Blog

Rooted in Community, Driven by Experience: Meet Board Member Shane Wilks

At Citizens Bank & Trust, our board of directors is the backbone of the bank’s vision and success. Their collective experience, deep community roots, and commitment to excellence drive everything we do. As part of our campaign to showcase the heart and dedication behind Citizens Bank & Trust, we’re excited to introduce each of our board members. We’ll start with Shane Wilks, whose leadership and experience have been integral to our growth since the bank’s inception.

Q: What do you value most about being part of the Citizens Bank & Trust team?
What I value most about being part of the Citizens Bank & Trust team is the commitment to community-focused banking. The bank’s focus on core values and delivering personalized service while maintaining a strong sense of integrity and responsibility aligns perfectly with my own values. Working alongside a talented group of professionals dedicated to positively impacting our customers and local communities is truly rewarding.

Q: How do you see Citizens Bank & Trust making a positive impact in the community?
I know of no other Bank that represents community service better than Citizens. Citizens Bank & Trust exemplifies community service. Our associates dedicate countless hours each year to various charities and causes. We invest in the communities we serve by supporting small businesses, providing education through school banking programs, and partnering with community organizations to foster economic growth. There’s no other bank that represents community service better than Citizens.

Q: What unique perspective or experience do you bring to the board?
Having served on a previous bank board before helping organize Citizens Bank & Trust, I gained valuable insight into what it takes to run a great bank. Additionally, my 50+ years in our family business, where the word "service" is in our name, have taught me the importance of providing best-in-class service. At Citizens, my fellow board members and I have combined our knowledge and experience to grow this bank into a premier Alabama community bank that our customers, shareholders, and communities can be proud of.

Q: How do you stay connected with the bank’s mission and core values in your role?
By aligning my daily tasks, decision-making, and long-term goals with the bank’s core values, I ensure my work remains focused on fostering a positive culture. The bank’s values closely mirror those of my family’s business: work hard, do right, exceed expectations, and give back.

Q: What does "community banking" mean to you, and why is it important?
Community banking means truly being a part of the community—not just saying you are but actively making a difference. It’s about being locally owned, giving back, staying involved, and helping those less fortunate. Community banking is essential because it builds stronger, more connected communities.

Q: If you could describe Citizens Bank & Trust in three words, what would they be?
“Go. Fight. Win.” This phrase, often used in my business, embodies Citizens Bank & Trust.

• GO: The drive to tackle each day’s challenges.
• FIGHT: The determination to seize opportunities and give each one our best effort.
• WIN: The commitment to making a difference, always striving for success, and giving it our all.

Q: What excites you most about the future of Citizens Bank & Trust?
Our track record speaks for itself. We have built the bank for long-term success, focusing on steady, sustainable growth rather than quick expansion. Our leadership team is second to none, and we’re constantly planning for the future by identifying great talent to join our team. Our technology is ahead of the curve, positioning us for continued growth and excellence. I am excited to see Citizens Bank & Trust thrive as we remain dedicated to serving our communities.

About Shane
Shane Wilks has served on the Citizens Bank & Trust Board since its founding in 2003. He is the President of Wilks Tire & Battery Service, Alabama’s largest family-owned tire business and the Southeast’s largest independent Goodyear dealer. Shane and his brother have grown their company from one location to twelve across Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia.

In addition to his work in the tire industry, Shane is involved in commercial real estate development and serves on several community boards, including the Albertville Industrial Board, Marshall County Economic Development Board, and Snead State Foundation Board. He is a past president of the Alabama Tire Dealers Association and the Albertville Rotary Club. Shane was named Albertville Citizen of the Year in 2016.

Shane graduated from Albertville High School and Snead State College with a degree in business and accounting. He has been married to Susan LeCroy of Guntersville for 42 years and is the proud father of two children and grandfather to two grandchildren.