Mission
Statement
The focus of our corporate existence is based on socially conscious ideals – we are a financial institution that provides assistance to low- to moderate-income and minority groups to enable them to realize their economic dreams.
Mission Statement
The focus of our corporate existence is based on socially conscious ideals – we are a financial institution that provides assistance to low- to moderate-income and minority groups to enable them to realize their economic dreams.
About
Who We Are
As a CDFI, Citizens Bank puts its communities first and values local economic growth. It does so by investing in areas underserved by the traditional banking sector, engaging in lending that supports affordable housing, small businesses and community facilities, and providing technical financial assistance to its customers. Throughout the years, the bank has continued to focus on opportunities to build financial literacy and provide the tools for communities to build, grow and reinvest wealth. As a community-minded bank, the focus is on offering products and services that enable customers to fulfill their personal dreams and grow their businesses. As the nation faces challenging times, Citizens continues to be a trusted community resource and partner for clients and communities in navigating a path forward.
About
Who We Are
As a CDFI, Citizens Bank puts its communities first and values local economic growth. It does so by investing in areas underserved by the traditional banking sector, engaging in lending that supports affordable housing, small businesses and community facilities, and providing technical financial assistance to its customers. Throughout the years, the bank has continued to focus on opportunities to build financial literacy and provide the tools for communities to build, grow and reinvest wealth. As a community-minded bank, the focus is on offering products and services that enable customers to fulfill their personal dreams and grow their businesses. As the nation faces challenging times, Citizens continues to be a trusted community resource and partner for clients and communities in navigating a path forward.
Our Core Values
Integrity
Our decisions and actions are based on the highest moral and ethical standards.
Respect
Guided by the “Golden Rule”, we treat everyone with whom we interact in the same manner as we would like to be treated – with dignity, fairness and compassion.
Service
We provide exceptional service to all customers (external and internal) by delivering the financial solutions they need, by responding to their requests and inquiries promptly and accurately, and by exhibiting sincere empathy and patience.
Accountability
We accept full responsibility for our action or inaction regardless of personal consequence. We complete our assigned tasks and meet the expectations set by customers, co-workers, and equally as important, by ourselves.
Profitability
Generating a profit enables us to fulfill our Mission and build a strong, solid foundation for continued existence and future growth. Our economic success is shared by all our constituencies – our customers, our employees, our stockholders, and the communities in which we operate.
Our Core Values
Integrity
Our decisions and actions are based on the highest moral and ethical standards.
Respect
Guided by the “Golden Rule”, we treat everyone with whom we interact in the same manner as we would like to be treated – with dignity, fairness and compassion.
Service
We provide exceptional service to all customers (external and internal) by delivering the financial solutions they need, by responding to their requests and inquiries promptly and accurately, and by exhibiting sincere empathy and patience.
Accountability
We accept full responsibility for our action or inaction regardless of personal consequence. We complete our assigned tasks and meet the expectations set by customers, co-workers, and equally as important, by ourselves.
Profitability
Generating a profit enables us to fulfill our Mission and build a strong, solid foundation for continued existence and future growth. Our economic success is shared by all our constituencies – our customers, our employees, our stockholders, and the communities in which we operate.
Story
Our History
“Oldest continuously operating minority owned and operated bank in the U.S. ”
Timeline
1904
1904
The One Cent Savings Bank, now Citizens Savings Bank and Trust Company, became the first minority-owned bank in Tennessee. Citizen’s Bank was founded on the principal of creating opportunities for African Americans to build wealth and economic security.On January 16, 1904, the vision of three prominent Nashvillians: R.H. Boyd, Preston Taylor, and J.C. Napier came to fruition.
1929 – 1959
1929 – 1959
Citizens survives the Great Depression and in 1946 reaches $1M in capital and deposits. The bank becomes a leader in investing in the growth of historically Black faith-based and nonprofit organizations.
1969 – 1979
1969 – 1979
The bank reaches $5M in deposits and becomes a central presence in the North Nashville community during the Civil Rights Movement. As the neighborhood faces blight from a contentious interstate development, Citizens continues to invest in the redevelopment of Nashville’s Black communities.
2006
2006
The bank opens its Memphis branch. In the 2007 financial crisis, the Black community lost 50% of its wealth. Citizens was able to continue to invest in Black communities and stabilize operations to weather the storm.
2020 – 2021
2020 – 2021
Today, Citizens Bank is a privately owned company with approximately $100 million in assets. The bank is a Certified Development Financial Institution (CDFI) – a certification given to mission-driven financial institutions dedicated to expanding economic opportunity to economically disadvantaged individuals and underserved communities by providing access to financial products and services to local residents and businesses.
2022-Present
2022-Present
Our primary focus has been to broaden our presence and impact in the communities we serve. We have cultivated partnerships with esteemed national organizations such as Operation Hope to deliver financial education and resources, empowering individuals, and families to attain financial stability and self-reliance. Through a partnership with The Housing Fund, Citizens supported programs to help homebuyers secure the downpayments and equity they need to make homeownership attainable. The bank has achieved a significant milestone, exceeding $175 million in assets.
Team
Board of Directors
- Mr. James R. Schmitz, Chairman
- Mr. Sergio Ora
- Dr. LaDonna Boyd
- Mr. Michael Lewis
- Mr. Gil Beverly
Team
Board of Directors
- Mr. James R. Schmitz, Chairman
- Mr. Sergio Ora
- Dr. LaDonna Boyd
- Mr. Michael Lewis
- Mr. Gil Beverly
Leadership Team
Sergio S. Ora
Corey Hammonds
Clint Story
Joan Fleming
Brittany Mizell
Sergio S. Ora
Sergio S. Ora serves as President & Chief Executive of Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Company and of the bank’s holding company, CSB&T Bancorp. Mr. Ora joined the bank as Chief Credit Officer in April 2018. He was appointed to serve as Interim President & CEO in June 2018 and was appointed to serve as permanent President & CEO in September 2018.
Corey Hammonds
Experienced financial leader, community activist, and entrepreneur with deep roots in the Nashville community. Corey currently serves as Chief Operating/Credit Officer for Citizens Bank and has been instrumental in shaping the banks optimization processes to position the institution for growth.
Clint Story
Clint Story is Vice President-Business Relations and manages a portfolio of commercial clients in Middle and West Tennessee. Clint has consistently recognized and met the financial needs of small businesses, non-profit companies, churches, and government entities. Additionally, he is very passionate about providing Financial Education, especially in Low to Moderate income communities.
Joan Fleming
Joan Fleming-Ridley serves as Vice President of Residential Lending and Community Development. She is an industry leader- finding ways to produce results through her expertise, commitment and relationships. Joan has a passion for delivering value and benefit to her clients with an enthusiastic and friendly attitude. It is her commitment to serve the underserved by being an advocate for affordable housing and financial literacy. Her “thinking outside the box” mentality allows her to develop programs to ensure everyone can build wealth through homeownership. (NMLS # 187638)
Brittany Mizell
Leadership Team
Sergio S. Ora
Corey Hammonds
Clint Story
Joan Fleming
Brittany Mizell
Sergio S. Ora
Sergio S. Ora serves as President & Chief Executive of Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Company and of the bank’s holding company, CSB&T Bancorp. Mr. Ora joined the bank as Chief Credit Officer in April 2018. He was appointed to serve as Interim President & CEO in June 2018 and was appointed to serve as permanent President & CEO in September 2018.
Corey Hammonds
Experienced financial leader, community activist, and entrepreneur with deep roots in the Nashville community. Corey currently serves as Chief Operating/Credit Officer for Citizens Bank and has been instrumental in shaping the banks optimization processes to position the institution for growth.
Clint Story
Clint Story is Vice President-Business Relations and manages a portfolio of commercial clients in Middle and West Tennessee. Clint has consistently recognized and met the financial needs of small businesses, non-profit companies, churches, and government entities. Additionally, he is very passionate about providing Financial Education, especially in Low to Moderate income communities.
Joan Fleming
Joan Fleming-Ridley serves as Vice President of Residential Lending and Community Development. She is an industry leader- finding ways to produce results through her expertise, commitment and relationships. Joan has a passion for delivering value and benefit to her clients with an enthusiastic and friendly attitude. It is her commitment to serve the underserved by being an advocate for affordable housing and financial literacy. Her “thinking outside the box” mentality allows her to develop programs to ensure everyone can build wealth through homeownership. (NMLS # 187638)