Atlanta banking leader takes on national role supporting community banks, small businesses, and access to capital.

ATLANTA, GA — Cynthia N. Day, President and Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Trust Bank, has been elected Chair of the National Bankers Association (NBA), a national trade association representing minority depository institutions and community-focused banks.

Day was formally elected during the association’s Annual Conference in October 2026.

In her new role, she will work alongside banking leaders from across the country to strengthen minority depository institutions, expand access to capital, and support economic opportunity in communities that have historically faced barriers to financial services.

Why This Matters for Small Businesses

For many small business owners, access to financing can determine whether they can purchase equipment, expand operations, hire employees, or move into a commercial space.

Community banks play an important role in helping entrepreneurs navigate those decisions, particularly in communities where access to traditional financial services has been limited.

Day’s new leadership position puts an Atlanta-based banking executive at the table for national conversations about how financial institutions can better serve small businesses, families, and local economies.

“Community banks play an important role in expanding access to capital, supporting small businesses, promoting homeownership, and helping families build financial stability,” Day said. “I look forward to contributing to that work through the National Bankers Association.”

More Than Two Decades of Banking Leadership

Day joined Citizens Trust Bank in 2003 and became Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2005. She was named Chief Executive Officer in 2012.

Under her leadership, Citizens Trust Bank has continued its work in small business lending, community development, financial education, homeownership initiatives, and economic development.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Citizens Trust Bank has served communities for more than 100 years, with a longstanding focus on expanding financial opportunity.

Ray Robinson, Chairman of Citizens Bancshares Corporation, said Day’s experience will benefit the national association.

“This appointment reflects Cynthia’s deep understanding of the role community banks play in helping individuals, businesses, and neighborhoods grow and prosper,” Robinson said.

An Atlanta Voice in National Banking Conversations

In addition to leading Citizens Trust Bank, Day serves on several corporate, industry, and civic boards, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Primerica, PROG Holdings, the American Bankers Association, and Meharry Medical College.

Her election comes as minority depository institutions continue working to improve access to banking services and financing in communities across the country.

For business owners throughout South Fulton and the greater Atlanta region, the appointment highlights the importance of community banking leadership in conversations about entrepreneurship, business financing, and local economic development.

“While this is a personal honor, it also reflects the work of the many associates, board members, customers, and community partners who support our mission every day,” Day said.

Source: Citizens Trust Bank news release, October 19, 2026.

About Citizens Trust Bank

Headquartered in Atlanta, Citizens Trust Bank has served communities for more than a century, providing banking services, financial education, and financing solutions for individuals, families, and businesses.