Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA has promoted Chris Baughman to president of its Conroe region. The announcement was made by F. Scott Dueser, chairman, president and CEO of First Financial Bankshares Inc. Baughman will replace Sam Baker, who recently announced his upcoming retirement in March 2022.
Baughman is no stranger to First Financial Bank, having worked in the Conroe region for the past 12 years as executive vice president. His responsibilities include commercial, real estate and consumer lending and building depository and lending relationships. He has been the largest producer of loans in the region with a total portfolio of $98 million. A 39-year industry veteran, Baughman previously worked with Amegy Bank, First National Bank Texas and American Bank Conroe, and was an examiner for the Texas Department of Banking.
A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a BBA degree, Baughman also completed the University of Colorado Graduate School of Banking. He is an active member in the community, including involvement as chair of the City of Conroe Planning Commission and Valley Ranch Municipal Utility District. He also served on the Conroe Economic Development Council.
“Chris Baughman has been a wonderful asset to First Financial Bank for more than a decade and we look forward to his leadership in this well-deserved role,” Dueser says. “His extensive background in lending and the banking industry, in general, will continue to strengthen our footprint in the Conroe region.”
“I’ve been privileged to work with Sam for many years and look forward to expanding on the legacy he’s created for the bank in the Conroe region,” Baughman says.
Established in 1890, First Financial Bank NA operates multiple banking regions with 78 locations in Texas.
