During the IBAT Connecting Leaders Conference held this summer in Galveston, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) presented its annual Excellence in Leadership Award. This year’s recipient was Jay Bearden, president and CEO of Legend Bank in Decatur. To be considered for the Excellence in Leadership Award, one must selflessly promote, support and serve independent bankers in Texas. In addition, the recipient must be a member of the IBAT Leadership Division, demonstrating a personal commitment to, and financial support of, the 450-member group, which was founded in 1985 and is dedicated to the development of tomorrow’s leaders in community banking.

With more than 30 years of banking experience, Bearden has spent the past 25 at Legend Bank. In addition to his role leading the bank, he also serves on the board of directors. He began as a lender in the Decatur office before being promoted to branch president, chief lending officer and most recently, bank president. While he started his career at a larger bank, he quickly realized that making a difference in his community and having a voice in the direction of his bank were personal priorities. He has been a community banker since that defining moment in 1995. Beginning in 1999, Bearden has dedicated his life to being a worthy partner for Legend Bank customers, communities, employees and shareholders.

Active in his community, Bearden currently serves on the Northwest Texas region board of directors for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has chaired the First Baptist Church building committee. He has also served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. Previous civic leadership roles include president of the Decatur Rotary Club, board member of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce and Decatur Library and vice chair and member of the Wise Health Systems board of governors.

Bearden is a graduate of Baylor University with a degree in finance and management, as well as the SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.

“Bearden is more than a seasoned banker—he’s a servant leader, a steady mentor and a cornerstone of his organization,” IBAT notes. “Under his leadership, Legend Bank has not only experienced transformational growth, but also cultivated a workplace culture of which people genuinely love being a part.”