Author: Anthony Sassano

We are so honored to have been named Best Bank for the third year in a row at last night’s The Ledger’s Best of the Best awards. We are proud to be your bank.

Congratulations to our President, Greg Littleton, and one of our favorite friends, Chris Hazelwood, on being honored with the Bankers Cup award last night. As Man and Woman of the Year, they received Winter Haven’s highest honor in recognition of their many years of community service and leadership. We are so proud of both of you!

Greg Littleton was born in Winter Haven and grew up in Auburndale. His story isn’t one about someone who came to Central Florida for good weather, or about the person that moves somewhere new and ends up coming back home to Polk County. His parents each moved here as teens, with their families, and never left. He knew from day one that he would follow in their footsteps. From his high school diploma at Auburndale High School to working as President and CEO of Citizens Bank and Trust, Greg has always called Central Florida home.

“Auburndale and the surrounding area was a great place to grow up and I always thought it would be a great place to raise a family,” said Greg.

Family is at the top of his priorities, and he feels blessed to have his parents, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and church family all together in one area. The fact that this is home is his favorite thing about living here now. He wanted his own children to enjoy and experience what has shaped him.

“I love so many things about Central Florida that it’s difficult to narrow them down to my favorite,” said Greg. “I love the natural resources of Polk County. I love the chain of lakes, orange groves, pasture lands, and so many undisturbed natural areas that are scattered around our county.”

Greg went to Polk State College where he received an Associate of Arts degree in 1987. He went on to get his bachelor’s degree from Freed-Hardeman University and pursued a graduate degree from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. He has a passion for education and he believes in the power it has to change lives. He serves as the immediate past chairman and remains on the board for both Polk Vision and Polk State College.

“I am so proud to be associated with Polk State College because they exist to make education accessible to anyone with the desire to attend,” said Greg.

Being of service to others, both corporately and personally, is extremely important to Greg. He believes that like his parents who helped him get his start, there is an obligation for him to help others. Personally, he has served as chairman of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce and the East Polk Committee of 100. He was also a member of the Lake Wales Arts Council board and the Polk Museum of Art Board. Currently, he is the chairman of the Winter Haven Economic Council and the Heart of Florida Hospital.

Corporately, Citizens Bank and Trust takes the responsibility to give back and to show support with dollars. Even more importantly, the bank represents a good citizen through service. They are volunteers and leaders throughout the county. Relationships are a huge part of why he is so appreciative of the banking industry in general.

“While taking deposits and making loans might not seem particularly noble, it makes me proud to think about how many home purchases, first cars, adoptions, college educations and on and on that our bank has been able to assist with,” said Greg.

When he’s not running from office to office around the county, Greg enjoys spending time with his wife Julie and two daughters, Currie Ann and Anna Beth. They love being outdoors either at the beach, on the lake, or in their backyard grilling and eating together. One little known fact about Greg is that he has been on two cross-country trips onboard a motorcycle. Riding motorcycles with a group of close friends is a hobby of his, though he claims his wife would tell you that buying the accessories for them is a close second.

Greg has and will continue to serve the community in Polk County and to enjoy all of things he loves about our area.

“Polk County is home for me and literally the only place I have ever called home. I am thankful for everything and everyone that makes it such a special place!” Greg said.

Citizens Bank has been around for nearly a century and is still owned by the family of founder Latt Maxcy. Maxcy’s grandchildren own Citizens Bank and Trust and give their full support to the bank’s mission of giving back to the community. This rich history and dedication to Polk County sets the bank apart from the rest.