The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce will honor banking industry veteran Vic Pierson as the 2025 “Nonno” Tony Smecca “Galvestonian of the Year” at its 181st annual meeting on January 24 at Galveston Island Convention Center. A banking pioneer and lifelong champion for Galveston’s economic vitality, his leadership continues to shape businesses and communities across the state, notes Gina M. Spagnola, president and CEO of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Pierson serves as chairman, president and CEO of Galveston-based Moody Bank. In addition, he is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas board of directors and was inducted into the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame in 2020.
“Vic Pierson exemplifies what it means to be a true Texas leader—principled, visionary, and deeply committed to the success of others,” Spagnola says. “His legacy of service and integrity has shaped Galveston’s business community and inspired generations of leaders across Texas. Always leading with heart and purpose, his influence reaches far beyond the island, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. We are honored to recognize a man whose leadership continues to strengthen the very fabric of our region and the Great State of Texas.”
Pierson joined Moody National Bank, now one of the largest privately owned Texas-based banks, in 1985 as executive vice president and chief credit officer. He was appointed to his current position at the bank in 2002. Prior to joining Moody National Bank, he served as credit manager at First Wichita National Bank in Wichita Falls.
Pierson is chair of TIB–The Independent BankersBank NA and past chair of the Texas Bankers Association. He also serves as chair of the Galveston Wharves at Port of Galveston and trustee of the SW Graduate School of Banking Foundation at Southern Methodist University. In addition, Pierson serves on the Texas A&M University Mays Business School Commercial Banking Program advisory board, Texas Tech University Rawls Business School Commercial Banking Program board and Texas A&M University at Galveston Board of Visitors executive advisory board. He served as mayor of Jamaica Beach from 1999 to 2013. Pierson was appointed to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico Commission by President George W. Bush and appointed to the Coastal Coordination Council by Texas Governor Rick Perry.
Pierson earned his BBA degree in economics and an MBA degree from Midwestern State University.
“Pierson’s leadership has guided and inspired the business community for decades,” says Keith Zahar, 2025 chair of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. “His vision, dedication and unwavering commitment to Galveston set the standard for what it means to serve with purpose. He is a true Texas legend; one whose influence continues to shape our chamber and the region for the better.”
Established in 1907, Moody Bank has 14 branches in Texas.
