Board of Directors

Don Bloomer serves as the President of Citizens Bancshares, Inc., following a distinguished 48-year career at Citizens National Bank. After joining the bank in 1976, he led the institution as President and CEO from 2008 until his retirement in February 2024. Today, he continues to guide the organization's overarching mission through his executive leadership at the holding company level.

Harris "Happy" Rakestraw serves as the Chairman of the Board for both Citizens National Bank and Citizens Bancshares, Inc. A foundational member of the leadership team, he has served as a bank director since 1989. Happy brings deep entrepreneurial experience to his role, having previously spent over four decades building and leading Super Service as its President from its founding in 1980 until his retirement.

Ron Absher is the former President and Owner of B&B Resources, Inc. He has served as a Director of Citizens National Bank since February 2008.

Robert "Bob" Harris is the retired Principal of Harris & Associates, PSC. He has served as a Director of Citizens National Bank since August 2001. 

Steve Merrick is the President of Merrick Hardwoods, Inc., Kentucky Hardwood Lumber Co. Inc., and Somerset Biofuel, Inc. He joined the Board of Directors in February 2008 and serves as Vice-Chairman of both the Board and Citizens Bancshares, Inc. 

Larry VanHook is a retired Agency Manager for the Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. He became a Director of Citizens National Bank in February 2008 and serves as Vice President of Citizens Bancshares, Inc.