Larry R. Estepp has been promoted to president of Citizens Bank, an $825 million (assets) community bank headquartered in East Tennessee. Estepp was previously executive vice president of commercial lending, and has been a business banking officer with Citizens Bank since 2011.
Estepp becomes the seventh president of Citizens Bank, and assumes his new position following Bill Dudney’s retirement. Dudney was Citizen Bank’s president for 23 years and will continue to serve on the bank’s board of directors.
“Larry’s extensive banking experience combined with his extraordinary record of community and civic leadership, has prepared him to become our bank’s president,” said Joe LaPorte III, chairman and CEO. “He is a boots-on-the-ground type of banker who has successfully blended banking with community leadership. He is an obvious choice to follow Bill Dudney, who has earned wide respect and admiration from his banking and community leadership peers.”
Estepp earned his bachelor’s degree from Tusculum College, and later completed all requirements of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. In addition, he pursued banking education opportunities at the University of Virginia, Rhodes College and Tennessee Banker’s School. “I am fortunate to have been able to fulfill my banking aspirations, be involved in community service and, along with my wife Teresa, raise our family in East Tennessee,” commented Estepp. “Also, I have had the opportunity to observe and learn from some of the best bankers to be found anywhere.”
In addition to his banking background, Estepp has held leadership positions in numerous civic, community, professional, business development and charitable organizations. For his efforts, Estepp has received several recognitions, including Kingsport Chamber Distinguished Leadership Award, Gray Ruritan Man of the Year and Washington County Ruritan of the Year (Ruritan is a national service organization with individual clubs in small towns and rural areas).
