Athens-based First State Bank has announced the hiring of two bankers to serve as senior vice presidents in lending: Blake Laird and J.D. King.
With 15 years of experience in Texas community banking, Laird previously served as vice president and relationship manager at Austin Bank in Tyler. He holds a BS degree in economics from Texas A&M University. He has served on the board of Habitat for Humanity Kerr County.
King joins First State Bank at its new banking office in Forney. With 15 years of experience, he previously served as community bank president at BancorpSouth Bank (now Cadence Bank) in Waco. King earned his BBA degree in economics from Baylor University.
Established in 1935, First State Bank operates seven branches in Athens, Corsicana, Forney, Gun Barrel City, Mabank and Malakoff.
