Central Atlanta Progress Remembers James Young

February 28,2012

Central Atlanta Progress is saddened by the loss of Citizens Trust Bank President and Chief Executive Officer James E. Young, who succumbed to a brief battle with cancer on Monday, February 27.

A native of Cleveland, Tennessee, Mr. Young served as CTB's president and CEO since 1998. In addition to Central Atlanta Progress, Mr. Young served as a member of the Board of Directors for: The National Bankers Association, The Atlanta Action Forum, The Commerce Club and Rock-Tenn Company. In addition he was a member of the Board of Councilors of The Carter Center, the DeKalb County Chapter of 100 Black Men of America and Antioch AME Church in Stone Mountain. He is survived by his wife Rebecca Young, of over thirty years, three sons and a daughter.

James E. Young joined Citizens Trust Bank of Atlanta on February 2, 1998 as President and CEO as a result of the merger of the institution and DeKalb County's First Southern Bank, where he had been President and CEO since 1993.

Attributing much of his success to consistently striving for excellence, Mr. Young, until his death, remained a steward of dignity and humility. Under his guidance and direction Citizens Trust Bank continued to be safe, sound and well capitalized.

"The passing of Mr. Young has left us deeply saddened. He will be tremendously missed but not forgotten," Cynthia N. Day, newly appointed President and CEO of Citizens Trust Bank, said in a company statement. "Mr. Young has left a lasting impact on us all with his wisdom, his character and his ability to inspire others. We will continue to honor him and the legacy he has left. Citizens Bancshares Corporation's Board of Directors, management team and staff continues to embrace and pray for the family to show our support."