Listen to this article

Charles H. Jacobs Jr.

Senior Advisor
Harford Bank

After 43 years at Harford Bank, Charles H. Jacobs Jr. said his motivation to succeed comes from routinely setting personal goals and aspiring to learn something new each day.

Jacobs stepped down as president and CEO of Harford Bank in July and continues to serve as the bank’s senior advisor until his retirement on Dec. 31. He will remain on Harford Bank’s board of directors after his retirement.

He started at Harford Bank as a note teller in October 1976, a few months after earning a business degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. At the time, the bank had two branches and $8.4 million in assets.

Jacobs worked his way up and was appointed president in 1999. The bank survived the great recession from 2007 to 2009; Jacobs considers it one of his greatest successes.

“As a result, the bank remained relevant and became stronger,” he wrote.

At the close of 20 years as president, Jacobs said Harford had $368.7 million in assets and seven branches in Harford County and one in Cecil County. He developed and managed a succession plan for his replacement and is confident in the bank’s future.

Jacobs, who wrote that it’s humbling to be considered an icon, shared advice for success: “Get educated and stay educated. Stay active in volunteering in your community. Always keep your word to others, it is a reflection of your intentions and integrity. Show up to work every day and be ready to work.”

Jacobs is a member and past chairman of the Aberdeen Economic and Development Committee and a member and past president of the Aberdeen Lions Club. He has chaired the Aberdeen Centennial Committee and served on the Harford Community College Foundation Board as chairman of the finance committee. He is a past president of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce.