The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank has announced the promotion of Chris Schjetnan to executive vice president/director of community lending and outreach. In this role, he will lead the bank’s affordable banking initiatives, which focus on traditionally underserved communities.

Schjetnan was born and raised in Mexico City in a bilingual household. “Chris’ unique background makes him an ideal candidate to fill this important new role for our company,” says David Bailey, president of First Financial Bankshares Inc. “He will lead our ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to banking options that serve the diverse needs of our borrowers.”

Schjetnan began his career at First Financial Bank in 2012 after spending several years at Wells Fargo in credit and branch management positions. In his most recent role as executive vice president/regional consumer lending manager, he oversaw a team responsible for loan portfolio growth in the First Financial Bank’s Chisholm Trail region. He has been instrumental in growing the bank’s ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number) and Affordable Home Mortgage programs that provide access to mortgage lending options for individuals who might not qualify through traditional loan channels. Additionally, he has helped forge relationships across the state with organizations focused on the underserved.

Schjetnan received a BBA degree from Western New Mexico University and is a graduate of the SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University, as well as the American Bankers Association Commercial Lending School.

Established in 1889, First Financial Bank operates 79 locations in Texas. First Financial Bankshares Inc. also operates First Financial Trust & Asset Management Co., with nine locations, and First Technology Services Inc., a technology operating company.