Stephen Lee, chairman, president and CEO of the Southeast region at Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA was recently appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas State University System Board of Regents. He will serve in that role until February 2027.

“Stephen’s excellent leadership over our Southeast Texas region is transcended only by his selfless commitments to his community,” says Scott Dueser, chairman, president and CEO of First Financial Bankshares Inc. “Stephen is a tireless advocate for several organizations, including those that directly benefit college students.”

Lee received a degree in finance from Lamar University, which is a member of the Texas State University System. He is also a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. Lee serves as a director of the Lamar State College-Orange Foundation, chairman of the Lutcher Theater Inc. board, director of Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation and director of the 100 Club of Southeast Texas. In 2018, he was recognized by First Financial Bank with the Walter F. Johnson Award for his leadership in recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey in Southeast Texas.

“As a graduate of Lamar University, it is an honor for me to serve in this capacity and give back to higher education in the state of Texas,” Lee says. “I look forward to engaging with my fellow board members and advancing the objectives and goals of the system and its component institutions.”

Established in 1890, First Financial Bank NA operates 78 locations in Texas. The company also operates First Financial Trust & Asset Management Co NA with 10 locations and First Technology Services Inc., a technology operating company.