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The year 2025 marks the 120th anniversary of Century Next Bank. Each month, members of our team will share something special about the banking industry. Today we explore what it means to serve on our board of directors.
What does a bank’s board of directors do? This responsibility is important for the health and prosperity of our bank, and we enlist people of integrity, character, and community insight. Our directors have a “boots on the ground” mindset and are in alignment with our executive leadership’s vision for the bank. We visited with Bartlett H. Dugdale about his role as a member of the Century Next Bank Board of Directors. Professionally, Bart works in the insurance industry.
When I entered the board, I was coming into the role not knowing entirely what to expect. I have found being on the CNext board is like being a part of a family. The board, executive team and all of the bank team staffers feel like family. There is a unity and partnership working with each other.
Vision casting is one role -alongside the other team members. Not just casting, but implementing and carrying out the vision within the
board and bank as a whole. It is incredibly rewarding to see our group - the board, executive team and the bank as a whole- work as a team to accomplish the goals of the bank. What we do circles back in showing success or if a direction needs adjustment.
It does. As a business owner and a consumer, building a relationship with your bank is crucial. You see what you need and create a partnership with your bank. These banking relationships are beneficial to success. We see that in Century Next Bank.
Directors can have unlimited personal liability for any negligence from the bank. Think about an LLC, that liability for an individual is limited, but we can be held personally responsible for the actions of the bank. We take that seriously. Bank board members are the most exposed compared to other industries.
Any board, I cannot answer yes, but the Century Next Board, I can recommend it. Working in the insurance business, I mitigate risks daily. When I joined in 2016, I saw the team and history of the bank as a positive in this decision.
We are not a rubber stamp committee. It is active and working. We make tough decisions and feedback is welcome and we have strong discussions. There is interaction, much dialogue and we weigh the decisions… who are the key players, what are the factors affecting customers and the bank as whole? We work through issues and leave unified. I can say this is a very healthy board.
