Ameris Bank today announced plans to establish operations in Nashville, Tenn., expanding its commercial banking presence in one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing markets. The company plans to open a Nashville office by year-end and is already serving commercial and mortgage customers throughout the region.

Leading the expansion is Justin McClain, who joins Ameris Bank as Nashville market leader and will report to Ameris Bank President Lawton Bassett. McClain brings nearly two decades of banking experience and extensive knowledge of the Middle Tennessee market.