Southwest Georgia.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with his colleague and friend, AB&T BSA Officer, Daniela Norman, to learn more about her passion for taking care of clients, colleagues and those in need; her journey into banking; and the intense heart for community that fuels her fierce efforts to support, champion and protect her fellow citizens from those looking to take advantage of others.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Albany Police Department Uniform Bureau Shift Commander, and devoted community servant and family man, Lt. Gregory Gadt, to learn more about being called into law enforcement, his journey to Southwest Georgia, and the life-long calling he's always felt to build and nurture a sense of community wherever he goes.

 In this episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad hangs with International Studies Elementary Charter School Principal and long-time community champion Dr. John I. Davis, to learn more about growing up in one of Albany's most well-known educational households, his own journey into teaching and the excitement he finds in carrying the torch and doing what he can to positively impact the community he loves. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with long-time community champion, fellow journalist and Phoebe Putney Health Systems Director of Public Relations and Communications, Ben Roberts, to learn more about his journey into communications, his transition from television to health care and his passion for community and telling stories.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad wraps up his recent series on area hoops, this time talking with former area standout athlete and current Westover Girls Head Coach Derek Pace, about the pivotal role sports has played in his life, his journey into coaching girl's basketball, and the universal principles he believes are critical to any student athletic program. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad continues his recent exploration of area hoops, this time talking with Westover High Boys Head Coach, and long-time standout and champion of area sports and education, Dallis Smith, to learn more about the role sports has played in his life, his journey from player to coach, and the principles that guide his program and his mission to positively impact the lives of student athletes. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad kicks off Season 5 by continuing his exploration of local basketball--this time visiting with Monroe High School Girls Head Coach, and long-time area hoops standout, Jennifer Acree, to learn more about the pivotal role basketball has played in her life, the joy she finds in coaching the next generation of local talents, and the philosophies that guide her program and her mentorship of student athletes. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad continues his exploration of local hoops, this time chatting with Monroe High School Boys Head Coach Michael Hoffpauir to learn more about his background, his love of sports and the lessons they instill, and the key tenets that guide his program and his approach to coaching and mentoring student athletes.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad continues his focus on area hoops, sitting down with Dougherty High Athletic Director, School Administration Manager and Girls Head Coach Khadijah Ali, or KD as she's more commonly known, to learn more about her life-long love of sports, her journey into coaching and the philosophies that guide how she leads and inspires her student athletes.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad kicks off another exciting series focusing on local sports, this time exploring the area's basketball legacy. In this episode Brad spends some time chatting with Dougherty High Boys Head Coach, Bakari Bryant to learn more about his journey into coaching, finding a home at Dougherty and the philosophies and principles that guide the program and inspire greatness from his student athletes.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad catches up with his old friend and fellow community champion, Albany Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barbara Rivera Holmes to get an update on the state of the area business community and hear more about some important ongoing and upcoming Chamber initiatives and activities.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Deerfield Windsor School history teacher, Cross Country Coach and self-avowed metalhead, Jake Clawson, to learn more about growing up in rural North Carolina, and how his decision to take up competitive running ultimately led him down a path to finding his true passion for coaching, teaching and making a real difference in the lives of young people trying to figure out their own life's journey. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Deerfield Windsor Head Football Coach, and genuine character, Jake McCrae, to learn more about growing his up in a large. loving family, the interesting places football has taken him, and the true sense of love and community he's found in Albany.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Westover Head Football Coach and local sports legend Corey Joyner, to learn more about his passion for sports, and his journey from prep standout and college champion, to the Patriot sideline where he is proud to not only lead the next generation of student athletes to on-field success, but also to have a positive and lasting impact on all aspects of their lives. 

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad continues his special fall football journey, this time chatting with Dougherty High School Head Coach Uyl Joyner, to learn more about the impact sports have had on his life and the excitement and honor he's found returning to his alma mater and having a positive impact on the next generation of students and his home community.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad embarks on the first step of an exciting journey in honor of football season, sitting down with Monroe High School Head Coach Lacey Herring to learn more about his journey to the Tornadoes' sideline, and the important football and life philosophies that guide his approach to coaching and preparing his athletes for the next stage of their lives.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad sits down for an engaging conversation with AB&T CEO Perry Revell to discuss some of the foundational and fundamental principles that have guided the bank to its recent successes and positioned AB&T to continue serving as a leader in the Albany-area community it calls home, well into the future.

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends time with Albany Technical College stalwart and President, Dr. Emmett Griswold, to learn more about his journey into education, his vision of a connected future, and his desire to see Albany Tech continue being a model for educational and business partnerships driving positive change in the community.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with fellow Leadership Albany alum, Draffin & Tucker Managing Partner, and all-around good guy, Jeff Wright, to learn more about his journey into the world of public accounting, his passion for leadership and development, and his keen desire to build and contribute to a vital and connected community. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with Phoebe Putney Health System Chief, Diversity, Inclusion and Community Benefit Officer, Dr. Jennifer "Jen" Williams, to learn more about her life's journey of social and community involvement, finding an extended home in South Georgia, and her ongoing passion for creating a positive, welcoming and connected community for all. 

In the latest Beyond the Bank, Brad spends some time with multi-instrumentalist, Deerfield-Windsor School music instructor, and all-around great dude, Josh Chapel to learn more about his journey into the arts, his deep love of all things musical--regardless of style or genre--and the true joy he finds in using music to help students grow and thrive in all aspects of their lives.