Jason Hayes HeadshotJason Hayes is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Citizens Bank & Trust. He joined the Bank in 2014 as the Information Technology Manager and was promoted to his current role in 2023. His career in IT spans more than twenty years.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology and a Master of Science degree in Business Administration from The University of South Florida. He is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. The three-year graduate training program allowed Jason to better understand the business of banking and leverage this information to incorporate technology for a better customer experience. Jason also serves on the Cybersecurity Advisory Board at Polk State College, which works to ensure the College is training students in specific areas of cybersecurity needed by local businesses.

As Chief Information Officer, he is passionate about finding ways to bring customer-focused technology advancements to our community bank. At Citizens Bank & Trust, these advancements can be found in the mobile deposit experience, the implementation of electronic signatures, the wire and fund transfer process, and the expansion and improvement of the Bank’s network of ATMs.

LAKE WALES, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust is pleased to announce that the Bank has entered into an agreement with College Ave to offer a variety of student loan financing options to consumers. This referral-based partnership provides access to college student loan and student loan refinancing solutions through a completely online process.

“College Ave’s industry reputation, flexible loan options, and a focus on educating consumers, aligns with our service commitment to both our customers and the community,” said Citizens Bank & Trust President and CEO Greg Littleton. “Access to higher education can transform lives, and we are proud to enter into this agreement to help families throughout our service area.”

“We are proud to partner with Citizens Bank & Trust and offer higher education financing solutions for their customers,” said Brian Reed, Head of Partnerships at College Ave. “As a community bank, Citizens Bank & Trust is deeply dedicated to its customers. We are proud to help honor that commitment and provide access to student loans, parent loans and refinancing options that will help students and their families achieve their goals in higher education and beyond.”

Based in Wilmington, Delaware, College Ave offers a customer-centric approach to private student loans, parent loans, graduate school loans and refinancing options. With competitive interest rates, flexible repayment terms and great customer service, College Ave makes the student loan process simple and easy. The student loan application takes less than three minutes to complete. For additional information, please visit: https://www.citizens-bank.com/loans/student-loans/.

About Citizens Bank & Trust:
Citizens Bank & Trust is a wholly owned subsidiary of Citizens Banking Corporation, a one-bank holding company located in Frostproof, Florida. Citizens Bank & Trust operates 16 full-service offices in Polk, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties. The Bank proudly offers a full line of banking services, including residential and commercial loans, mortgages, investments, and trust services.

The Citizens Bank of Frostproof, as the Bank was originally known, was established in 1920. Over the past century, and three generations of family ownership, Citizens Bank & Trust has continued its tradition as a reliable and dependable community partner.

About College Ave:
College Ave started with a big vision and a simple mission – take the stress out of paying for college so students can focus on preparing for a bright future. Now a leading financial services company, College Ave remains committed to using best-in-class technology and deep industry expertise to deliver practical and personal solutions that give young adults a running start on their roads to financial success. We offer best in class products with competitive rates and a customer-friendly experience from start to finish.

Amy StavelyLAKE WALES, FL – Amy Stavely has joined Citizens Bank & Trust as Vice President and Office Manager. She will lead the office in the heart of Downtown Lakeland, located at 402 S. Kentucky Avenue, Suite 100.

Ms. Stavely is a Lakeland native, and graduated from Lake Gibson High School. Amy’s banking career spans nearly two decades in the Lakeland market, including 13 years in management positions.

“We are excited to welcome Amy to Citizens Bank & Trust,” said Citizens Bank & Trust President and CEO Greg Littleton. “She has a wide range of experience serving the Lakeland market, and is a great fit to lead our downtown office.”

About Citizens Bank & Trust:
Citizens Bank & Trust is a wholly owned subsidiary of Citizens Banking Corporation, a one-bank holding company located in Frostproof, Florida. Citizens Bank & Trust operates 16 full-service offices in Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough Counties. The Bank proudly offers a full line of banking services, including residential and commercial loans, mortgages, investments, and trust services.

The Citizens Bank of Frostproof, as the Bank was originally known, was established in 1920. Over the past century, and three generations of family ownership, Citizens Bank & Trust has continued its tradition as a reliable and dependable community partner.

Dustin WeederLAKE WALES, FL – Dustin Weeder has joined Citizens Bank & Trust as Investment Portfolio Manager. He is part of the growing Wealth Management team, and will provide his expertise to the Bank’s trust and investment customers.

Dustin is a third-generation resident of Winter Haven. He graduated from Lake Region High School and holds a Bachelors degree in Finance from the University of Central Florida (UCF). He has over twelve years of experience in the financial services industry, with an emphasis in the area of investment portfolio management.

“Dustin is an outstanding addition to our Wealth Management team,” said Citizens Bank & Trust President and CEO Greg Littleton. “His investment philosophy and passion for working with clients to help them achieve their individual financial goals is a great fit for our current and prospective customers. He will work closely with our existing trust and investments team of Bill Middleton, Tammy Ferrell, and Lori Wilson.”

Dustin is a graduate of Leadership Winter Haven Class 36, and worked to bring the Sigma Pi Fraternity to UCF, serving as a founding member of the Iota Kappa Chapter.

About Citizens Bank & Trust:
Citizens Bank & Trust is a wholly owned subsidiary of Citizens Banking Corporation, a one-bank holding company located in Frostproof, Florida. Citizens Bank & Trust operates 16 full-service offices in Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough Counties. The Bank proudly offers a full line of banking services, including residential and commercial loans, mortgages, investments, and trust services.

The Citizens Bank of Frostproof, as the Bank was originally known, was established in 1920. Over the past century, and three generations of family ownership, Citizens Bank & Trust has continued its tradition as a reliable and dependable community partner.

The new permanent Plant City office location of Citizens Bank & Trust is now open. The office is located at 3019 James L Redman Pkwy.

The Bank’s temporary location at 1803A James L Redman Pkwy will be closed at the end of the business day on August 11, 2023.

As this move is strictly limited to a change of location, no action by existing customers will be necessary.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please contact Sandra Couch, Vice President and Plant City Branch Manager, at (813) 652-8090 or via email: Sandra.Couch@citizens-bank.com.

We look forward to continue serving your banking needs for years to come.