Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan and Employment Policy

What you should know about our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

At Ameris Bank, we know that in order to be successful our team of talented employees must be representative and reflective of those we serve. We embrace and respect our team members’ differences and provide equal employment opportunities to all regardless of their actual or perceived gender, race, color, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status. We believe that in doing this, our company will thrive and we will deliver better service to our customers and our communities.

We foster, cultivate, and preserve diversity, inclusion and equal dignity throughout our organization. These beliefs are outlined in formal documents, such as our Strategic Plan, and are also reflected in our practices and policies, recruitment and hiring, compensation and benefits, and the continued development of our teams. We understand the importance of creating an environment where our employees feel like they belong and everyone is empowered to reach their full potential.

Diversity and inclusion is a business imperative and strength for our bank. It is part of who we are and in everything we do, spanning from recruitment to engagement, to vendor selections and customer outreach, and beyond.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION EMPLOYMENT POLICY

It is the policy of the Company to hire well qualified people. An integral part of this policy is to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons and administer hiring, working conditions, benefits, compensation, training and advancement, layoffs and recalls for all employees, without discrimination because of actual or perceived gender, race, color, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, ancestry, familial status, genetic information or atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, or any other status protected by applicable Federal, State or local laws.

In order to implement the foregoing policy, the Company will consider qualified applicants from all sources to ensure equal consideration of individuals. Additionally, the Company will continue to maintain all Company facilities on a completely non-segregated basis and will fully cooperate with all authorized individuals and agencies responsible for administering laws and regulations in the area of equal employment opportunity and fair employment practice. This policy extends to all employees and all aspects of the employment relationship and all employees are hereby directed to take all reasonable efforts to carry out the spirit and intent of this Company policy. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

The Company will disseminate this policy to its employees, and encourage indirect sources of job applicants, such as employees, suppliers/vendors, customers and other contractors to refer qualified applicants.

Overall Bank responsibility for the direction of equal employment opportunity policy, programs and practices, has been assigned to The Human Capital Strategist, as the Company’s EEO/AA Officer.