Home Federal Bank CEO David Cook has announced his retirement, effective this month. He will be succeeded by his son, Alex Cook. (Photo submitted)

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Home Federal Bank announced that in June, Chief Executive Officer David B. Cook, will retire after 41 year career with the bank.

At the annual meeting of Home Federal Bank Corporation, (HFBA) on April 25, 2012, David B. Cook announced his retirement as Chief Executive Officer of Home Federal Bank Corporation. Mr. Cook will continue to serve as an active member on the Board of Directors. He has been CEO since 1987. He’ll be succeeded by his son Alex Cook who now serves as HFB’s President.

Cook, a graduate of Middlesboro High School, started his banking career with Home Federal Bank in 1971. He is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, class of ‘72, Sheshunoff Executive Banking Institute.

In Cook’s four decade career, he was responsible for opening four of the existing six branches of Home Federal Bank. In 1995, Cook expanded the Home Federal Bank reach to New Tazewell. Soon after in 1999, the second Harlan location was opened. A mere four years later, Cook saw the potential for a new branch in 2003 for Jacksboro, TN. His most recent expansion was in 2010, to a branch in Harrogate, TN.

His focus was not only on expansion, but also on continuing to provide the best possible service to the bank’s customers. This was acknowledged by US Banker Magazine. Home Federal Bank was the only regional bank in their Top 200 Community Banks in the nation for two consecutive years in 2010 and 2011.

Cook has mentored many co-workers to reach their goals and maximum potential. He is also the first to admit that there have been times when his job has been extremely challenging due to the economy.

“I am very grateful to have found a career that I have been able to enjoy and be challenged daily for 41 years. Through this job, I have been given the opportunity to get to know the people that we serve and their families,” he said. “I have found it very rewarding to help people with the pivotal moments in their lives.”

“Over our many years working together, I have seen David grow Home Federal Bank into the trusted banking institution it is today. His leadership has kept us on course through both good and difficult times. His commitment to Home Federal Bank, its employees and stockholders has never wavered. I am very proud to have worked with David. I will miss his leadership and counsel as he moves into retirement,” stated Jack Greene, Jr. Vice President Market Manager.

The new retiree said he is planning to improve his fishing abilities, travel to see his grandchildren and enjoy his free time.

“On behalf of Home Federal Bank and its Board of Directors, we appreciate his extraordinary commitment,” said Alex Cook, President. “Although his day-to-day presence will be missed, we admire what he has accomplished and wish him the best in retirement. His vision for the future will be carried forward by the Home Federal Bank team”.

Founded in 1920, Home Federal Bank is headquartered in Middlesboro, Kentucky with locations in Harlan, Kentucky, Jacksboro, New Tazewell and Harrogate, Tennessee.