From Staff Reports
COCHRAN — After more than four decades of serving the people of Cochran and Bleckley County, State Bank of Cochran, a division of BankSouth, is celebrating the retirement of Divisional CEO Jackie Bowen.
Community members are invited to stop by the State Bank of Cochran branch Friday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to thank Bowen for his years of service and wish him well in retirement.
Bowen’s banking career began in 1983 and brought him to Cochran just one year later. Over the next 42 years, he built lasting relationships with customers, businesses and the community he came to call home.
Throughout his career, Bowen served in numerous leadership roles. He became president of Citizens Bank of Cochran at just 35 years old and later returned to serve as president of State Bank of Cochran in 2014. He continued in that role through the bank’s transition to BankSouth and has served as divisional CEO since October 2025.
While Bowen is widely respected for his accomplishments in banking, those who know him best often speak first about his character.
A devoted husband to Laura for 41 years, father to Brett and Brittney, proud grandfather and man of deep Christian faith, Bowen has spent a lifetime investing in people both inside and outside the bank. His leadership has extended beyond banking through decades of service to civic organizations, youth athletics, his church and numerous community initiatives throughout Cochran and Bleckley County.
“Jackie has been a friend and great leader for State Bank of Cochran for more than 12 years,” said John Phillips, BankSouth board member and chairman of the State Bank of Cochran Board of Advisors. “He has emphasized the value of character as well as financial standing among our customers. We have truly been blessed to have Jackie as a leader, and we look forward to him continuing to share his expertise with us.”
Reflecting on his retirement, Bowen expressed gratitude for the relationships that have defined his career.
“I’ve been blessed to spend my career serving a community that has given so much to me and my family,” Bowen said. “The friendships I’ve made, the customers I’ve had the privilege to serve, and the coworkers I’ve worked alongside have made this more than a career. They’ve made it a calling. Laura and I are deeply grateful for the love and support we’ve experienced in Cochran, and we look forward to this next chapter together.”
Community members, former customers, colleagues and friends are invited to attend a drop-in retirement celebration honoring Bowen Friday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the State Bank of Cochran branch. Guests are encouraged to stop by, share memories and help celebrate his more than four decades of service to Cochran and Bleckley County.
Photo by State Bank of Cochran/Bank South
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