Athens-based First State Bank recently announced several additions to the company’s board of directors. Lisa Kocian has been appointed to the bank’s board, and Cathy Jezek and Lee Tackett will serve as advisory directors.
Lisa (Anderson) Kocian, PharmD, RPh, CDE, is co-owner of Gibson Pharmacy in Athens. She and her husband, Bruce, also a pharmacist, own four pharmacies in Henderson County. In addition, she is a preceptor for the Fisch College of Pharmacy at the University of Texas–Tyler and currently serves on the Henderson County Hospital authority board. Kocian earned her BS degree from the University of Texas–Austin. She returned home to Athens in 1992 to take over the family business and ultimately returned to the University of Texas–Austin to earn her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2002. She has served as a board member for the Texas Pharmacy Association, Legend Pharmacy Coop, Henderson County Humane Society, Methodist Children’s Center and the Athens Chamber of Commerce. Kocian is a member of the Texas Pharmacy Association, American Pharmacy Association, National Community Pharmacy Association, Texas Parents Association and a lifetime member of the Texas Exes Alumni Association.
Cathy Jezek has been in banking for 36 years, beginning her career with United Bank of Colorado in Colorado Springs. In 1990, she and her husband, Jim, moved to Athens and she joined First State Bank, now serving as the bank’s chief operations officer and cashier. She previously served as bookkeeping supervisor and teller supervisor, as well as in new accounts, the credit department and wire room. Jezek graduated from Pikes Peak Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in print journalism and public relations. She has served on the boards of the Henderson County United Way for many years, as well as the Girls Softball Association and local U.S. Bowling Congress, the national governing body of bowling.
Lee Tackett has been in the financial services industry for 42 years, the past 27 of those with First State Bank. He joined the bank in 1994 as Tyler Street branch manager. In 2019, he was promoted to chief lending officer. He also serves on the bank’s loan committee. Tackett earned a BS degree from Texas A&M University, as well as a degree from the Bank Operations Institute at Texas A&M University–Commerce. He is currently vice chair of the Henderson County Regional Fair Park board, vice chair of the TAEX Leadership advisory board and chair of the Henderson County Appraisal District agricultural advisory board.
“We are fortunate to have such talented individuals to add to our board,” says Jess Laird, First State Bank vice chair. “I am confident they will lead First State Bank into the future as we continue our path of expanding financial services.”
Established in 1935, First State Bank has total assets of $620 million and operates two locations in Athens, as well as branches in Mabank, Malakoff, Corsicana and Gun Barrel City.
Pictured below: Cathy Jezek, Lisa Kocian and Lee Tackett
