KS Bank Expanding Their Community-Focused Brand of Banking to Lillington, NC

KS BANK EXPANDING THEIR COMMUNITY-FOCUSED BRAND OF BANKING TO LILLINGTON, NC

(SMITHFIELD, NC) – KS Bank is expanding its community-focused brand of banking to Lillington, NC. The bank recently purchased property at 709 W. Front Street in Lillington, where it intends to operate the new branch. KS Bank has received regulatory approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and is pending approval from the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks to operate the new branch.

KS Bank’s expansion into Lillington is led by two Harnett County natives: Mark Eason, Commercial Relationship Manager, SVP, and Travis B. Bailey, Chief Administrative Officer, EVP. Eason’s deep experience in the local market and Bailey’s leadership emphasizes the bank’s strong commitment to the community. Bailey shared, “KS Bank is thrilled to have Mark Eason on our lending team. Mark and I both grew up in Harnett County, so we understand what matters most to our neighbors. Mark’s strong relationships and community involvement, along with my own dedication to local organizations, means we know how to support Lillington’s families and businesses. Coming back home to Lillington and Harnett County with KS Bank’s brand of community banking is an honor for both Mark and I. Our local insight will help us shape KS Bank’s services and community outreach to truly make a difference here.”     

Earl W. Worley, Jr., President/CEO, added, “We believe banking should be more than transactions—it should be a partnership that helps our customers and community thrive. With our brand of community banking, we offer personalized customer service, support local businesses and individuals through tailored products, and invest in community programs that fuel economic growth. We’re excited to work alongside residents to help shape a bright future for Lillington.”

Community support has been enthusiastic, with local residents and business owners expressing excitement about KS Bank’s arrival. Ray and Tripp Womble remarked, “Our family is excited to welcome KS Bank to Lillington. We’ve seen firsthand what sets a community bank apart: Travis Bailey, Mark Eason, and the entire KS Bank team genuinely care about our community and are eager to help with our banking needs. We hope everyone will join us in bringing community banking back to Lillington and Harnett County!”

Another local business owner, Katie Smith, CEO of PHC Restoration, commented, “As a lifelong Harnett County resident and business owner, I am delighted that KS Bank has chosen Lillington. Relationship-based banking matters here, and we welcome a financial institution committed to personal service and local engagement.”

The new branch will feature in-branch and drive-thru teller services, 24-hour ATM access, and digital banking platforms, including online banking and the KS Bank mobile app. Both individuals and businesses will be able to open a variety of deposit accounts and apply for loans and mortgage products. The bank also has its own in-house wealth management team.

Renovations to the facility are expected to begin soon, with the new branch expected to open in August 2026.
 
 
About KS Bank
For over 100 years, KS Bank has served the Triangle East region of North Carolina.  KS Bank, a state-chartered savings bank, is a community-oriented financial institution offering a broad array of competitive and pro-growth financial services to businesses, professionals, individuals, and families. KS Bank offers retail and commercial lending and deposit services, mortgage products, and wealth management services through its Trust Division. KS Bank’s corporate office is located in Smithfield, NC and they operate eleven financial centers in Harnett, Johnston, Nash, Wake, Wilson, and Wayne Counties.