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.

Michelle "Missy" Joyce LAKE WALES, FL – Michelle “Missy” Joyce has joined Citizens Bank & Trust as Vice President and Private Banking Officer. She will work in the Winter Haven office and serve the private banking customers throughout Polk County.

Ms. Joyce is a lifelong resident of Winter Haven. She is a graduate of Auburndale High School and attended Polk State College. Missy began her banking career in 1987, starting as a teller and advancing into a progressive series of leadership roles throughout her 36-year tenure.

“We are delighted to welcome Missy to Citizens Bank & Trust,” said Citizens Bank & Trust President and CEO Greg Littleton. “She is well known throughout our community and brings a wealth of leadership and banking experience to our growing Private Banking division, working alongside Bonnie Parker and Tiffani Gozdur.”

Missy has volunteered in the community throughout her career, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Florida Citrus Showcase and Keep Winter Haven Clean and Beautiful. She is a past president of the Lake Alfred Chamber of Commerce and is currently on the Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven Board of Directors. She is a graduate of the Florida School of Banking and Leadership Winter Haven, Class 22.

Contact Michelle “Missy” Joyce  today!


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.