Mays honored by Alabama Bankers Association for Outstanding Leadership

Community Spirit Bank proudly announces that Emily Mays, Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, and Senior Marketing Director, has been honored with the peer nominated, Excellence in Banking: Outstanding Leadership Award by Bankers 2 Leaders of the Alabama Bankers Association.

This prestigious award recognizes individuals demonstrating visionary leadership, dedication to team development, strategic decision-making, and commitment to community engagement in the banking industry.

With 19 years of experience in finance, Mays has long been a driving force in community banking, leading with both innovation and passion. Her contributions have set new standards for community bank marketing and have greatly influenced her peers. As a leader at Community Spirit Bank, Mays has introduced transformative marketing initiatives that have not only propelled the bank forward but have also served as models for community banks across Alabama. Many of her colleagues credit her mentorship as crucial to launching and enhancing their own marketing efforts.

Mays’ impact extends far beyond her professional role. As an educator, she teaches bank marketing at the Barret School of Banking in Memphis, Tn., as well as financial literacy and personal branding electives to prepare future banking leaders. Her commitment to financial literacy has driven digital learning in 14 schools and opened two in-school bank branches.

After leading Community Spirit Bank’s core conversion, Mays has been instrumental in guiding other banks through their own successful conversions, demonstrating her technical expertise and willingness to support others within the industry. 

Mays is widely recognized for her dedication to her community and her involvement on various local boards, where she continues to advocate for the needs of her bank’s markets.

Nationally, her contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning her a spot on the Independent Community Bankers of America’s 40 Under 40 list and a feature in Business Alabama’s “Movers and Shapers” of Franklin County. She is also a founding member of the Social Banker’s group.

Community Spirit Bank’s president and CEO, Brad M. Bolton congratulated Mays for the honor and the impact she has every day on the Community Spirit Bank family.

“On behalf of the board of directors and all of our team members, we are so appreciative for the Alabama Bankers Association bestowing this well-deserved recognition for Emily Mays.

“Emily is a great example of what a community banker does every day, helping to lead our team as well as advancing the great work that the community banking industry does in communities, across Alabama, and our great nation. We congratulate Emily on this well-deserved recognition,” Bolton said.