Business leaders Anthony Lewis and Gil Beverly join board of directors
NASHVILLE, TN — After three decades serving on the Citizens Savings Bank & Trust board of directors, and as board chairman since 2017, Attorney Richard Manson will step down making room for two new board members to assist the historic bank continue in its strategic direction. Nashville-based Citizens Savings Bank & Trust is the nation’s oldest continuously operating minority owned and operated bank.
Bank officials expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Manson in a letter acknowledging his “outstanding leadership and dedicated service.” Manson was saluted for his “commitment, passion, and vision” as part of shaping the success and impact of the organization. The letter added that “your departure leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will always be remembered.”
Throughout Manson’s tenure as chairman, he was a guiding force helping to provide strategic vision and sound decision-making in steering the organization to new heights and achieving significant milestones that made a profound impact on the community. Manson’s tireless efforts and commitment to service have created a legacy that will continue to shape the organization’s future for years to come.
“As we bid farewell to you as Chairman, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your leadership, mentorship, and friendship,” according to the bank’s correspondence to Manson. “Your steadfast dedication and selfless contributions have left an indelible mark on our organization, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside you.”
As Manson departs, Citizens Bank announces the appointment of two Nashville business and community leaders to its board of directors. The bank recently celebrated 120 years in business on Jan. 16.
Gil Beverly, executive vice president and chief business officer of The Academy of Country Music, has substantial experience across the sports and entertainment worlds. He previously spent more than four years with the Tennessee Titans as chief marketing and revenue officer. In his role with the Titans, Beverly led the organization to four successive years of record revenues across corporate partnerships and ticket sales while revitalizing the Titans brand through lifestyle marketing and activations tied to music, fashion, art, and fitness, along with groundbreaking advertising and social media campaigns. Beverly also served as executive project lead for the preliminary stages of the new Titans stadium plan.
Prior to joining the Titans organization, Beverly served as vice president of Partnership Solutions at Learfield Sports in Plano, Texas after a 13-year stint at ESPN, where he oversaw the go-to-market strategy for multimedia sales and sponsorships for the launch of the College Football Playoff as vice president of College Sports Marketing.
Michael Anthony Lewis brings a wealth of experience to banking and the financial industry. He currently serves as managing partner and chief financial officer of Transfare Inc., a leading food service corporation which includes the ownership of multiple Burger King restaurants across Nashville. He has extensive experience in the financial and business industries, including 10 years in Business Development for SunTrust and SouthTrust Banks.
Lewis has a proven history of driving financial growth and stability, implementing cost-saving measures, and optimizing financial processes to enhance overall efficiency. He also serves as funeral director of Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors and is a graduate of Leadership Nashville Class of 2020.
“We are thrilled to welcome these two influential Nashville business leaders to our board of directors,” said Sergio Ora, CEO of Citizens Savings Bank and Trust Company. “They bring diverse talents and leadership experience serving the community. Their proven record of success and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Citizens’ values and goals. We look forward to collaborating to help the bank reach our goals.”
Founded in 1904, Citizens Savings Bank and Trust Company is the first minority owned bank in Tennessee and the oldest continuously operating and minority owned and operated bank in the United States. It is a privately-owned company with approximately $180 million in assets. The bank is a Certified Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and dedicated to expanding economic opportunity to underserved communities by providing access to financial products and services to individuals and businesses. As a purpose driven bank based in North Nashville with a presence in Memphis, Citizens Bank finished 2021 with $45 million in loans—a new annual record for the bank. The bank funded $15 million in development projects in the heart of the community paving the way for additional community investment in the future. Learn more at https://www.bankcbn.com/.
