Ryan Morris, chief executive officer of Gainesville-based First State Bank, has been selected to fill a vacancy on the board of directors of the Texas Bankers Association (TBA). His term will expire May 31, 2022. Morris has more than 25 years of experience in the banking industry.

After receiving his BBA degree in accounting and finance from the Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University, Morris earned his MBA degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Ryan Morris is a fifth-generation Texas banker and his commitment to the community is highly regarded,” says William R. “Chip” Jenkins, TBA chairman of the board and CEO of Louise-based The First State Bank. “We welcome Ryan and look forward to the ideas and energy he will bring.”

Morris serves as president of the North Central Texas College Foundation and on the Gainesville Economic Development Corp. Board, Texas Bankers Association community bankers council, Independent Bankers Association of Texas legislative committee and the Dallas Business Journal Leadership Trust, at which he serves as a publisher providing thought leadership to regional audiences.

“At this historic time, Texas bankers remain focused on meeting the needs of our customers and communities,” says Chris Furlow, TBA president and CEO. “Service is in Ryan’s DNA and we are grateful that he will share his leadership and experience with fellow community bankers across the state.”

Serving Texas bankers since 1885, the Texas Bankers Association is the largest and oldest state bankers association in the nation.