Citizens Bancorp hires new president and chief operating officer

 Citizens Bancorp has a new president and chief operating officer.

  According to the Nevada City-based bank’s web site, Judy Hess has been replaced by Gary Gall, who previously worked as the president and chief executive officer of Western Sierra Bancorp.

  Hess will remain with Citizens Bank as the chief banking officer. She will report to Gall, who has 36 years of banking experience.

  “It has been an honor to lead our bank, along with our board of directors, through its growth and direction over the past six years,” Hess said in a statement. “With the severity of today’s economic times it became clear to the board and myself that Gary Gall’s specific strengths and vast experience were needed to lead our bank into the future.”

  According to the press release, Gall’s career has been devoted to community banking. Prior to his 13 years with Western Sierra, he was the president/CEO of Delta National Bank in Manteca for six years.

  During his tenure at Western Sierra Bancorp, the bank grew assets from $50 million with four branches to over $1.2 billion and 31 branches within a multi-bank holding company environment, the bank said. The press release said the bank negotiated and completed the merger or acquisition of six other community banks between 1999 and 2005.
  “Our bank will draw on Gary’s deep experience in local and regional banking and his commitment to community banking as we approach our 15th year in serving the needs of businesses and individuals in Nevada and Placer counties” said Ken Baker, the chairman of the board.

Gall said in the press release that he’s looking forward to working in Nevada County.
 “I have always had an admiration and respect for Citizens Bank and its strong commitment to the community as well as its high-touch customer service. I have always enjoyed visiting Nevada County for its beauty and culture. It will now be my pleasure to work in as well as be an integral part of the community.”
  Founded in February 1995, Citizens Bank became a wholly owned subsidiary of the company in 2003. The Bank has six branches in Nevada County, including Grass Valley, Penn Valley, Lake of the Pines, Truckee and their flagship branch and corporate headquarters in Nevada City.

  According to its web site, Western Sierra Bancorp was incorporated in 1996 in California, is based in Cameron Park and its annual revenue is $73,848,000. Its past acquisitions include Roseville 1^st National Bank, which it acquired in April 1999.

  To see the press release or to get more information on Citizens Bank, go to citizensbanknc.com.