TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA has opened a new location in Frankin—its 80th Texas branch. The Franklin branch extends the bank’s reach in the Bryan/College Station region to six locations. Located at 100 W. Decherd, Suite C, the new walk-in facility is an expansion in services from the previous loan production office that opened earlier … Read more
Longtime Texas banker Kenneth L. “Ken” Burgess passed away on May 24. He was 92. While his initial goal was to become a veterinarian, his career eventually shifted to community banking after working for 11 years as a farmer. As a banker, he incorporated his knowledge of, and passion for, agriculture into a successful career … Read more
The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA has elected Mike Parker executive vice president and chief compliance officer. He brings more than 15 years of compliance experience to First Financial Bank, including his most recent post as director of compliance governance with USAA Federal Savings Bank. The announcement was made by Randy … Read more
On January 10, First Financial Bankshares Inc., the holding company for Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA, announced the election of Michelle S. Hickox as executive vice president and chief financial officer to replace James R. Gordon. Hickox most recently served as chief financial officer of Independent Financial Group Inc. and its subsidiary, McKinney-based Independent Bank. … Read more
On January 9, Dan Odom, president and CEO of Lubbock-based Western Bank, announced that eight team members have received promotions in the new year. John Weddige has been promoted to senior vice president/Lubbock president. Prior to the promotion, he was senior vice president/commercial lender. Melinda Rechkemmer is now senior vice president/loan operations director. Jared Bailey … Read more
Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA recently opened its 79th branch, a 3,300-square foot location in Lumberton. The addition extends the bank’s Southeast Texas region’s reach further north into Hardin County. The region also has locations in Orange, Vidor, Mauriceville, Newton, Port Arthur and Beaumont. First Financial Bank expanded its footprint into Southeast Texas in 2013, … Read more
The Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2022 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and three other states convened at Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions hosted … Read more
David Green, senior vice president of commercial lending at Lubbock-based FirstBank & Trust, announced the recent hiring of Josh Greer as vice president of commercial lending. Greer will office at the Abilene banking center located at 3910 S. Treadaway Blvd. Throughout his 20-year career, he honed his skills in customer service and relationship management. He … Read more
Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA has named Jamie Esch chairman and CEO of First Financial Bank, Hereford region. The announcement was made by Ron Butler, chief administrative officer of First Financial Bankshares Inc. “Jamie’s experiences as a highly successful banker will greatly complement the work of our Hereford region and strengthen our footprint throughout the … Read more
F. Scott Dueser, chairman, president and CEO of First Financial Bankshares Inc., the parent company of Abilene-based First Financial Bank, announced several key executive promotions in February. J. Kyle McVey has been promoted to executive vice president/chief accounting officer. He joined First Financial Bank in 2011 following two years with KPMG in Jacksonville, Florida. His … Read more