The Citizens Bank Liz Owen Named SVP And Chief Talent Officer
November 6, 2025 2:29 pmThe Citizens Bank of Philadelphia is excited to announce the appointment of Elizabeth “Liz” J. Owen as its Senior Vice President and Chief Talent Officer. Liz has previously served in the position of Director of Human Resources and Chief Risk Officer. With over 19 years of experience in talent and people-related matters, Liz brings proven leadership in the development and execution of a comprehensive human capital strategy that aligns with the bank’s mission, values and long-term business objections.
With a strong background in talent management, recruiting, and the development of forward-thinking human resources strategies, Liz is well-equipped to strengthen The Citizens Bank’s commitment to its core values and workplace culture. Her ability to anticipate organizational needs and implement modern HR practices will play a central role in driving initiatives focused on workforce modernization.
As Chief Talent Officer, Liz will oversee the bank’s human resources division, ensuring its ongoing development and operational excellence. In this capacity, she will serve as both a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the executive leadership team and the board of directors. Her primary responsibilities will include shaping and executing cultural initiatives that better align employee behaviors with the bank’s business values and objectives. Additionally, Liz will guide the design and rollout of comprehensive, enterprise-wide talent acquisition programs and leadership development initiatives, further positioning The Citizens Bank for continued growth and success.
“I’m incredibly excited to have Liz assume this new expanded role as Chief Talent Officer. Liz has proven her ability to lead in all phases of human resource management and is an integral part of our leadership team,” said Stacy M. Brantley, CEO. “Her new focus on ensuring our culture is infused throughout the company and building leadership development for all will be instrumental in driving growth and success well into the future. Her combination of experience, innovation, and execution position her to lead these initiatives and help lead our company forward.”
Liz is a long-term employee of the bank, joining the bank’s team in 2006. She is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Mississippi State University, where she also earned a Master of Business Administration in 2006. Liz is a 2018 graduate of the Mississippi School of Banking. She serves on the Mississippi Bankers Association Human Resources Committee, as well as the East Central Community College Alumni Board.
“I am proud to be a part of an organization like The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia,” said Owen. “Serving as Chief Talent Officer is a tremendous opportunity, and I am committed to partnering with our employees to further strengthen and grow the bank.”
About The Citizens Bank
The Citizens Bank opened in 1908 in Philadelphia, MS, and quickly earned a reputation for safety, confidence, honesty, integrity, and hard work. Throughout its history, the bank held steadfast to its commitment to be a bedrock partner to the communities it serves. Today, still grounded in the principles on which it was founded, The Citizens Bank serves the state of Mississippi through 26 branch offices and beyond with its digital and mobile banking solutions. The bank’s high-tech, high-touch approach to full-service banking helps provide the products and services of larger banks, but with a level of service that only a community bank committed to extraordinary service can provide.
Emily Agostinelli Joins The Citizens Bank As SVP And Chief Risk Officer
2:26 pmThe Citizens Bank of Philadelphia is excited to announce the hiring of Emily C. Agostinelli as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer. With over 25 years of experience in risk management, internal audit, and regulatory compliance, Emily brings proven expertise in transforming enterprise audit functions and risk governance. Her insights into regulatory compliance expectations, cross-functional team leadership, and M&A due diligence initiatives position her to enhance the bank’s enterprise risk management function, while strengthening operational effectiveness, controls, and growth.
As the new Chief Risk Officer, Emily will lead The Citizens Bank’s enterprise risk function and serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership and board of directors on matters related to risk management.
“I’m incredibly excited to add a seasoned executive like Emily Agostinelli to our management team. Her experience in building and executing risk management frameworks will greatly improve our ability to ensure our risk infrastructure is robust and prepare the company for future growth,” said Stacy M. Brantley, CEO. “I look forward to working with Emily and leadership throughout the bank to build stronger more effective risk management framework.”
Prior to joining The Citizens Bank, Emily served as the Chief Audit Officer & Executive Vice President for The First Bank. A certified internal auditor (CIA), Emily serves as a board member for the Central Mississippi Institute of Internal Auditors. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Delta State University.
“I’m excited to join the bank as Chief Risk Officer and lead its enterprise risk management efforts,” said Agostinelli. “I look forward to partnering with the leadership team to promote a forward-looking risk culture that will support sustainable growth and long-term stability for our customers, employees, and communities.”