South State Bank announced Thursday that John C. Helmken II has been named Georgia market president.

“John’s ability to build and lead his team has been essential in growing our southern Georgia market,” said Greg Lapointe, South State Bank northern banking group president. “His leadership will be a valuable asset as we continue to grow our presence throughout Georgia.”

Helmken joined The Savannah Bank in 1994 as vice president and worked in various leadership roles including president and CEO before South State bought The Savannah Bank in August 2012.

Helmken is a graduate of the University of Georgia and earned a bachelor of business administration in finance. He is also a graduate of Leadership Savannah and Leadership Georgia.

He serves on the boards of the Georgia Historical Society, Armstrong State University Foundation, Savannah Community Foundation, Bethesda Academy, The Savannah Country Day School and Ossabaw Island Foundation.

“It is an exciting time for our bank, and I’m excited about expanding our bank and customer base in Georgia,” Helmken said. “We are fortunate to have two outstanding regional presidents — Holden Hayes in the southern part of our state and Scott Wayne in the northern Georgia market.

“Together, we will be able to drive an economic impact even greater than that already enjoyed in our Savannah region and the 10-county north Georgia region. We understand our state, its people and our communities, and we look forward to growing our customer base in Georgia.”