History of the Bank

Originally known as The Citizens Bank, the bank was chartered in Morven, Georgia on February 12, 1927 and began business on February 21, 1927. In 1936, the home office was moved to Hahira and was known as Citizens Bank of Hahira while a bank remained in Morven known as Citizens Bank of Morven. In 1982, a bank holding company was formed called CCB Bancshares, Inc. Shortly after the creation of the holding company, the Citizens Bank of Morven merged with the Citizens Bank of Hahira and became Citizens Community Bank to reflect the bank’s growing presence within Lowndes and Brooks Counties. Citizens Community Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of CCB Bancshares, Inc. In 1990, the first branch in Valdosta was opened on North Valdosta Road followed by the Baytree Road branch in 1999. From 1998 until 2018, Citizens Community Bank was the owner of Remerton Agency, Inc. d/b/a Star Insurance. In 2019, renovations were completed on the Operations Center in Hahira, also known as the Webb House. In late 2024, Loan operations along with commercial lenders moved to a facility in Valdosta which is known as the Commercial Lending Center. Citizens Community Bank started as a family-owned community bank and remains family owned today.

Founding Family History

David K. Hollis, Sr. was one of the majority owners and also a founding charter member of the Citizens Bank back in 1927. Thankfully, the bank survived the depression and the move over to Hahira proved to be fruitful as he grew the bank assets from $41 thousand dollars to over $1.3 million before he passed away in 1960. His wife, Fredda Robinson Hollis, served on the bank board for many years until her death in the 1980s.

Upon Mr. Hollis’ death, his son, David K. Hollis, Jr. took over for his father as President and majority owner of the bank. David Jr. (aka D.K.) was the then current Mayor of Hahira and was thought to have political aspirations. He married Judith Starling of Hahira and in the following years, he would become father to David K. Hollis, III., Comer Todd Hollis (deceased 2014), and Starling Hollis Waldron. D.K. served the Bank in many capacities for over 65 years including President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board until his passing in 2018. Under his reign, the Bank grew to over $130 million in assets. His wife, Judith S. Hollis was also involved with the Bank as board member until her passing in 2017. Sons David K. Hollis, III and the late Comer Todd Hollis each served as loan officers and board members of Citizens Community Bank and CCB Bancshares, Inc. for many years.

As a third generation Hollis, Starling Hollis Waldron joined her father in 2003 as Vice President, Controller and later, Chief Financial Officer. She spent many years training with her father and then upon his retirement, became the Chairman of CCB Bancshares, Inc. and Chairman of the Board of Citizens Community Bank. She remains in that position today.

As a fourth generation Hollis, following in her great-grand father, grandfather, and mother’s footprints, Hollis Marie Waldron joined the bank during her college years and became full-time with the bank after graduation. She has served in many capacities including teller, customer service representative and loan assistant. Her current roles include Branch Manager, Vice President Marketing Director, Board Member for Citizens Community Bank and Board Member and Secretary of CCB Bancshares, Inc.

Executive Management

Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Officer: A third generation Hollis, Starling Hollis Waldron joined the bank in 2003 as Vice President and Controller and later as CFO until 2024. In 2017, she became Chairman for the Boards of Citizens Community Bank and CCB Bancshares, Inc.

Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Officer: Glenn Copeland joined the bank in 1992 serving as Executive Vice President for four years. In 1996, he was appointed President of the bank and in 2007 was promoted to CEO. In addition to serving on the Citizens Community Bank Board, he is President of CCB Bancshares, Inc..

Chief Executive Officer and President: Our current CEO and President is Jeff Hanson. Mr. Hanson joined the bank as CEO in May 2024 bringing over 20 years of experience in the banking industry. He has also served as a member of the CCB Board of Directors since April of 2022. Over his distinguished career, Mr. Hanson has held several significant leadership positions in various financial institutions across Georgia, earning a reputation for his commitment to community banking and local decision-making.

Chief Financial Officer: Our current CFO is Jim Doyle. Mr. Doyle joined Citizens Community Bank as Senior Vice President and Controller in 2019. His distinguished 35-year career in banking is marked by a commitment to excellence and leadership. As CFO, Mr. Doyle is poised to drive CCB’s financial strategies to new heights of success.

Chief Operations Officer: Our current COO is Mindy Green. Mrs. Green brings over two decades of comprehensive banking experience. She currently serves on the Jack Henry Gulf State User Group Board and on the Georgia Bankers Association Operations and Technology Committee as Vice-Chair.