Some career paths are carefully planned. Others have a way of coming full circle.
For Leah Harrell, banking was always familiar. She grew up watching Citizens Community Bank become part of Franklin County’s story, as well as her own. Still, she spent more than 20 years building a successful career in education before ever stepping through the bank’s doors as an employee.
“I was in the seventh grade when the bank opened, and it has been an important part of my life ever since,” Harrell said. “The employees always treated me like family, and in many ways, they truly were.”
Although banking had long interested her, Harrell chose to follow her mother’s example and pursue a career in education. She served Franklin County Schools for more than two decades, much of that time in administrative leadership, while remaining closely connected to Citizens Community Bank through service on its advisory board and later its board of directors.
Looking back, she sees that education and banking have something important in common.
“Both education and community banking have played significant roles in shaping my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an institution that has meant so much to my family and me,” she said.
When the opportunity to join Citizens Community Bank arose, Harrell found herself at a crossroads. Leaving a career she loved wasn’t easy, but the chance to serve her community in a new way was one she couldn’t ignore.
Banking has always been part of Harrell’s story. Her father founded Citizens Community Bank alongside his longtime friend, Steve Collins, after many years of serving Franklin County as a banker.
“It was a joy to watch my father build and lead an institution into which he poured his heart and soul,” Harrell said. “It always warms my heart when someone shares a story about the positive impact he had on their life.”
Today, Harrell is proud to continue serving the same community that shaped her, while carving out her own place within the organization.
“I recognize that I have some very big shoes to fill,” she said. “I do not take that responsibility lightly.”
Though she has been in banking for just over two years, Harrell embraces the opportunity to learn something new every day. She credits the people around her for making the transition both welcoming and rewarding.
“I continue to learn something new every day,” she said. “Banking is a lifelong learning process, and I am grateful to be surrounded by people who are invested in my success.”
Harrell currently works in credit analysis and marketing and also serves as chair of the loan committee and secretary to the board of directors. Each responsibility has given her a greater appreciation for the many ways community banking impacts the lives of local families and businesses.
As a lifelong resident of Franklin County, that mission is especially meaningful.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to serve the county that has given so much to me throughout my life,” Harrell said. “Following in the footsteps of my parents, I am grateful for the chance to give back to the community that raised me.”
That desire to serve reaches well beyond the bank. Harrell is vice president of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Board, a member of the Winchester Noon Rotary Club, and serves on the board of the Franklin County Educational Foundation for Excellence. Through each organization, she continues investing in the community she has always called home.
One of the biggest lessons Harrell has learned is that it’s never too late to embrace a new opportunity. At 46, with two children in college, she left behind a career she was comfortable with and well established in to begin again in an entirely different profession.
“I have never regretted taking that leap of faith,” she said. “This new chapter has reignited a passion and enthusiasm within me.”
That experience has shaped the advice she now offers to others who may be wondering if it’s too late to pursue something new.
“Don’t be afraid to take the leap,” Harrell said. “Taking that chance opened doors that I never expected, and it has been a reminder that it is never too late to pursue and discover new possibilities.”
As she looks ahead, Harrell plans to continue learning every aspect of community banking while remaining actively involved in serving Franklin County.
“I believe the possibilities are endless,” she said. “Banking and community service are in my DNA, and I am committed to giving my very best each day, continuing to learn, and embracing every opportunity that comes my way.”
For Harrell, this new chapter extends beyond banking. It reflects her ongoing commitment to serving Franklin County while continuing to learn, grow, and give back. GN
