At Pittsburg-based Pilgrim Bank’s December 2023 board meeting, Ken Pilgrim, senior chairman, and Lanny Brenner, chairman, along with the board of directors, announced several promotions and appointments.
Brad Lowry has been named president and chief lending officer, and appointed to the board as an advisory director. Lowry joined Pilgrim Bank in 2004 as a management trainee after graduating from the University of North Texas. He served as market president and senior lending officer for several years before being promoted to market president and chief lending officer. Lowry is a board member of the Mount Pleasant ISD School Foundation and Mt. Pleasant Youth Baseball Association, and has coached multiple boys’ and girls’ baseball, softball and basketball teams over the years.
“We are excited to announce this well-deserved promotion as part of our ongoing effort to maintain local decision-making and strengthen relationships within the communities we serve,” says Brent Woodruff, CEO. “Brad will be instrumental in expanding Pilgrim Bank’s market presence and solidifying our spot as a top-performing bank. He will play an essential role in developing the bank’s lenders, focusing their efforts on increasing our market share.”
Lonnie Jaggers Pilgrim has been appointed vice chairman the board of Pilgrim Bank and Pilgrim Bancorporation. He has served as a board director since 2020. A graduate of the Bethel Christian Academy, he earned his BS degree in agriculture from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches.
“Lonnie is an experienced and successful agriculture professional,” Brenner notes. “He is a vital member of our committees, including the executive committee. Lonnie’s service as vice chairman will be a valuable contribution to the future of our companies.”
Rodney Bass , Pilgrim Bank’s market president in Sulphur Springs, has been appointed to the board of the bank and Pilgrim Bancorporation. He began his banking career more than 40 years ago as a lender at Texas Commerce Bank in Stafford and went on to serve as president of lending at Pittsburg National Bank, which was later acquired by Capital One. Bass has served at Pilgrim Bank for the past 14 years. He graduated from Houston Baptist University with a double major in finance and management.
Jacob Butler has been promoted to market president in East Texas. He joined Pilgrim Bank in 2009 as a management trainee, was named credit analyst in 2010, promoted to assistant vice president in 2011, then to vice president and loan officer in 2014 and to Pittsburg market president in 2018. Butler graduated cum laude from LeTourneau University. He serves as a trustee and elder at Trinity Baptist Church, as well as treasurer of the Mount Pleasant Youth Baseball Association.
“Jacob brings his energy and dedication to assisting customers in achieving financial success,” Woodruff says. “He works tirelessly for us as we strive to grow our bank and deliver superior banking solutions to our valued customers and expand our presence throughout East Texas.”
Shane McNiel has been promoted from vice president and technology officer to senior vice president and technology officer. He brought more than 10 years of banking experience with him when he joined Pilgrim Bank in 2018. McNiel earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture science with a minor in education from Stephen F. Austin University. He serves as president of the Chapel Hill Education Foundation.
“Shane continues to look for areas that he can improve and help make us more efficient,” Woodruff says. “He is vital in our efforts to grow our franchise.”
Established in 1911, Pilgrim Bank serves rural East Texas, North Central Texas and the Texas Panhandle.
