On April 5, McGregor-based TFNB and Mike Beard, chair of the bank’s holding company, announced the promotions of two longtime executive officers.
Christy De Leon—currently executive vice president and chief financial officer—has been named president and CFO, and David Littlewood—currently president and CEO—was promoted to chair and CEO. These positions are held at both the bank and holding company levels. Beard will serve as chairman emeritus/director of both entities and continue in his role as a shareholder.
“On behalf of the entire board of directors, I would like to congratulate Christy on her achievements in her field and especially as it relates to her career here at the bank,” Beard says.
“Christy’s intellect, character and commitment to excellence has been an immeasurable attribute to the bank’s growth and success,” Littlewood adds.
De Leon began her career at TFNB in 2008 as an internal auditor, in addition to several years of experience with the bank from an external audit and loan review perspective. She was promoted to executive vice president and CFO in 2013. She is a certified public accountant and holds both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the Mays School of Business at Texas A&M University. De Leon’s CPA and accounting experience helped foster her passion for community banking. She says one of the top things that drives her is knowing the impact that banks can have on the local economy and improving the quality of life in the surrounding communities.
“Growing up on a cattle ranch instilled many values that I cherish and have applied in my professional and personal life, such as responsibility, teamwork, good work ethic and respect for life and for things built by those who came before us,” De Leon says.
De Leon’s community and professional involvement include serving as advocacy chair and on the board of Council for Life Central Texas, as well as a member of the Journey Christian Community, Crawford Youth Basketball Association and TFNB Your Bank for Life Charity Champions & Learners for Life. She has also served as a Texas Bankers Association executive management panelist and is a graduate and planning committee member of Greater Waco Chamber Leadership Waco.
Littlewood is a Waco native with almost 40 years in the area as a community banker. He also has an extensive background in credit, having worked in the distressed-asset acquisition business and handling large problem credits for a bank holding company. Since joining TFNB in 2000, Littlewood has served as chief credit officer, president and director of TFNB. In 2016, he was also named CEO. Under his leadership, the bank has established a formidable presence in Waco and beyond.
Littlewood serves as director and board president of the McGregor Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development and on the board of the Ridgewood Country Club. He helped establish TFNB’s Charity Champions & Learners for Life program, was a corporate recipient of the Texas Treasure Business Award and a recipient of the National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Philanthropic Business or Corporation Award. Littlewood serves on the boards of the Waco Chamber of Commerce, Nightlight Christian Adoptions and CASA of McLennan County, and is a covenant member of Harris Creek Baptist Church and founding co-chair of Council for Life Central Texas.
Established as The First National Bank of McGregor in 1889, TFNB is the oldest bank in McLennan County and the seventh oldest national bank in Texas still operating under its original charter. Today, TFNB has grown to just under $800 million in total assets with five locations in Central Texas.
