On April 14, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) announced that Brad Tidwell, president and CEO of Henderson-based VeraBank, has been elected chairman of ICBA’s legislative issues committee. In addition to helping shape and promote ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, Tidwell’s duties include engaging in grassroots activities in Texas to advocate pro-community-bank policies and serving as a liaison between community banks and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C.

“As someone who is committed to the communities we serve and an advocate for the community banking industry, I’m proud to support ICBA’s efforts to highlight the important role community banks serve both locally and in our nation’s economy,” Tidwell says. “As relationship bankers, community banks remain focused on the needs of their customers and work hard to earn and retain their trust every day. I’m proud to be a community banker and to be called to serve to preserve our industry’s legacy for future generations.”

“Brad is a respected civic leader and community banker who has graciously volunteered his time and resources to advocate and promote the important role of community banks in our financial system,” says Derek Williams, ICBA chairman and president and CEO of Milledgeville, Georgia-based Century Bank & Trust. “We are honored that Brad has accepted this appointment and extend our heartfelt appreciation for his ongoing efforts to ensure the future of community banking remains bright.”

Established in 1930, VeraBank serves 16 counties in East, Central and Southeast Texas with 39 branches and $4.5 billion in assets.