Meet our team
Meet our team in Columbus
Heath Schondelmayer
Division CEO
With 25 years of banking experience, Heath leads a regional team committed to building the Synovus brand throughout Columbus and beyond. Since joining Synovus in 1997, he’s been a tireless leader in Columbus, as well as a champion for growth and prosperity across the region. “I love Columbus and the people here,” says Heath. “We have so much positive energy and momentum. I’m honored to play a small part in shaping our community’s future.”
A native of Augusta, GA, Heath earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Georgia and his MBA from Columbus State University. He’s also a graduate of Stonier Banking School at Georgetown University. Heath and his wife, Carter, have one son and can be spotted at the ball field cheering him on whenever possible.
Work in our community
- Development Authority of Columbus, Chair
- Columbus 2025, Chair
- Brookstone School, Executive Committee
- Boys & Girls Club of the Chattahoochee Valley, Board Member and Past President
- St. Francis Emory Hospital, Board Member
- Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Board Member
Jason Connally
Private Wealth DirectorJason is a 30-year banking veteran who completed his studies in Finance at Columbus State University. A Columbus native, he began his career at Synovus as a teller/retail banker. Impressed with the company’s high standard of customer service and care, Jason rejoined Synovus in 2012 after time away. “I take pride that Synovus has remained true to its roots and remembers its primary focus – fostering deep relationships with our clients.”
When he’s not working, Jason enjoys spending time with his family — wife Kimberly, daughters Miller and Lainey, and sons Jack and Peyton. He also enjoys playing tennis and pickleball, hiking and working in his yard, as well as watching Atlanta sports teams and the Auburn Tigers.
Work in our community
- Former Board Member and Finance Chair, Hospital Authority of Columbus
- Former Board Member and Finance Chair, Historic Westville
- Former Board Chair, Georgia Head Start Program-Childcare Network, Columbus
Derek Mann
Commercial BankerA team member at Synovus since 2006, Derek Mann calls Columbus his hometown. He appreciates that Synovus is in business to create lasting relationships. “It is those relationships with customers and fellow team members that motivate me to get up and go to work each day to take 100% responsibility for meeting the needs of each customer,” he says. That, combined with the customer covenant and Synovus’ company culture has influenced his life in so many ways, both at work and at home. He graduated summa cum laude from Columbus State University, where he also received his MBA. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two young sons, with most of his free time taken up by time outside with them and on the ball field.
Work in our community
- Coach and volunteer, Peach Little League
- Board member, Uptown Columbus, Inc.
- Board member, Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation
- Board member, Chamber of Commerce Partners in Education (past)
- Leadership Columbus, Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce (past)
- Alumni Association board member, Columbus State University (past)
- Board member, Better Business Bureau of East Alabama, West and Southwest Georgia (past)
- Major Firms Division Chair, United Way (past)
- Vice Chair and volunteer, Chamber of Commerce Total Resource Campaign (past)