About Us

In 1934, Citizens Clearing Bank was established to serve Eastman and Dodge County, Georgia. After 32 years of business, the bank’s name was changed to Citizens Bank & Trust Company. In 1985, the bank was acquired by the W. S. Stuckey family and expanded to surrounding central Georgia communities.

In 2018, we began to envision a new roadmap for Citizens Bank—one that preserves our community bank model and allows expansion beyond our Middle Georgia roots. It was quickly evident that a name change would be necessary to avoid naming conflicts with other banks.

On June 30, 2020, the bank changed its name to Great Oaks Bank, which celebrates the strength, endurance, and majesty of the great and mighty oaks that grace our landscape and symbolize who we are, where our roots are, and our vision for a bright, growing future. Like us, they have withstood the tests of time, and they keep growing and reaching higher.

In late 2018, the bank opened its first coastal office in Richmond Hill, Georgia. This office was relocated to a newly constructed banking center in November 2020. In August 2020, the Savannah Quarters office opened in Pooler, Georgia, and in May of 2022, the Savannah Southside location opened its doors. These offices serve the dynamic, rapidly growing Savannah MSA. From banking offices in Eastman, Cochran, Rhine, Savannah, Richmond Hill, and Pooler, and through our robust online and mobile platforms, an excellent team of dedicated bankers is available to meet the financial services needs of our growing communities and customers.

Much has changed since 1934. Through these changing times, Great Oaks Bank has remained focused on providing excellent service to our customers at a fair price utilizing the latest technology. We have also invested in the economic development and well-being of the communities we serve and generously supported educational and charitable causes.

We recognize that our success is dependent upon the success of our customers and our communities. Thank you for the privilege of serving your needs and helping you to Grow Your Legacy today and into the future.

Our Mission:

To be the preferred partner in helping families, businesses, and our communities achieve financial success.

Our Vision:

To be the bank of choice in the communities we serve, with trusted advisors providing responsive, friendly service and creative banking solutions supported by best-in-class technology.

Our Core Values:

At Great Oaks Bank, we are differentiated by:

  • Integrity: doing the right thing and never compromising our standards, regardless of the cost; being trustworthy and respected advisors

  • Teamwork: working together and being responsive to internal and external customers while creating strong relationships and mutual respect for diverse ideas

  • Excellence: never settling; working diligently to exceed the expectations of our customers and empowering our team to grow professionally

  • Community Support: providing leadership and financial support in the communities we serve

  • Results: exhibiting an entrepreneurial spirit; finding creative solutions with rewarding outcomes for our customers and team members; recognizing that our success is measured by growth and enhanced value for our shareholders