The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank has announced several leadership transitions and executive promotions within its Abilene region.
Following a distinguished career and 35 years of dedicated service to First Financial Bank, Marelyn Shedd has announced she will retire in December. She joined the bank as senior vice president of commercial lending and steadily advanced to president of the Abilene region in 2012 and ultimately regional CEO in 2025. Her appointments marked a historic milestone as the first woman to serve in these positions at the bank. Throughout her career, Shedd has played an integral role in the growth and success of First Financial Bank while helping shape the economic and civic vitality of Abilene. She has been recognized throughout her career for both her professional accomplishments and community leadership, including her recent induction into the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame.
“For more than three decades, Marelyn has been a trusted leader, banker and dedicated champion for the Abilene community,” says David Bailey, president and CEO of First Financial Bankshares Inc., the bank’s parent company. “Her influence can be seen not only in her success at First Financial Bank, but also in the countless organizations, businesses and individuals she has supported throughout her career. We are deeply grateful for her leadership, which will continue as she works with the Abilene leadership team throughout the remainder of the year to ensure a smooth transition.”
Marshall Morris has been named chairman, president and CEO of First Financial Bank’s Abilene region, effective September 1. He joined the bank 15 years ago as a credit analyst and advanced through regional leadership positions, including executive vice president and senior relationship manager, and most recently as regional president for the Abilene region. In his new role, Morris will oversee all banking operations for the region while continuing to oversee the region’s strategic growth initiatives and commitment to exceptional customer service.
Morris is a graduate of Texas A&M University, the SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University and FFIN University. He has been deeply involved in the Abilene community throughout his career, serving as chairman of the boards of both the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and the Abilene A&M Club. He currently serves on the executive committees of the Military Affairs Council and Texas Trails Council–Scouts of America and is a board member of the Wylie Bulldogs Education Foundation. His community involvement also includes service on the boards of Frontier Texas, Junior Achievement, United Way of Abilene, Young Life and St. John’s Episcopal School. Morris is a graduate of Leadership Abilene and was recognized as a “Top 20 Under 40” honoree.
Evan Harris has been promoted to executive vice president/senior relationship manager–construction and development for the Abilene region. He will oversee the continued growth and development of the region’s construction and development portfolio while maintaining strong relationships with customers and partners across the community. Harris joined First Financial Bank 20 years ago and has served in a variety of credit and lending roles, most recently as executive vice president/real estate lending.
Harris is a graduate of Texas Tech University, the SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University and FFIN University. He currently serves as treasurer of the Big Country Homebuilders Association, is a board member of Hendrick Health System and the Texas Tech School of Banking and has been an ordained deacon at First Baptist Church Abilene since 2010. Harris is also a graduate of Leadership Abilene and was recognized as an Abilene “Top 20 Under 40” honoree.
Dayton Borger has been promoted to executive vice president/senior relationship manager–commercial for the Abilene region. He will continue serving commercial clients while helping lead business development and overall market growth initiatives for the region. Borger joined First Financial Bank 15 years ago as a credit analyst and has advanced through a variety of credit, lending and leadership roles, most recently serving as senior vice president/relationship manager and branch manager.
Borger is a graduate of Abilene Christian University, the SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University and FFIN University. He also earned his RMA Credit Risk Certification in 2025. He currently serves as past president of the Abilene Education Foundation and has previously served on the boards of United Way of Abilene, Abilene Young Professionals and Rainbow Bible School. Borger is a graduate of Leadership Abilene and was recognized as an Abilene “Top 20 Under 40” honoree.
Tracy Howle will transition to the bank’s Abilene region as executive vice president/commercial relationship manager, effective September 8. She joined First Financial Bank in 2025 as a senior portfolio manager in San Angelo and brings extensive commercial banking and relationship management experience to her new role. Howle has more than three decades of experience, including a previous leadership role as Abilene area president and executive vice president of commercial lending with First Bank Texas, where she managed commercial banking teams, client relationships and loan portfolios. Her background also includes commercial lending, credit administration and small-business lending roles with JPMorgan Chase Bank, United Bank & Trust and Bank One.
Howle is a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University, the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado and FFIN University. She is very involved across the community and currently serves in leadership and board roles with the Development Corporation of Abilene, West Texas Rehabilitation Center, Disability Resources Inc., Goodwill West Texas and Abilene Growth Alliance. Howle is also a graduate of Leadership Abilene and was recognized as an Abilene “Top 20 Under 40” honoree.
Established in 1889, First Financial Bank operates multiple banking regions with 79 locations in Texas.
