Local philanthropist Barthold Lichtenbelt is the newest member of Citizens State Bank’s board of directors. He recently retired as vice president of software for NVIDIA this fall after a decades-long career in technology.

In a statement released by the bank. Lichtenbelt indicated he looks forward to bringing his technological expertise and perspective to Citizens State Bank as a board member.

Lichtenbelt and his wife, Cat, have been recognized for their volunteerism and contributions to the community since they first moved to the region in 2015, and they were the co-founders of the Ouray County Response Fund. The couple also helped the residents of Swiss Village mobile home park purchase the land, preserving affordable housing.

Lichtenbelt also serves on the board for Rural Homes, a local nonprofit boosting affordable housing.

“Cat and I have always believed that strong communities are built by neighbors looking out for one another. A local bank is one of the most important ways a community does that,” Lichtenbelt said in a bank press release.

“I’m honored to join a board that has been doing it for more than a century and I’m excited to help Citizens State Bank think carefully about how technology can serve our customers and our towns.”