Wauchula Branch

A proud seventh-generation Arcadian, Justin Fussell brings deep local roots and a strong commitment to community leadership in his role as Area President for DeSoto and Hardee Counties at Crews Bank & Trust.

Justin began his academic journey at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, earning an Associate of Arts degree before continuing to the University of Florida’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication, specializing in communications and leadership development. He also completed minors in management and sales in agribusiness, and leadership. While at UF, Justin was an active brother of Alpha Gamma Rho, a social-professional fraternity dedicated to the advancement of agriculture and related fields. He was also inducted into Alpha Tau Alpha, a nationally recognized honorary organization for agricultural education professionals.

Professionally, Justin has built a strong foundation in commercial lending and marketing, combining financial expertise with a passion for helping local businesses thrive.

Justin’s dedication to community service is evident through his extensive involvement in local organizations. He is a past president of the DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce and continues to serve on its board, contributing to both the Membership and Annual Meeting Committees. A graduate of Leadership DeSoto, he served six years on its steering committee, including four years as Chair. He also plays an active role in the Randy Bateman Memorial Fund Fundraiser Committee, supporting scholarships for students pursuing careers in the power generation industry.

Justin is a passionate supporter of youth agricultural programs, regularly mentoring 4-H and FFA students with their beef projects. He volunteers at Arcadia Rodeo events and advises the Rodeo Association on grants, finance, and advertising. He is also a devoted member of Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church.

Outside of work, Justin enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling, and giving back through volunteer efforts that strengthen the community he proudly calls home.

NMLS #803383

Christy is a fifth-generation Floridian who has remained in the Heartland area. She began her banking career with the Bank in 1990. Christy was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Sebring for many years, serving as Treasurer. She is currently involved with the Bartow and Wauchula Chamber of Commerce. She recently joined the board for the Big Brother Big Sisters Hardee County Club. She enjoys the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, and spending time with her family.

Ben started his career in the Navy as a cryptologist with Naval Intelligence during the Afghan and Iraq Wars. He held a Top Secret (TS/SCI) clearance and served aboard two amphibious assault ships (USS Ponce and Nashville), a Destroyer (USS Cole), and a Los Angeles-class submarine (USS Annapolis).

After the Navy, Ben served as Operations Manager for a boat manufacturing plant while getting his MBA (Master of Business Administration) from Western Governors University. He entered banking in 2008 and served as a Senior Credit Analyst with the Bank from 2014 to 2021, specializing in multiple industries, including investment real estate, agriculture, and owner-operated businesses across Central Florida. He transitioned to a Commercial Banker in 2021 and is passionate about meeting his customers’ commercial needs.

In his spare time, he is an avid painter, astronomer, and family man with his wife and three children.

NMLS# 1960172

A Florida native and lifelong resident of Winter Haven, Patty began her career in banking as soon as she graduated from Winter Haven High School, joining the Bank in 1994, after working for another financial institution for several years. She started out as a loan secretary before moving into Retail and Business Banking and serving as Branch Manager of the former Zolfo Springs office. She returned to the Wauchula office in late 2019 as a Consumer Lender, while also continuing to serve as a Personal Banker and working with the bank’s Loan Profit Centers. Patty has recently taken a new position as a Business Relationship Banker in our Bowling Green office.  She assists small businesses to grow utilizing our services such as commercial loans, deposit accounts, cash management services and merchant services.

She is heavily involved with the Wauchula Lions Club, helping her fellow club members in fighting blindness, caring for the environment, feeding the hungry, aiding seniors and the disabled, has recently become a Big Sister with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Sun Coast – Hardee County as well as other community projects.

Patty and her husband, Roger, have two daughters and three grandchildren. When not at work, she enjoys reading and spending time with the grandkids.

NMLS #2400823

Although Debbie’s roots are in West Virginia's Hardy County, she has called Florida home for over 30 years and currently resides in Zolfo Springs. Her banking career began in 1991 when she moved to Florida, and since 1999 she has been a part of our team, transitioning from a personal banker to a Business Relationship Banker.

While attending high school, she also attended South Branch Vocational Center during her junior and senior years, graduating with her high school diploma and her diploma in Business from SBVC.

Debbie is a member of the Hardee Country Chamber of Commerce and serves as their Executive Board Secretary. In 2021, Debbie was honored as the Hardee County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year, as recognition to her contributions to the community.

Debbie has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over 35 years and they have two wonderful children, a daughter, and a son.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going on cruises and walking.

NMSL #803380

A native Floridian born and raised in Fort Meade, Nettie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Southeastern University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Warner University. She joined the Bank in 2006 and continued her education, completing the Florida School of Banking. Nettie has worked in various positions at the bank, including customer service, as well as working with Financial Services. Nettie has recently taken a new position as a Business Relationship Bank in our Wauchula office.  She assists small businesses to grow utilizing our services such as commercial loans, deposit accounts, cash management services and merchant services.

Nettie is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Wauchula, serving as president, vice president and secretary. She is highly involved in the annual Kiwanis Clay Shoot, helping raise funds for the children in her community.

Nettie resides in Wauchula with her husband and children. In her spare time, she prefers to be 120 feet below the ocean surface spearfishing alongside her husband.