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Pat Biglane dedicated 46 years of service to Concordia Bank and continues to serve with Scott McLemore succeeding him as President and CEO. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Refreshments were provided at the celebration on Thursday by Sarah Beth Willard of Natchez Olive Market. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Curtis Moroney smiles in conversation with Pat Biglane at the celebration. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

A celebration Thursday at Concordia Bank & Trust Co. honored the legacy and leadership of Pat Biglane as he transitions to a new role as President Emeritus (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

A celebration Thursday at Concordia Bank & Trust Co. honored the legacy and leadership of Pat Biglane as he transitions to a new role as President Emeritus (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

A celebration Thursday at Concordia Bank & Trust Co. honored the legacy and leadership of Pat Biglane as he transitions to a new role as President Emeritus (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Cake and cookies were provided at the celebration on Thursday by Molly Manning Robertson. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

A celebration Thursday at Concordia Bank & Trust Co. honored the legacy and leadership of Pat Biglane as he transitions to a new role as President Emeritus (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

VIDALIA, La. — Concordia Bank & Trust Co. on Thursday celebrated CEO Patrick R. Biglane, who after 46 years of leadership and dedication to the company transitions to a new role as President Emeritus.

Taking over as President and CEO of the bank is Scott B. McLemore, who has been a vital part of the Concordia Bank family for 13 years, serving on the Board of Directors before becoming Executive Vice President five years ago and President last year.

McLemore thanked the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Concordia Bank for the opportunity and shared his excitement to be “part of the continued growth of Concordia Bank & Trust.” He also thanked his wife Laura for her support and to Biglane for being the “best mentor.”

“Pat Biglane has a servant’s heart and I had no idea how much community service he performed inside and outside of the bank,” McLemore said. “He has not only shared with me the many years of knowledge he gained from his 46 years with the bank but he has further instilled a special sense of duty to not only our customers and shareholders but to the communities which we serve. I hope to further his legacy and the legacy of Concordia Bank.”

Of the 46 years Biglane has put into serving the community at Concordia Bank, he said, “It’s been a special ride. The community has been so good and it has been an honor to serve.”

In all those years the technology in the banking industry has changed and Concordia Bank has been able to implement and modernize its capabilities, but “I’ll tell you what hasn’t changed and that is the customer service,” Biglane said. “The bank has stepped up to have digital banking available to customers but I like the personal touch and face-to-face discussion with people. You get to know people better on a personal level that way.”

About five years ago, Biglane said a discussion started with McLemore about succeeding Biglane as President and CEO.

“He’s ready now,” Biglane said, adding he intends to stick around a while longer to help wherever he is needed.

Biglane said he would not have been able to serve and accomplish so much as the leader of Concordia Bank without the support of his team, the leadership and employees who “all do a great job,” he said. Also, Biglane thanked the community, friends and all of the businesses and financial institutions who came out Thursday to congratulate him on this transition.

“I’m very honored and blessed,” he said. “Our customers are also our friends. All of those who came, friends from out of town and other businesses and financial institutions who came to show their support made it special.”

Concordia Bank shared in a statement, “During his tenure, Pat has set a standard of excellence and unwavering commitment to our institution and community.” They added McLemore’s “experience and dedication to our mission make him exceptionally qualified to guide Concordia Bank into the future. While Pat Biglane’s legacy leaves big shoes to fill, our Board of Directors is confident that Scott McLemore will continue to uphold the values and traditions that have defined Concordia Bank for generations.

“As a pillar of the community for 121 years, Concordia Bank proudly upholds its enduring motto: Tradition, Strength, and Stability. We look forward to this new chapter and are excited to continue serving our community with the same dedication and excellence you have come to expect.”

A full house of bank members, partners and customers filed into the bank Thursday to mix and mingle and enjoy refreshments provided by Sarah Beth Willard of Natchez Olive Market as well as cookies and cake by Molly Manning Robertson.

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