Private Bank of Buckhead is expanding, with the addition of Private Bank of Decatur, which will be located in the One Decatur Town Center development at 150 East Ponce de Leon Ave. (corner of Church Street and East Ponce). Earlier this year the bank gained state approval for the expansion and received FDIC approval June 13.

“Since the launch of Private Bank of Buckhead, we have said that our strategy might eventually include physical expansion into other markets,” said Charlie Crawford, president, CEO and chairman of the Buckhead bank. “And this expansion is driven by the availability of great banking talent. We became aware of seasoned bankers who have long served the Decatur market and wanted to continue to do so from the strength of an organization like ours. That is a great fit for us strategically, a continued opportunity for them to serve the community they know and love, and, we think, a great opportunity to introduce a broader market — the people of Decatur — to a successful high-touch service model.”

Crawford said that Private Bank of Decatur, which is a division of Private Bank of Buckhead, will be led by banking veteran Judy Turner. Two bankers who previously worked with Turner at Decatur First Bank, Melanie Funk and Jamie Ensley are already part of the team. Private Bank of Decatur will open its new physical location as soon as the renovations to the space are complete.

“What do the people of Decatur need to know about us?” asked Turner, who has been in banking in metro Atlanta for more than 45 years. “Well, they should know that our name exemplifies our approach — we believe that all customers should benefit from the private banking approach other banks reserve for a certain few. We have team members with deep roots both personally and professionally in Decatur, and new team members who are joining us specifically to serve Decatur; many will be familiar to customers and are certainly familiar with the community.”

Turner started her career with Citizens & Southern National Bank; in fact, she previously worked at the future Private Bank of Decatur site when it was a C&S bank. In 1996 Turner led the formation of Decatur First Bank, where she was president.

“From the beginning, Private Bank of Buckhead has served both individuals and businesses beyond Buckhead, so its strategy, service and community service already take into account customers beyond the borders that name may imply,” Turner said. “Now, through Private Bank of Decatur and its location in my home community, I am happy to again be serving my friends and neighbors, and bringing them the security and soundness of the Private Bank of Buckhead brand … with a special focus on the Decatur community.”