The Armstrong Foundation of Georgia Southern University Inc., recently appointed Synovus Senior Vice President Michael F. Kemp and Carlton H. Hodges, partner at Caines, Hodges & Company, as chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the Armstrong Foundation of Georgia Southern University Board of Trustees.

“Both Michael and Carlton have been strong advocates for key initiatives on the Armstrong Campus,” said Georgia Southern Associate Vice President for University Advancement William Kelso, who also serves as the executive vice president of the Armstrong Foundation of Georgia Southern. “They are committed to supporting student success through service on the Armstrong Foundation Board of Trustees.”

Kemp, who earned a J.D. from Mercer University School of Law and was previously city president of Bank of America, served as vice chair of the Armstrong State University Foundation board and chair of the finance committee. In addition, he actively served on numerous boards supporting community initiatives, including Step Up Savannah, United Way, Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, MedBank and the Savannah Community Foundation.

A member of the Georgia Bar Association and the Savannah Estate Planning Council, and an advisory member of Healthcare Georgia Foundation’s Audit and Investment Committee, Kemp has also served on the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, CEO Council and Savannah Country Day School’s boards.

Hodges is a alumnus of Armstrong State College, earning business administration degrees in finance and accounting, and served as a member of the board of directors of the Armstrong State University Foundation. He also chaired the finance committee.

As a member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Hodges’ primary focus is his firm’s tax compliance practice, which includes supervision over the preparation of business, individual, fiduciary and not-for-profit tax returns.

Currently, he serves on the GSCPA Board of Directors and Leadership Council, and is chairman of the group’s insurance trust. Hodges is also a member of the finance committee of the Humane Society for Greater Savannah, a former member and treasurer of the Chatham County – Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission and has previously served as a city councilman for the City of Pooler.

The Armstrong Foundation of Georgia Southern University seeks funds to provide student scholarships, improve selected academic enterprises, support faculty and staff, strengthen ties to the community and further the University’s strategic initiatives. Designed to create a lasting, sustainable legacy, the 19-member board provides talent, expertise and other resources that further enhance the University’s services and initiatives.