Citizens Bank creates retail department

Citizens Bank has created a retail administration department, the Batesville-based bank announced Wednesday (April 9).

Katherine Harris and Amanda Morris will lead the new department. Harris, as retail operations manager, will oversee retail banking delivery and operations, while Morris, as retail planning and development manager, will handle training, planning, and execution of retail programs.

“The launch of our Retail Administration Department is a step forward in advancing our community bank model,” said Anastasia Blaylock, executive vice president of strategy for Citizens Bank. “With Katherine and Amanda leading the team, we are confident this new department will enhance our customer experience, ensuring that every interaction is efficient, personalized, and exceeds expectations.”

Harris will oversee the bank’s retail operations.

“This role allows me to improve processes and efficiencies for the team, streamline operations and coordinate with associates to meet strategic retail goals,” Harris said. “There’s a lot of exciting work to be done, and I look forward to getting started.”

Harris previously served as retail market manager for Citizens Bank.

Morris will partner with Harris to oversee the training, planning, and execution of all retail programs. Her role includes leading training efforts, launching retail initiatives, enhancing customer service frameworks, and fostering the professional development of retail staff.

“I see each day as an opportunity to make the lives of our customers and associates better,” Morris said. “As retail planning and development manager, I can now do that on a greater scale than ever before. I’m extremely grateful.”

Prior to this role, Morris served as market retail manager for Central Arkansas, South Arkansas, and Southeast Arkansas markets.

As a part of this initiative, Kevin Anders and Pat Savell have also been promoted. Anders is now the market retail manager for Central Arkansas and Hot Springs markets, and Savell is market retail manager for the North Central region. In this role, each will manage retail operations, promote high-quality service, and supervise retail branch staff in their areas of responsibility.

Anders brings several years of expertise to this position, previously serving as retail trainer for the bank.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead and motivate a team that will help shape the direction of our market,” Anders said. “The responsibility that comes with building lasting relationships with customers and helping generate new business is something I don’t take lightly, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”

Savell has 34 years of experience in the banking industry and 11 years at Citizens Bank, where she previously served as retail manager of the bank’s headquarters location.

“This role will allow me to have more one-on-one involvement with the branches in our market and learn more about the customers we serve,” Savell said. “I’m excited to tap into that aspect of the job and start visiting our branches.”