Adam Mitchell takes over CEO reins at Citizens Bank early

Citizens Bank, headquartered in Batesville, has appointed Adam Mitchell as its CEO, succeeding outgoing CEO Phil Baldwin. Baldwin’s retirement, originally announced for mid-year, has been shortened due to the successful completion of a planned transition earlier than expected.

“When I announced my retirement in August of last year, my original plan was to stay on through June of this year,” said Baldwin. “These last few months have proven to me that Adam and the dynamic leadership team at Citizens Bank are completely prepared for the future. I’ve decided to take my retirement three months early and enjoy every minute with my family.”

Mitchell has been working alongside Baldwin since 2018. With 23 years of experience in the banking industry, Mitchell came from Simmons Bank where he served as executive vice president and chief retail officer responsible for overseeing branch performance, staffing and service, and sales delivery for more than 190 locations across seven states. He was also responsible for the treasury management sales team throughout the Simmons Bank system.

“Adam has been an instrumental leader, especially during the pandemic, mobilizing the bank to quickly facilitate PPP loans and thoughtfully serve small businesses across Arkansas,” said Jeff Teague, board chairman of Citizens Bancshares. “He will continue to uphold our mission-driven, community-centric core values.”

Mitchell is an advisory board member of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and, together with his wife, Kristie, was honored with its Living & Giving Award in 2017 and served as co-chair of the Central Arkansas Heart Ball in 2014. Mitchell also currently serves as a board member for USAble Life Corporation and Arkansas Health Group. He has also held various roles with Hendrix College, the Arkansas Bankers Association, Baptist Health Foundation, and Junior Achievement of Arkansas.

“Our mission has and always will be about putting people first in everything we do,” said Mitchell. “I am humbled and excited to take on this new role and will take this job seriously, making sure that all of our stakeholders benefit from all the things that Citizens Bank can and will deliver.”