Remembering Past VBA Chairman John G. Stallings

Past VBA Chairman John Stallings passed away November 2, 2020, after battling cancer since 2018. John, former president of what is now Atlantic Union Bank and a SunTrust Bank regional executive, will be remembered for his contributions to our industry and his community. John served as 2016-2017 VBA Chairman and also on the board of the VBA Education Foundation, where he was instrumental in the recent partnership between the Foundation and the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges and Realworld.

VBA President & CEO Bruce Whitehurst remembers John as a Virginia banking leader who leaves behind a legacy of integrity and genuineness. “John loved to see his teams thrive and succeed. But at the same time, he was the most congenial competitor. John was extremely well-liked and highly regarded and respected by his peers all across Virginia."

John made time to volunteer with numerous community organizations, including United Way, the Greater Richmond YMCA and Venture Richmond, as well as serving on the boards of Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges, Collegiate School, the Virginia Chamber and the Science Museum of Virginia Foundation. “John was always doing something for a worthy cause. He was an incredible community leader. When he got on a nonprofit board, he was going to make a contribution without a doubt,” said Whitehurst.

In 2018, John was honored with a Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, recognizing his commitment "to promote respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds." And, in 2020, John was honored with a Living Legend Award by  Virginia Business magazine.

You can read more about John’s legacy here and his full obituary here. We keep his family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.