Greg Batchelor knows he's been blessed in his life and it has nothing to do with his recent promotion to Chairman of the Board of CB&S Bank.
With his new position, Batchelor will work hand-in-hand with his 91-year-old father, Cecil. Although Cecil has moved into the position of Chairman Emeritus, he still comes to his office at CB&S Bank's main downtown Russellville branch every day. And Greg hopes that doesn't change anytime soon.
“It's been a major blessing. Not only is it a blessing it's fun to be able to work alongside your father,” Batchelor said. “You can't put a value on what that's worth. Growing up in our house as a youngster all the way to today, it's been a constant learning experience. We never get too old to learn from our parents,” he added.
Batchelor took over day-to-day operations of his family's bank May 19th. He previously served on the bank's board of directors for more than a quarter century. Batchelor's sister, Rebecca Reeves, was named Vice-Chairman of the Board and Chairman-Elect.
Bank employees and customers know the active hand Cecil Batchelor has taken in the bank for more than five decades and his decision to resign as Board Chairman came as a surprise to some.
“I think he was just ready,” Greg said of his father's retirement. “His wisdom will always be welcome and we want him to be there as long as he wants to. We truly feel like all CB&S Bank employees are one big family and our customers are part of that family too. CB&S will remain a family bank,” Batchelor added.
CB&S Bank saw tremendous growth under Cecil's leadership. The bank has grown from $5 million in total assets to more than $1.5 billion and has expanded to 55 branches in Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi. Batchelor hopes to see continued growth for his company but also wants to keep the core, community values that built the bank. And CB&S' home base will remain in downtown Russellville.
“This community is part of our family. We constantly have local employees and we use a lot of college kids from this area in part-time positions. I hope some of them make a career out of banking,” Batchelor said.
Batchelor will remain on the Board of Directors at Jasper-based Pinnacle Bank, a position he's held since 1981.
“That experience has helped prepare me on the CB&S board and also gives you an opportunity to see what's going on elsewhere in a different operation that's not a competitor,” Batchelor said.
Although he's 'handed over the keys' to the bank to his son and daughter, Cecil plans to remain active with CB&S.
“It's been an incredible privilege and personally gratifying for me to have led the CB&S Bank family for the past 52 years and to have worked with such amazing people,” Cecil said. “I've been surrounded by an incredible, knowledgeable team, one I am confident will take the bank to even greater success in the future. We operate as a family—employees, directors and customers alike—and I'm proud of the positive impact we've had in each community we serve,” he added.
Dennis Upchurch, CB&S Bank President and CEO, said Cecil's impact on the bank will continue to resonate for years to come.
“We thank and honor him for his service to the bank and to the community, and we are proud of the leadership he has provided,” Upchurch said.
“Our bank, community, employees and customers are all better off from his wisdom, compassion and innovation. We are excited about the future as Mr. Greg Batchelor assumes his new role. One thing is certain: Big things are in store for CB&S Bank,” Upchurch added.
