The History of First National Bank of Central Alabama

In 1965, seven local businessmen saw a need for a new bank in Aliceville, Alabama. These men, most with agricultural backgrounds, had the foresight and the competitive spirit that has spearheaded First National Bank’s growth to more than $230 million in assets today. Two of these original founders of the bank, W.C. Martin, Jr., and Dr. J.E. Jordan, continue to actively serve on the bank’s board of directors.

James K. Bailey, Jr. joined the bank in 1974 and was named President in 1978. This made the team complete, and the bank soon began to flourish by delivering the down-home service that local townspeople loved and supported. In August 1984, a newly formed holding company purchased the Bank of Gordo, which gave First National Bank more diversity and strength in numbers. In 1989, a new branch was established in Carrollton, and another branch opened in Reform in 1991, giving First National Bank an office in every major town in the county.

Four years later, in 1995, the bank expanded across county lines to neighboring Northport. Tuscaloosa County welcomed First National Bank because of its personal, down-home service, something that could not be found at many of the larger banks in the county.

The bank made a major commitment to Tuscaloosa County when it opened its corporate headquarters and full service bank in downtown Tuscaloosa in February 2006, and new board members from the Tuscaloosa business community were added to the bank’s leadership team.

Bailey retired as Chief Executive Officer in August 2006 after more than 30 years of service to FNB.

Today, under the leadership of Sam Parks, who was named President in 2007, and a dynamic board of directors, the bank is moving into it’s fifth decade of service to Central Alabama.  FNB will continue to maintain it’s emphasis on personal banking and local decision-making but continuously improve its products and services to meet the changing needs of its customers.

The bank’s number one goal is to provide unparalleled customer service in a professional and friendly manner. The bank takes pride in its corporate entity as the bank that knows its customers by name. All management personnel take an active part in their respective communities, supporting local schools and civic organizations and help recruit new businesses and industries to the area.

First National Bank of Central Alabama offers all types of banking services, from agricultural and business loans to real estate financing. The bank offers ATMs, Internet banking, debit cards, credit cards and many other services. FNB consistently pays its customers competitive rates on deposit accounts and loans.