RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 18, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Raleigh-headquartered First Citizens Bank announced today that James A. Bennett will lead the bank's newly acquired Capitol City Bank & Trust division operations. As previously announced, First Citizens Bank entered into an agreement on Friday, Feb. 13, with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) to purchase certain assets and assume certain liabilities of Capitol City Bank & Trust Company of Atlanta, Ga. Capitol City Bank & Trust is now a division of First Citizens Bank.
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In addition to serving as the bank's area executive for its South Carolina Central area, Bennett will assume responsibility for all eight Capitol City Bank & Trust branch locations in Georgia: Lee Street main office, Cascade Road, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and Peachtree in Atlanta; and Stone Mountain, Albany, Augusta and Savannah.
Prior to his current role as area executive for First Citizens Bank, Bennett served as director of public affairs and chief diversity officer for First Citizens Bank and Trust Company, Inc. of South Carolina. In that executive leadership position, he oversaw the company's diversity and community reinvestment initiatives and managed the bank's community lending, service and investment activities for more than 175 offices throughout South Carolina and Georgia. He also has served as president and chief executive officer of South Carolina Community Bank and as president of Victory Savings Bank – both African-American-run financial institutions.
"James brings extensive experience and knowledge to Capitol City Bank & Trust," said Frank B. Holding Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of First Citizens Bank. "He has a unique ability to build long-standing relationships with associates and business partners and, most importantly, is deeply committed to the communities we serve."
Among Bennett's many honors, he was the first African-American to receive the Outstanding Young Banker Award from the South Carolina Bankers Association. He currently serves as a member of the SCANA Board of Directors and as vice chairman of the Claflin University Board of Trustees. Bennett is actively involved in the Columbia, S.C., Urban League and has been for more than 25 years. He previously served on the boards of the South Carolina Ports Authority and Governor's School for the Arts.
"I am honored to lead the bank's new Capitol City Bank & Trust division," Bennett said. "I look forward to working with a well-respected financial institution that shares our strong desire to help customers achieve their individual financial goals."
About First Citizens
Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., First Citizens Bank serves customers at 566 branches in 18 states and the District of Columbia. First Citizens Bank is a subsidiary of First Citizens BancShares Inc. (Nasdaq:FCNCA), which has $30 billion in assets. For more information, call toll free 1.888.FC DIRECT (1.888.323.4732) or visit firstcitizens.com. First Citizens Bank. Forever First®.
