Jess Laird, vice chairman of Athens-based First State Bank, is retiring on March 12 after 36 years of service.

Laird began his banking career with First State Bank in 1988 as a loan officer. In 1999, he was named president and chief executive officer. In 2019, he was elected vice chairman by the First State Bank board of directors.

“It has been extremely rewarding to be associated with a hometown, locally owned and operated community bank that fully supports its employees and whose main goal is to support its customers and community growth,” Laird says. “By virtue of being with First State Bank for so long, I’ve made many great friends with our customers and staff.”

Laird earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree from the University of Texas–Tyler. He is also a graduate of the Bank Operations Institute at East Texas State University–Commerce and the SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.

Over the past 36 years, Laird has received numerous awards for his dedication to the community. In 2007, he was recognized as the Athens Citizen of the Year for his commitment to the growth and development of the community, including serving as past president of the Athens Rotary Club and Athens Economic Development Corp. and a member of the Athens Industrial Foundation, Athens Chamber of Commerce, Region VII Education board and Trinity River Authority of Texas. He has also served on the boards of Henderson County United Way and Trinity Valley Community College Endowment Foundation.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Jess for almost 30 years,” notes Michael Neill, current CEO. “He has been a great friend and mentor to me, and to many who have worked with him in his tenure at First State Bank. He will be greatly missed, but we wish him many blessings in his well-deserved retirement.”

Established in 1935, First State Bank operates branches in Athens, Corsicana, Gun Barrel City, Mabank and Malakoff.