Fayetteville real estate exec joins Batesville bank’s board of directors

Batesvillle-based Citizens Bank said Wednesday (Sept. 21) that Fayetteville real estate developer T.J. Lefler has joined its board of directors.

Lefler owns Lefler Capital, a real estate company that owns and develops commercial property, including multifamily, office, retail and warehouse assets.  According to a news release, the company owns approximately 40 properties valued at more than $250 million.

“T.J. is a well-respected real estate developer with decades of experience,” said Adam Mitchell, CEO and president at Citizens Bank. “We look forward to having him serve alongside the Bank’s progressive leadership.”

Before launching his firm last year, Lefler worked for Cushman & Wakefield/Sage Partners in Rogers for 15 years. He remains a company board member.

“We’re excited to welcome T.J. to our Board of Directors,” said Jeff Teague, chairman and CEO of Citizens Bancshares. “His expertise in real estate, both in northwest and central Arkansas, will be a valuable asset to Citizens Bank as we continue to grow the Citizens Bank franchise.”

Lefler is a Searcy native. He earned degrees in finance and real estate from the University of Arkansas. He is also on the board of the Business Integrity Leadership Initiative for the UA’s Sam M. Walton College of Business and is a member of the Dean’s Alumni Advisory Council. He has been a board member of K-Life, Red Cross, Cushman and Wakefield/ Sage Partners, and was a participant in the Susan G. Komen Ozark 2020 BigWig Campaign.