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Rooted in Community, Driven by Experience: Balancing Tradition and Innovation, Meet Board Member Scotty Hawk

As part of our "Rooted in Community, Driven by Experience" series, we are proud to introduce Scotty Hawk, an Arab native, seasoned business leader, and dedicated board member at Citizens Bank & Trust. With decades of experience in telecommunications, business investments, and community development, Scotty brings a multi-generational perspective to banking. His commitment to integrity, innovation, and local economic growth continues to shape the future of Citizens Bank & Trust and the communities we serve.

Q: What do you value most about being part of the Citizens Bank & Trust team?
I have the opportunity to interact with like-minded professionals who display integrity and the core values I admire. Being part of a team that truly prioritizes community, and ethical banking is something I take great pride in.

Q: How do you see Citizens Bank & Trust making a positive impact in the community?
Citizens Bank & Trust plays a critical role in local economic growth by keeping money in our communities through local lending. By focusing on small businesses and personal relationships, CB&T strengthens the foundation of the towns we serve. On top of that, our team dedicates countless hours to community service, ensuring we’re not just a bank, but a true partner in our communities.

Q: What unique perspective or experience do you bring to the board?
I bring a multi-generational perspective on banking. My parents, now in their 90s, saw banks as a place to save, not borrow. My generation relied on banks to grow small businesses. My kids, in their 30s, do almost everything digitally. Citizens Bank & Trust understands this evolution and provides the best of both worlds—modern banking technology while maintaining personal, face-to-face service. That balance is key to serving all generations of customers.

Q: What does "community banking" mean to you, and why is it important?
Community banking supports local businesses and keeps our towns thriving. It’s been proven that small towns with a community bank presence are more likely to prosper than those without. Having a local bank means having a trusted financial partner that understands the needs of the people and businesses in the area.

Q: If you could describe Citizens Bank & Trust in three words, what would they be?
Integrity. Community-focused. Forward-looking.

Q: What excites you most about the future of Citizens Bank & Trust?
I’m excited to see how we can continue supporting the growth of our communities. As North Alabama expands, Citizens Bank & Trust remains committed to providing financial solutions that help local businesses, families, and individuals succeed. We’re also dedicated to offering strong digital banking tools while maintaining personal service. Just as important, this growth creates opportunities for our employees to develop their careers and make a lasting impact on their lives and in the communities we call home.

About Scotty
Scotty Hawk is a former telecom executive, entrepreneur, and longtime advocate for community growth. A graduate of Arab High School and The University of Alabama, he began his career as a math teacher before transitioning into the telecommunications industry. Over the years, he worked his way up to SVP and General Manager of Brindlee Mountain Telephone Company and later served on its board. Scotty played a key role in the company's acquisition by Otelco, where he remained a senior executive and board member.

Beyond telecom, Scotty has invested in several local businesses, including restaurants and an equipment leasing company, and is currently the managing partner of a heavy haul parking facility. He was also instrumental in developing Cherokee Ridge, a golf course and real estate community, where he still resides today. His diverse experience gives him a unique understanding of the financial needs of businesses and individuals across different industries.

Scotty's decades of experience and passion for community banking make him an invaluable part of Citizens Bank & Trust. Stay tuned as we continue our “Rooted in Community, Driven by Experience” series, highlighting the dedicated leaders guiding our bank and our communities forward.