08/07/2025
Congratulations to Ryan Smith and Tommy Anderton!
Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
Leadership Transition at Citizens Bank
Lafayette, TN – August 1, 2025
Citizens Bank is pleased to announce a strategic leadership transition, marking a significant milestone in the bank’s ongoing commitment to excellence and community service. On June 18, 2025, the bank’s Board of Directors approved a succession plan of the role of President, from Tommy Anderton, who has successfully served this role since 2019 to Ryan Smith, effective March 2026.
“Tommy Anderton is known for his expertise in bank management and credit portfolio oversight,” stated Rich Greslick, CEO Designate of Citizens Bank. “He will continue to serve on the bank’s Board of Directors post-transition. His leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that his strong customer relationships are preserved”.
Anderton expressed his confidence in Ryan’s capabilities, stating, “Over the last two years, Ryan has performed oversight at loan committee and in his role of Chief Banking Officer to ultimately earn this opportunity. I have full confidence once the transition steps are accomplished, he will be fully prepared and capable to be our President.”
Ryan Smith, who will assume the role of President, possesses 29 years of experience in banking, specializing in commercial lending and overall bank management. This includes more than 6 years serving as President and Director of American Bank & Trust before its merger with Citizens Bank of Lafayette in 2021. Smith acknowledged the groundwork laid by Tommy, commenting, “Tommy’s constant work ethic, leadership, and genuine concern for our team members and customers have been instrumental in the growth and success of our bank. I look forward to working closely with our entire bank team as we continue to grow a great bank together in the communities, we all call home.”
“This transition underscores our bank’s dedication to strategic succession planning, ensuring continuity and sustained leadership excellence,” stated Citizens Bank CEO, Pete Williston. “We invite the bank’s customers, shareholders, and community members to join us in congratulating Tommy and Ryan on their new roles and this significant step forward.”
About Citizens Bancorp Investment, Inc.
Citizens Bank was founded in Lafayette, Tennessee, in 1909 and has twenty locations in twelve counties in Middle Tennessee. The bank has grown to $1.7 billion in assets and is now the 15th largest bank headquartered in the state of Tennessee.
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