INVESTOR PROFILE
CRP U Update
Clint Kirkland
Executive Vice President, Madison County Regional President
CB&S Bank
Applications open soon for next cohort
W
e are pleased to share that we’ll host a second cohort of our leadership training program for small businesses. Navigating from Tech Manager to People Manager offers valuable training in leadership and management to those transitioning from technical to human-centric roles in their company in a cost-effective way. About a dozen participants graduated from our first cohort in early June. They met once per month for six months, learning foundational management concepts and leadership effectiveness. “I’m newer to management and have come from a technical background,” shared participant Jared Erickson. “This course has helped bridge some gaps of understanding how to lead the people around me and set my team on a path of success.” “CRP U was an incredibly valuable experience for me as an emerging leader in the tech industry,” added participant Laura Eshelman. “It helped me sharpen my strategic thinking, improve my communication skills, and gain the confidence to lead with impact. I walked away with practical tools and a clearer vision for my career growth.” Horizon Point Consulting leads the training and incorporates research and best practices from industry leaders in fun and engaging ways. Leaders from CRP companies also visited sessions to share their expertise and experience. The next cohort will be held from January through June 2026. Applications open August 19. If you are a CRP small business and have an employee you would like to nominate, please email Staci Sellers: ssellers@hsvchamber.org. – Claire Aiello
Tell us about yourself, Clint. Where are you from and what brought you to Huntsville? I am originally from Scottsboro, and I graduated from Scottsboro High School. While I was in college at Jacksonville State University, I began working at SouthTrust Bank. My wife, Francy, is from Albertville, and we decided we’d like to live in Huntsville since it is close to both of our hometowns and families. As I was nearing graduation, I was able to get a job lined up with SouthTrust in Huntsville. We’ve been here ever since – 25 years! You’re also in a band! Hahaha, yes – it’s a fun hobby. My friend, Brad, and I have a two-man acoustic duo… “Brad & Clint.” Pretty cool name, huh? We’ve been enjoying playing music together for 30 years! Ok, back to work. Tell us about the team at CB&S Bank and the work you do. I’m proud to have recently joined CB&S Bank as the Madison County regional president. Founded in 1906 in Russellville, Alabama, with just $25,000 in capital, CB&S Bank has grown into a regional powerhouse with $2.8 billion in assets and 56 locations spanning Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Despite this impressive growth, the bank’s mission remains rooted in the values that sparked its founding: community, service, and integrity. Locally, I have a great team, and we are committed to enriching the lives of our neighbors, businesses, and employees. We’re proud to be an Alabama-based provider of personal and business banking solutions, which include checking, savings, investments, and personal and business loans. Would you share some examples of community involvement? CB&S Bank locally supports many nonprofit organizations including Kids to Love and the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. We are also supporters of community involvement through our partnership with the Huntsville Havoc and a number of our CB&S Bank teammates volunteer with worthy community organizations as well – way too many to mention here! What does CB&S Bank get from its membership in the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber, and your support as an investor? We see the value of our membership and the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI) investment through the Chamber events we attend. These networking events are great opportunities for our team to get out and get involved in the community. These events also benefit us in learning about important topics in our community and across the country. Our young professionals are able to participate in events specifically geared toward them and their growth in community involvement.
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initiatives – AUG 2025
A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION