Citizens Bank creates new Retail Administration Department

Citizens Bank, headquartered in Batesville, has announced the formation of a Retail Administration Department to align and strengthen its community banking model, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer service.

Katherine Harris (top row, right) and Amanda Morris (top row, left) will lead the new department. Harris, named retail operations manager, will oversee retail banking delivery and operations. Morris, named retail planning and development manager, will be responsible for training, planning, and executing 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 focus on retail operations and supporting the bank’s branches across various markets.

“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.

She previously served as a retail market manager at Citizens Bank. Harris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in management from the University of Central Arkansas and is a graduate of the bank’s EDGE leadership program. She and her husband, Derek, are members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Batesville. They have five children: Owen, Eden, Ava, Dane and Page.

Morris will oversee the training, planning and implementation of retail initiatives. Her responsibilities include leading staff development, launching retail programs and enhancing customer service standards.

“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.”

Morris previously served as a market retail manager for Central, South and Southeast Arkansas. She holds an associate degree in liberal arts from Arkansas State University and is a graduate of several bank management programs. She serves as treasurer of the Okatoma Development Corporation, a position she has held since 2017. Morris lives in Little Rock with her husband, Chris. They have three children: Laura, Christian and Ethan.

As part of the initiative, Citizens Bank also announced the promotion of Kevin Anders (bottom row, right) and Pat Savell (bottom row, left).

Anders was named market retail manager for the Central Arkansas and Hot Springs markets. In his new role, he will manage retail operations, supervise branch staff and promote customer service across those regions. He previously served as a 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. “Building lasting relationships with customers and helping generate new business is something I don’t take lightly.”

Anders served in the U.S. Army Reserve for eight years and attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Arkansas State University–Beebe. He volunteers at the Arkansas Foodbank and lives in Sherwood with his wife, Ashley, and their son, Blake.

Savell was named market retail manager for the North Central region. She brings 34 years of experience in the banking industry, including 11 years at Citizens Bank. She most recently served as retail manager of the bank’s headquarters.

“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.

She lives in Melbourne with her husband, Roger.

Images provided by Citizens Bank