John David Barr was recently promoted to the position of a Vice President in Citizens National Bank’s Wealth Management Division. He also recently earned the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst designation, which is also known as a CFA charter. This designation places him in the top tier of investment professionals worldwide, since less than 10 percent of the participants in this program achieve this designation.

     To earn a CFA charter, a professional must have four years of investment work experience, and pledge to adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Through the CFA program, Barr passed three levels of exams over a period of four years. According to the CFA Institute, each level of the exam requires, on average, 300 hours of study and preparation.  

     CFA charterholders have demonstrated an ability to assess global risk, analyze and manage investments, and embody ethical practices at an advanced level.  They also have opportunities to stay up-to-date through CFA Institute continuing-education resources. In recognition of Barr’s accomplishment, the CFA Institute said of the Bank: “Your support of John David in attaining the CFA Charter sets your firm apart in its commitment to the best practices and highest standards of ethics and education in the investment profession.”

     Barr received his BBA from the University of Mississippi, double majoring in Banking & Finance and Managerial Finance. In 2006, he received his Master of Arts in Applied Economics from the University of Alabama.. Barr joined the bank in May 2006 as a credit analyst and was promoted to the position of a trust administrator in March 2007. In March 2010, he was promoted to the position of an assistant vice president and trust officer.