Foothills Community Bank on Monday announced John Lewis interim CEO and president as part of the Dawsonville-based bank's recapitalization plan.

The former president of Mountain State Bank and most recently Verity Bank succeeds Charles Buckner, who had served as president and CEO since the bank was established in 2007.

Buckner resigned on Friday.

"Mr. Buckner's efforts carried Foothills Community Bank through unprecedented economic times," said Mike Berg, board chairman. "We wish him well."

With the management staff's more than 100 years of combined banking experience and a board of directors comprised of prominent local business and community leaders, Berg said Foothills Community Bank will continue to serve its customers and the local community with high quality service with Lewis at the helm.

"John is part of the Foothills recapitalization plan. While at Mountain State Bank, he was an integral part of the Dawson community and brings energy and experience to the job," Berg said.

Lewis has experienced great success in his nearly 30-year banking career, which began in the early 80s with Wachovia Bank in Charlotte, N.C. and expanded across the southeast.

In July of 2002, Lewis founded and led the organizing group as director, president and CEO for Mountain Bancshares and Mountain State Bank in Dawsonville and Cumming. He led the successful sale of Mountain Bancshares to Gainesville Bancshares in March 2006.

A year later, Lewis founded and led the organization group for Verity Capital Group and Verity Bank in Winder that later included a branch in Habersham County. There he served as director, president and CEO of the holding company, as well as director and CEO of the bank.

In April 2014, he led the successful sale to Community & Southern Holdings.

Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, a Professional Master's of Banking from Louisiana State University and graduated from the North Carolina School of Banking Advanced Management Program.

He and his wife Lisa have been married 25 years. They have two sons, Logan and Chandler.