Heath Schondelmayer, a 19-year veteran of Synovus/Columbus Bank and Trust, has been appointed President of CB&T effective January 1. Schondelmayer replaces Billy Blanchard, Synovus Regional CEO and CB&T President and CEO, who will leave the bank at year end to join Jordan-Blanchard Capital, the Columbus-based private equity firm.

“This transition is bittersweet,” said D Copeland, Synovus’ Chief Community Banking Officer. “Although we will miss Billy and his exceptional leadership, we fully support his decision to work alongside his father at Jordan-Blanchard Capital, and we share his excitement about this special opportunity for him and his family.”

Schondelmayer currently leads private wealth initiatives in the Columbus market as Senior Vice President, Director of Private Wealth Management at Synovus/CB&T. He joined Synovus as a management trainee in 1997 and has held positions in branch banking, correspondent banking, and credit/underwriting. Schondelmayer also supported Synovus’ largest commercial customers in a regional lending management role.

“Among many accomplishments at CB&T and Synovus, Billy has been especially effective at talent development,” Copeland said. “Under his leadership, CB&T has become a strong pipeline of emerging talent for Synovus, producing energetic and creative banking leaders such as Heath. We are very proud and excited for Heath to follow Billy as leader of our hometown market.” Following his departure, Blanchard will serve as Vice Chairman of CB&T’s advisory board.

Blanchard joined CB&T in January 1995. He became President of the bank in October 2009 and was named CB&T CEO and Synovus Regional CEO in January 2011.

Schondelmayer graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Finance. He earned his MBA from Columbus State University and also graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He is a native of Augusta, GA.