Kilgore-based Citizens Bank has opened its first location in Tyler. The new banking center opened its doors earlier this year and is currently operating as a loan production office with plans to convert to a full-service branch in the near future. To celebrate the opening of the Tyler location, the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce officiated a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 3, followed by an open-house reception.
“Tyler is where I have grown up and raised my family and where I have spent the majority of my 30-year banking career,” says John Mills, president and CEO. “I look forward to bringing our community banking services to this great community.”
Bretton Mariani was hired as the new Tyler CEO in April. He started his banking career in 2011 as a part-time teller at Citizens State Bank, then transitioned to market director of commercial lending at Spirit of Texas Bank. Before joining Citizens Bank, he served as community president at Simmons Bank in Chandler.
Mariani graduated cum laude with a BS degree in social studies and a minor in psychology from the University of Texas–Tyler. He is actively involved in his community, having previously served on the Chandler Chamber of Commerce board and currently sitting on the City of Chandler planning and zoning committee.
Established in 1949, Citizens Bank has 12 banking centers in Texas.