Stephen Lee has assumed the roles of president and CEO of the First National Bank of Bastrop, succeeding Reid Sharp, who will continue to serve as chairman of the board.
Lee has more than 30 years of banking experience, including serving for the past 17 years as president and CEO of the southeast region at Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA. Lee was promoted to south Texas area banking executive with expanded management responsibilities for four regional banks in 2022. He joined First National Bank of Bastrop at the beginning of May. In 2021, Lee was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas State University System Board of Regents. He will serve in that role until 2027.
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 SW 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.
Reid Sharp, Stephen Lee and Senior Chairman Bob Long“Spending the past 17 years leading and growing a community bank in southeast Texas, I am passionate about the role community banks play in economic growth and success,” Lee says. “Reid Sharp has built an incredible team and established a legacy of excellence. I am committed to upholding that standard while fostering an environment of innovation and expansion to ensure we are well-positioned to serve our customers and expand our footprint across central Texas.”
Sharp led a 10-month search to find the right leader for First National Bank of Bastrop. “We knew we needed someone experienced in leading a community bank, someone experienced in growing a community bank, and most of all, someone who understands community banking on a scalable level,” Sharp says. “We have found that person and more in Stephen.”
Established in 1889, the First National Bank of Bastrop operates six full-service branches in Bastrop County.
