Braswell led Georgia's state banking department through what may have been its most ­challenging period, characterized by a banking industry stressed in ways not seen since the Great Depression, combined with a shrinking budget and staff reductions, the department said.

"Throughout, Commissioner Braswell led with the highest level of integrity; an infectiously positive attitude; and stewardship committed to fair, balanced, and professional engagement with all persons and entities licensed, chartered, and regulated by the department," the division wrote in its latest Financial Institutions Today newsletter.

Over the years, Braswell has been a frequent speaker at Georgia Credit Union Affiliates' annual conferences.

During the first half of his career, Braswell said he learned so much from supervisors and experienced examiners that acted as mentor. He applauded the "strong group of dedicated, hard-working professionals that truly wanted to make a positive impact on the entities we regulate and the citizens of Georgia" he encountered during the second half of his career.

"A career with the department also provided me an opportunity to get to know so many of you across Georgia's wide financial spectrum," Braswell said. "As one would expect, we did not always agree, however, our disagreements were never personal and we always had the same ideal, which was to ensure the financial institutions in Georgia were operating in a safe and sound manner."

The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance regulates and examines banks, credit unions, and trust companies chartered by the state of Georgia. The department also has regulatory and/or licensing authority over mortgage brokers, lenders, processors and originators, money service businesses, international banking organizations and bank holding companies conducting business in Georgia.