Banking Executive named Bank President for Murrell's Inlet with Ameris Bank

February 1, 2008

Murrell's Inlet, SC, Ameris Bank announced on February 1st, 2008, that Karl H. Zerbst Jr. has joined the $2.1 billion dollar company as the Bank President of the Murrell's Inlet area. Karl will extend his reach and oversee the expansion of Ameris Bank into this important market, which is a part of the SC Coastal Region. Ameris Bank is adding experience and knowledge to an already impressive list of bankers in SC when naming Karl Zerbst. His duties include business development and managing customer relationships, identifying and securing future branch locations, assembling an experienced and dynamic staff, and overall market growth.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to join Ameris Bank and lead the company's growth by broadening our foot print along the state's coastal region," Zerbst said. "It is a tremendous opportunity to introduce Murrell's Inlet and its surrounding communities to Ameris Bank style of banking and building a community bank in growing markets in SC."

Marc Bogan, Coastal Region Executive for Ameris Bank is excited to have Karl heading up the company's move into Murrell's Inlet. "Karl has a remarkable and extensive background in banking," said Bogan. "His knowledge of the banking industry and the strong reputation he has within the coastal community makes him the ideal candidate for Bank President of Murrell's Inlet." "We are very fortunate to have Karl join our team as he will be instrumental in our expansion plan along the coastal region of SC."

Karl began his banking career as a Credit Analyst with South Carolina National Bank in 1984. During the five years he was with SCN, Karl spent time in credit administration, branch management, and commercial lending. Karl has also served as Senior Vice-President and Commercial Banking Manager with SouthTrust Bank. Prior to joining Ameris Bank, Karl served as the Market President in the Charleston nd Mt. Pleasant areas for a statewide community bank.

Karl received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from The Citadel. Over the years, Karl has served in the community as Past Chairman for the tri-county Salvation Army, Mayor's Counsel for Homelessness, Charleston Affordable Housing and is a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary. He is a lifetime member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church and the Association of Citadel Men.

Ameris Bank is headquartered in Moultrie, Georgia, and has locations in Georgia, Alabama, northern Florida and South Carolina. In South Carolina, Ameris Bank currently has offices in Beaufort, Charleston, Lexington and Richland counties with several future offices in the various stages of planning. The company is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol ABCB.

For more information contact:
Stacy Bhimull
(803) 733-2695