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Rooted in Community. Driven by Experience: Insights from Laura Kappler-Roberts

As part of our ongoing campaign, "Rooted in Community. Driven by Experience," we are reintroducing our Board of Directors. Each member brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and a deep commitment to making our communities thrive. In this post, we're excited to feature Laura Kappler-Roberts, President & CEO of Kappler, Inc., and Director at Citizens Bank & Trust.

Let’s dive into our Q&A with Laura, where she shares her thoughts on community banking, her connection to the bank's values, and her vision for the future.

Q: What do you value most about being part of the Citizens Bank & Trust team?
The founding on Christian values. I am happy to be part of an organization that strives for greater good over self.

Q: How do you see Citizens Bank & Trust making a positive impact in the community?
The personal relationships Citizens’ employees have created provide a solid foundation of trust with the customer base. This trust fuels a positive economic impact in the various communities served by Citizens Bank.
The various Wildcat Branches in the local school systems established by Citizens have a tremendously positive impact by providing real-world work-based learning opportunities for high school students. The communities these students and future leaders choose to work in will no doubt benefit from their experience as Wildcat Branch Tellers.

Q: What unique perspective or experience do you bring to the board?
I am a second-generation family owner of a manufacturing company. I am experienced with strategic vision and succession planning – two important assets for achieving growth and securing business continuity. My experience also allows me to relate to many of our customers and their banking needs.

Q: How do you stay connected with the bank’s mission and core values in your role?
I relate to the bank’s core value of embracing opportunities and challenges. As a small business owner, responsible for 150+ employees and their families, I have developed an intolerance for complacency and a hunger for serving the greater good.

Q: What does "community banking" mean to you, and why is it important?
Personal Relationship with a commitment to supporting banking needs through thick and thin.

Q: If you could describe Citizens Bank & Trust in three words, what would they be?
Stewardship, Honest, and Smart.

Q: What excites you most about the future of Citizens Bank & Trust?
North Alabama is in a position of growth in various areas such as real estate, manufacturing, and retail development. It is exciting to be part of a bank that is well poised to support this multitude of opportunities.

About Laura 
Laura Kay Kappler-Roberts is president and CEO of Kappler, Inc., a global leader in chemical and biohazard protective fabrics and apparel based in Guntersville, Alabama. She joined Kappler in 1997 after graduating from the University of South Alabama, and became president and CEO in 2014. Throughout her 25-year career, she has worked in virtually every area of the operation, gaining experience in manufacturing, operations, and leadership.

Laura is deeply involved in the community, serving on the Guntersville City School Board, as a Director of Citizens Bank & Trust, and contributing to various civic and educational organizations. She was honored as Citizen of the Year in 2017 and recognized by the Manufacturing Institute with the STEP Ahead award for her leadership in STEM.

Laura and her husband, Patrick Roberts, have two sons, Jacob and Joseph.

We are so fortunate to have leaders like Laura on our Board. Stay tuned for more introductions as we continue to highlight our exceptional team, rooted in community, driven by experience!