Suffolk News-Herald

Right now, it’s just an empty modular building sitting at the corner of the Windsor Food Lion parking lot.

But by the end of April, the building will be transformed into the temporary home of Citizens National Bank, said Douglas A. Chesson, the bank’s president and CEO.

The Zuni resident is a veteran in the region’s community banking industry, having spent 18 years working at the small community bank in Wakefield that is now owned BB&T.

Chesson, an Ivor native, said he prefers the close, personal services that working in a community bank offers.

&uot;I saw this as an excellent opportunity that would allow me to support the community,&uot;

he said. &uot;I’ve got a good group of directors and great employees.

I feel like blessed to be a part of it.&uot;

Being in on the ground floor of establishing a new bank has been educational and interesting, Chesson said.

&uot;It’s been interesting to see things come together and participate in what the bank will actually look like,&uot; he said. &uot;We’re looking forward to opening for the citizens of this community.&uot;

Name? Douglas A. Chesson.

Age? 42

Hometown: Zuni

Family? Married 18 years to wife, Donna. We have three children: Blair, 13; Adam, 12; and Tyler, 10.

Education? Graduated from Virginia Tech, with a political science degree; The Virginia-Maryland Banking School; and Louisiana State University’s Graduate School of Banking.

Career/occupation? President and chief executive officer of CNB Bancorp, LLC & Citizens National Bank (in organization). Prior to that, I spent 18 years working at F&M Bank – Atlantic (now BB&T), formerly United Community Bank, which were originally the Bank of Sussex and Surry. I had several different positions over the years, the last of which was senior vice president/senior lending and supervisory officer at the Wakefield bank.

Why do you like working for community banks? I like to use my education and professional bank training experience to help serve local community families with their financial needs in a personal manner.

Volunteer activities? Member of the Southampton County Planning Commission; chairman, Southampton County Board of Zoning Appeals; and Board of Deacons, Sunday school teacher; member of stewardship, audio/visual committees, Tucker Swamp Baptist Church

Favorite thing about life in Suffolk and surrounding communities? People are courteous and generally very friendly.

What accomplishment are you proudest of? I am most thankful for my biological and church families.

Who or what motivates and inspires you? The Holy Spirit

Favorite way to spend free time? An evening out with the family.

What words of wisdom would you like to share with others? Continue to support our president and troops in Iraq.

What ingredients are in the recipe for a good life? Peace, hope and love. The greatest of these is love.

We all have our 15 minutes of fame in this life. How would you spend your time in the spotlight? I would speak about the importance of spiritual health. The most important message one could convey is that of the gospel of Jesus Christ. A relationship with Him can bring an individual comfort and peace, which is beyond our understanding.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Have more hair!